34 MPG combined makes the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD 1.6L 4-cyl a solid choice. It’s a mid-size SUV for families who want space, confidence in all weather, and good fuel efficiency. It isn’t a sports car, or a bare-bones economy machine, it’s a practical, well-equipped SUV that carries people and cargo while keeping fuel costs down.

City and highway performance

The EPA ratings show consistent performance for the Santa Fe Hybrid. It gets 35 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. This similar rating means the hybrid powertrain works well in both stop-and-go traffic and at steady highway speeds. The 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, plus the electric motor, avoids the big drop in city fuel economy that you often see in non-hybrid SUVs. The car has programming that blends gasoline and electric power to get the best efficiency for how you’re driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD 1.6L 4-cyl is $1,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using national average fuel prices. This is important for buyers thinking about long-term ownership costs. Your costs will change based on how you drive and local fuel prices, but the $1,300 estimate is a good starting point for budgeting and comparing the Santa Fe Hybrid to other SUVs. This also gives consumers a baseline before looking at SANTA MPG across all years, as well as other Hyundai models.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings give you a standard way to compare vehicles, but real-world fuel economy can be different. How you drive, the terrain, the weather, and how much weight you’re carrying will all affect fuel consumption. Expect to see numbers a bit higher or lower than the EPA estimates depending on these things. Accelerating hard and braking a lot will hurt efficiency, while driving gently and steadily will give you the best results. If you live in a hilly area, expect lower fuel economy than if you drive on flat roads. As mentioned above, all Hyundai fuel economy data is impacted by driving style.

How it compares

The Santa Fe Hybrid is in a competitive market, and fuel economy matters. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a popular choice, gets an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined in its LE trim. The Ford Escape Hybrid AWD gets 40 MPG combined. The Kia Sportage Hybrid, which has similar mechanical parts to the Santa Fe, gets a slightly better 38 MPG combined. The Santa Fe Hybrid may not have the highest MPG, but it’s a good mix of space, features, and all-wheel-drive. Buyers often prefer the Santa Fe’s interior and exterior design over the RAV4. It’s also preferred over the Escape’s driving experience. Choosing between the Kia and Hyundai often comes down to styling and features. In that case, a few MPG points aren’t as important.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the regenerative braking system. The Santa Fe Hybrid captures energy when you slow down, sending it back to the battery. To get the most out of this, look ahead and coast when you can. Braking smoothly and gently will save gas and make your brake pads last longer.

Choose the right drive mode. The Santa Fe Hybrid usually has different drive modes, including “Eco” mode. This mode adjusts the engine response and transmission to save fuel. It’s helpful for city driving and long highway trips when you don’t need as much power.

Check your tire pressure often. When your tires are properly inflated, they roll more easily, which saves fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and make sure it’s at the recommended pressure listed on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a little bit of underinflation can hurt fuel efficiency.

Don’t carry extra weight. Extra cargo reduces fuel economy, especially in a hybrid. Take out anything you don’t need, like sports equipment, tools, or other heavy things, to reduce the load on the engine and save gas.