The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue, with its 34 MPG combined, is a strong option for families who want fuel efficiency and SUV practicality. This places it among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, a significant advantage over regular gasoline SUVs. This fuel economy is ideal for buyers drawn to the Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s reliability, family-friendly design, and modern technology, who also want lower fuel costs and fewer trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s fuel economy is best in the city, where it gets an impressive 36 MPG. This is largely because of its hybrid powertrain, which lets the vehicle run only on electric power at lower speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, greatly cutting fuel consumption. On the highway, the Santa Fe Hybrid Blue still gets a commendable 31 MPG. While the hybrid system is used less at constant highway speeds, it still helps during acceleration and deceleration, giving it an edge over non-hybrid vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue is $1,300. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, based on average fuel prices. If you drive more or less than 15,000 miles a year, or live where fuel costs are higher or lower, your actual fuel cost will change. But the $1,300 estimate is a good point of reference when comparing the Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s running costs to similar vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard measure of fuel economy, but real-world MPG can vary based on driving habits, weather, and terrain. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and long idling can hurt fuel efficiency. But smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and careful driving can help you get numbers closer to, or even better than, the EPA estimates. The Santa Fe Hybrid Blue has features like regenerative braking and an “Eco” driving mode to help you drive efficiently. For those interested in seeing the SANTA MPG across all years, user data can offer more insights.

If you drive it like a regular, non-hybrid SUV, you’re less likely to reach the EPA targets., but with a little effort, you can easily achieve those numbers.

How it compares

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue compares well to its competitors when it comes to fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a long-standing benchmark in the hybrid SUV class, gets an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined. However, the Santa Fe offers a larger cabin and cargo area which some buyers prefer.

The Ford Escape Hybrid, another main competitor, gets an EPA-estimated 41 MPG combined in its front-wheel-drive version, but has a smaller engine and less power. The Honda CR-V Hybrid scores a combined 40 MPG. The Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s 34 MPG is a good combination of fuel efficiency, space, and performance, especially for buyers who want a comfortable ride and a well-equipped interior. For shoppers who want to consider the brand more broadly, all Hyundai fuel economy data is extremely compelling.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Take advantage of the Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s “Eco” driving mode. This mode improves fuel efficiency by changing throttle response and transmission shift points, for a more relaxed driving style. Turning on this mode, especially when driving in the city, can improve MPG.

Gentle acceleration and braking are how to best the hybrid system. Avoid sudden speed increases and prepare for traffic to reduce the need for hard braking. The Santa Fe Hybrid Blue’s regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration and recharges the battery. Smooth braking increases energy recovery improving overall efficiency.

Keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressure, which is on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

Limit the use of accessories like air conditioning and heated seats, as they use power from the engine, lowering fuel economy. When you can, air conditioning sparingly and use ventilation or lower fan speeds to reduce the load on the engine. These small changes can add up over time.