21 MPG combined. That’s the figure for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, and for the buyers this vehicle targets, it’s an acceptable, expected outcome. This isn’t a fuel-sipping hybrid, nor is it a brutish V8. It’s a compact, adventure-ready sport adventure vehicle (SAV) designed for urban flexibility and weekend escape, and its fuel economy reflects its versatile, do-anything, go-anywhere mission. The Santa Cruz XRT is purchased by individuals who appreciate its car-like comfort and maneuverability but demand the utility of an open bed for bikes, gear, or garden supplies. They’re active, often younger, and don’t necessarily need the towing capacity or the massive footprint of a traditional midsize truck, but they need more than a crossover can offer. They’re looking for a vehicle that can navigate city streets with ease during the week and then confidently tackle a dirt road to a campsite or trailhead on the weekend. For them, 21 MPG is a fair trade for the blend of capability, style, and practicality that the Santa Cruz XRT delivers. They understand that AWD and a conventional automatic transmission, while excellent for responsiveness and traction, aren’t optimized for hyper-efficiency, nor do they need them to be given the vehicle’s purpose.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT AWD 2.5L 4-cyl at 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure of 18 MPG is what you’d anticipate from a compact truck/SAV with all-wheel drive, a conventional automatic transmission (AM-S8), and a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. It’s a powertrain built for linearity, reliability, and sufficient grunt to handle light hauling and moderate off-road excursions, not stop-and-go efficiency records. The XRT trim, with its more aggressive styling and possibly slightly heavier components or different tire choices, further defines its practical, durable character. On the highway, 26 MPG is a solid number for this segment. It demonstrates that Hyundai has done its homework on aerodynamics and powertrain calibration for sustained cruising. This highway efficiency is crucial for the Santa Cruz buyer who often uses their vehicle for longer weekend trips away from urban centers, where the open road becomes their playground. This vehicle isn’t just for groceries, it’s for getting to the national park, the ski slopes, or a remote cabin, and 26 MPG means those journeys are practical and reasonably cost-effective.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD 2.5L 4-cyl at exactly $2,100. This estimate is based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming a mix of 45% highway and 55% city driving, and current national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for buyers to project their yearly expenditure on gasoline. For the target demographic, this figure means the Santa Cruz XRT is a manageable expense, certainly less than a larger, less efficient truck, but more than a dedicated compact sedan or hybrid SUV. Considering the versatility that the Santa Cruz offers, the ability to haul gear, comfortably carry passengers, and tackle varying terrains, a $2,100 annual fuel bill fits within the expected budget for a vehicle that performs so many roles. It offers an accessible, capable vehicle without being a significant financial drain on fuel, especially when viewed against its starting price and the value it brings.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT AWD 2.5L 4-cyl should expect their fuel economy to generally align with the EPA estimates, sometimes even exceeding the highway figure on long, steady cruises. However, genuine off-road excursions, consistently heavy payloads, frequent short trips, or an aggressive driving style will predictably pull those numbers down, especially in the city. The naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, while strong, requires more effort to maintain speed or accelerate rapidly than its turbocharged counterpart, which can impact efficiency if constantly pushed. Buyers of the XRT trim are inherently more likely to engage in activities that tax the powertrain, whether it’s towing a small utility trailer, carrying mountain bikes in the bed, or navigating unpaved roads. The Santa Cruz handles these tasks without complaint, and most owners accept a slight decrease in MPG for the utility and adventure it enables. They buy the XRT for its rugged aesthetic and enhanced capability, understanding that capability often comes with a marginal fuel penalty. They prioritize experience and versatility over chasing every last fraction of an MPG. For more information on this model, you can review SANTA MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD 2.5L 4-cyl exists in a unique and increasingly competitive niche. Its closest direct competitor, the Ford Maverick, especially the non-hybrid AWD 2.0L EcoBoost, delivers 22 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway). The Maverick holds a slight edge on paper, particularly on the highway, largely due to its smaller displacement turbocharged engine. However, the Santa Cruz often wins on interior refinement, perceived build quality, and a generally more upscale, car-like driving experience. For those cross-shopping, this difference matters more than 1 MPG. Traditional compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson AWD (2.5L, 26 MPG combined) will certainly offer better fuel economy, but lack the open bed and the distinct “sport adventure vehicle” identity that draws buyers to the Santa Cruz. Midsize trucks, such as most Toyota Tacoma (V6, 4WD) or Honda Ridgeline (V6, AWD) models, typically hover around 20-22 MPG combined, making the Santa Cruz’s 21 MPG competitive with vehicles that are significantly larger and often more expensive. This places the Santa Cruz XRT in a sweet spot, offering truck-like utility with SUV comfort and dimensions, all while maintaining fuel economy that’s either on par with or only slightly behind, its more conventional and specialized rivals. For those interested in the brand’s overall performance, visit all Hyundai fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent speeds, especially on the highway, will make the biggest difference in the Santa Cruz’s fuel economy. Use cruise control whenever possible to avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which are particular fuel sinks for a vehicle of this size.

Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, is critical. Underinflated tires alone can significantly reduce MPG and accelerate wear.

Lighten your load. While the bed of the Santa Cruz is tempting for hauling, remove unnecessary items and gear when not in use. Every extra pound the engine has to move impacts fuel consumption.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard braking and rapid acceleration. The 2.5L engine responds best to smooth inputs, allowing the transmission to shift efficiently and reducing the amount of fuel needed to get back up to speed.

Consider using higher-octane fuel if you notice any engine knocking or if your owner’s manual suggests it for optimal performance, though for the 2.5L, regular unleaded is typically sufficient and recommended. Adhering to the manufacturer’s specified fuel type ensures the engine runs as designed.