The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L achieves 23 MPG combined, a practical figure for a family SUV with all-weather capability. While it won’t top any fuel efficiency charts, it’s realistic for a vehicle of this size and weight, especially with all-wheel drive. Santa Fe buyers often prioritize a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and many tech features, understanding the fuel consumption trade-off. They value practicality and overall value, finding the Santa Fe’s gas mileage a reasonable compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Santa Fe AWD 2.5L at 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Urban driving, with its frequent stops and starts, leads to the lower city MPG, as the engine works harder. The highway MPG is more appealing, indicating better efficiency on longer trips at consistent speeds. The 8-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) helps by selecting the right gear to keep the engine in its most efficient range at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L at $1,900. This is based on 15,000 miles per year using EPA fuel economy estimates and the national average fuel price. Remember your actual costs will change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and fuel type.

Aggressive acceleration and short trips will increase fuel consumption, whereas careful driving and highway driving should improve it. You can find all Hyundai fuel economy data online.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard comparison, but real-world mileage often varies. Drivers have reported slightly lower MPG than the EPA figures, especially in mixed driving. Congestion, terrain, and driving habits greatly affect fuel economy. Heavy acceleration reduces mileage, as does carrying heavy loads. Tire pressure is also a factor; low pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, maintains good fuel efficiency. Considering the published SANTA MPG across all years is also important.

How it compares

The 2024 Santa Fe’s fuel economy is similar to other AWD options in the mid-size SUV class. The Toyota RAV4 AWD gets a slightly better 30 MPG combined, a fine alternative if fuel efficiency is a priority. The Honda CR-V AWD typically gets around 29 MPG combined. However, the Santa Fe often has a roomier interior and more standard features for a similar price, which is attractive to families who value space and comfort. The Kia Sorento, with a hybrid powertrain, can achieve much better fuel economy, but costs more. Buyers pick the Santa Fe for its balance of practicality, features, and price, accepting the middling fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The Santa Fe’s 2.5L engine works best with smooth inputs. Quick acceleration and heavy braking waste gas and stress the engine and drivetrain. Try to anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed.

Keep tires properly inflated. Check tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side door sticker. Correctly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Even a few PSI low can make a difference.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo in the Santa Fe raises fuel consumption. Take out anything unnecessary, especially heavy items. A lighter vehicle is more efficient.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control keeps a consistent speed, which reduces fuel consumption changes. It also reduces fatigue and makes driving easier. Pay attention to traffic and adjust speed as needed.

Minimize idling. Don’t idle the engine for long, even in cold weather. Modern engines warm up quickly while driving, and idling wastes gas without going anywhere. If you’ll be waiting, turn off the engine.