24 MPG combined is typical for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L 4-cyl. People buy this version of the Santa Fe for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive, and reasonable price. The fuel economy is a known factor, a cost of owning a practical, family SUV that doesn’t get the same mileage as a subcompact.

City and highway performance

The Santa Fe’s EPA estimates are 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving and the all-wheel drive system’s slight drag. The 8-speed automatic transmission works to find the best gear, but the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine works harder in urban environments. Highway efficiency is better, as expected. At steady cruising speeds, the Santa Fe settles into a more efficient pace, minimizing engine load and using its aerodynamic design. These numbers seem right for an SUV of this size and weight, suggesting Hyundai’s engineers have optimized the powertrain for daily driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses national average fuel prices. It’s a way to compare running costs with other vehicles, and helps buyers consider fuel expenses in their budget. Individual costs will vary based on driving and fuel prices, but the $1,800 figure shows what to expect to spend on gas each year. The cost is tied to the price of unleaded fuel.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. Mileage will be lower in colder climates, where engine warm-up times are longer and winter-blend gasoline is less efficient. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads will hurt fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and maintenance can help you get numbers close to the EPA estimates. Watch the Santa Fe’s trip computer and try different driving techniques to see what works best.

How it compares

The Santa Fe’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The Toyota RAV4 AWD with its 2.5L engine gets a combined 30 MPG, which is a big advantage. The Honda CR-V AWD gets around 29 MPG combined, a small advantage over the Santa Fe. However, those vehicles might not have the same interior space or features for the price. A comparable Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 with the base V6 engine only gets around 22 MPG combined, so the Santa Fe is a more efficient choice. For those willing to consider a smaller vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 AWD gets about 26 MPG combined. Looking at all Hyundai fuel economy data, the Santa Fe is in the middle of the pack.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Santa Fe’s 2.5L engine responds well to a light touch, and smooth acceleration saves fuel. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed. A smooth driving style helps save money.

Keep your tires inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and maintain the pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so there’s little wear and tear from frequent restarts.

Remove extra weight. Extra cargo increases weight, which affects fuel consumption. Remove unneeded items from the trunk.

Service your Santa Fe as recommended. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs efficiently. Consider comparing SANTA MPG across all years to see if there are big differences based on model year.