32 MPG combined is good for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, a mid-size SUV that focuses on comfort, technology, and value. It’s a family-focused vehicle designed for daily commutes, weekend errands, and longer road trips, offering efficiency and practicality that appeals to many buyers.

City and highway performance

The Santa Fe Hybrid excels in city driving, where its electric motor helps save fuel. The EPA rates it at 33 MPG in the city, a number achievable with careful driving and regenerative braking. On the highway, efficiency drops slightly to 30 MPG, largely due to increased use of the 1.6L 4-cylinder engine at higher speeds. While not the best for highway efficiency, it’s still competitive for a vehicle of this size and capability. The automatic (AM-S6) transmission shifts smoothly and keeps the engine in its optimal powerband, which helps both performance and fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and gas prices in your area. $1,350 is a good benchmark for comparing the Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel costs to other SUVs. Savings compared to a non-hybrid SUV can be significant, especially over several years.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures offer a baseline, but real-world fuel economy varies based on several factors. Driving style, terrain, and weather matter. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and hilly areas will hurt fuel economy. Expect numbers closer to the EPA estimates with gentle acceleration and consistent speeds. Owners who focus on fuel efficiency and make smart driving choices will likely save the most. Regular maintenance, including properly inflated tires and timely oil changes, helps maximize fuel economy.

How it compares

The Santa Fe Hybrid competes with other hybrid and non-hybrid SUVs. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, for example, gets a combined EPA rating of 40 MPG, better than the Santa Fe. Some buyers might find the Santa Fe’s interior more upscale and its ride more comfortable. The Ford Escape Hybrid gets 41 MPG combined in its front-wheel drive configuration, but its smaller size may not suit all families. The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers 40 MPG combined, with a reputation for reliability like Toyota. For families who need space, the Kia Sorento Hybrid, which is slightly larger, gets 37 MPG combined. The decision is often a balance of fuel economy, interior space, features, and personal preferences. You can also browse all Hyundai fuel economy data to see how the Santa Fe ranks within the brand. Before deciding, be sure to research SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the regenerative braking system by planning for traffic and coasting to a stop when possible. This helps recapture energy and recharge the battery, improving efficiency. Avoiding hard acceleration is important, as quick bursts of speed make the engine work harder, reducing fuel economy.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires create rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tires often and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door frame. This seems small, but it matters.

Keep accessory use like air conditioning and heated seats to a minimum, especially during short trips. They draw power from the battery or make the engine work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. Use them carefully to save energy.