The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder gets 22 MPG combined, placing it in line with expectations for its target buyer. It’s not focused on maximizing fuel economy. The Santa Cruz appeals to active lifestyle enthusiasts who want more utility than a sedan but don’t want the size of a traditional pickup truck. They value maneuverability, storage, and all-weather confidence over fuel efficiency. These buyers are often coming from crossovers or smaller SUVs, and the Santa Cruz offers that same easy driving experience with added versatility.

City and highway gas mileage

The EPA estimates show the Santa Cruz’s capabilities in different environments. In the city, the AWD 2.5L gets 19 MPG. Stop-and-go traffic and frequent speed changes reduce efficiency, which is typical for most vehicles. On the highway, the Santa Cruz performs better, achieving 27 MPG. The 8-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) helps achieve this figure, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs at higher speeds, reducing fuel consumption. A long weekend road trip for camping or kayaking will likely result in mileage closer to the highway number, where the Santa Cruz excels.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Fuel prices fluctuate, so your individual annual cost could differ, since that $2,000 figure is based on figures from when the EPA data was released. The estimate offers a reasonable way to budget and compare costs to all Hyundai fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a standard, but your mileage will vary depending on driving style, terrain, weather, and cargo weight. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will quickly use more fuel. Cold temperatures can also hurt fuel economy because engines need more fuel to warm up. Hauling gear or towing a small trailer will decrease efficiency. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic to minimize fuel consumption. Most drivers report numbers close to the EPA estimates, with some seeing slightly higher highway MPG with careful driving.

How it compares

The Santa Cruz’s fuel economy is reasonable compared to other vehicles in its class. A similarly equipped Honda Ridgeline AWD averages 21 MPG combined, 18 city, and 24 highway. The Ford Maverick Hybrid, in front-wheel-drive configuration, gets significantly higher numbers at 42 MPG combined, 37 city, and 33 highway, but this comparison is less direct due to its hybrid powertrain and different purpose. The Nissan Frontier 4×4 gets around 19 MPG combined. For the Santa Cruz buyer, these comparisons are important, but may or may not be that important. They are more interested in the mix of truck utility, car comfort, and manageable size that the Santa Cruz offers. For figures across the model years, see the SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level. This information is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste gas. Instead, accelerate smoothly and predict traffic to maintain a steady speed. Use cruise control on the highway to hold a speed and get better gas mileage.

Reduce excess weight. Carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle increases its weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the cargo bed and cabin to minimize the load on the engine.

Regular maintenance will help. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements.

Think about tire choice when you need replacements. Consider low-rolling resistance tires when it’s time to replace your Santa Cruz’s tires. These tires are designed to minimize friction with the road, improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This change can add up over time, despite its limited effect.