The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe with front-wheel drive and a 2.5L four-cylinder gets 25 MPG combined. This isn’t record-breaking, but it’s honest efficiency for a practical, family crossover. This Santa Fe configuration is for buyers who want value, space, and dependability more than extreme fuel savings. They want a comfortable daily driver, something for weekend errands and family trips, and they’re okay trading some fuel economy for it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Santa Fe FWD 2.5L at 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number represents stop-and-go driving, where the engine idles a lot, and the eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) shifts often. The highway rating is better for steady cruising, where the Santa Fe is more efficient. These numbers are typical for a naturally aspirated engine. Because it’s not turbocharged, it uses displacement for power, which can mean higher fuel consumption in cities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD 2.5L at $1,750. This assumes 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual cost will vary depending on your driving, local prices, and the kind of gas you buy. Short city trips or aggressive driving will increase your costs. Mostly highway miles and efficient driving will lower them.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a standard, but real-world MPG often differs. Your driving style, road conditions, and even tire pressure will cause changes. Owners have said that reaching the 28 MPG highway number is possible on long trips, particularly with cruise control. The 22 MPG city number is harder if you deal with heavy traffic or accelerate rapidly. Watching your trip computer and adjusting your driving can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Explore all all Hyundai fuel economy data to see how this model compares to others from the brand.

How it compares

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD 2.5L’s fuel economy is competitive, but there are other options if fuel efficiency is the top priority. The Toyota RAV4 LE, for example, gets 30 MPG combined, which is noticeably better. The Honda CR-V LX offers a similar advantage at 28 MPG combined. However, the Santa Fe often has a lower price and a more spacious interior, depending on the trim. The Nissan Rogue S manages 30 MPG combined, so it is attractive to some, but it may feel less substantial than the Hyundai. These comparisons show the trade-offs buyers make when they consider MPG along with price, size, and features. You should also compare the Santa Fe to its brethren by exploring SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t accelerate hard. The 2.5L engine is responsive enough for everyday driving, and smooth, gradual acceleration will improve your MPG, mainly in stop-and-go traffic. The available Eco driving mode adjusts the engine and transmission to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. Expect a little less responsiveness, but better MPG over time.

Keep your tires inflated correctly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure every couple of weeks, and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle. Idling wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently.

Plan your trips. Combining errands minimizes cold starts, which waste fuel. Consider the time of day you travel, avoiding peak traffic to reduce stop-and-go driving.