22 MPG combined makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT 2.5L 4-cyl an acceptable performer in its class, especially considering the vehicle’s rugged aesthetic and its mission as an adventure-ready family hauler. This isn’t a vehicle bought purely for its fuel consumption; rather, its buyers are drawn to its capability, distinctive design, and the practicality of a three-row SUV that feels ready for anything from school drop-offs to national park excursions. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers sufficient power for daily driving and light duty off-roading, with the 22 MPG figure serving as a reasonable trade-off for the confidence of all-wheel drive and the vehicle’s substantial presence.

City and highway performance

Looking at the EPA figures, the 2025 Santa Fe AWD XRT achieves 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is in line with expectations for a mid-size SUV with AWD. Stop-and-go traffic, the demands of accelerating a vehicle of this heft, and the less efficient nature of urban speeds naturally bring down the numbers. Highway cruising, however, allows the 2.5L engine and the smooth-shifting automatic transmission to settle into their most efficient rhythm. The 26 MPG highway figure is respectable, providing a comfortable buffer for longer road trips where the Santa Fe truly shines as a family transport. This powertrain is engineered for balanced performance, not just peak efficiency, ensuring there’s enough torque for passing maneuvers and merging onto freeways without feeling strained.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT 2.5L 4-cyl. This figure is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming a mix of city and highway driving and using national average fuel prices. It provides a useful benchmark for budgeting, giving owners a clear expectation of recurring expenses directly related to fuel. For a vehicle designed to ferry families and gear, often on longer trips or to more remote destinations where AWD is beneficial, this annual cost is a manageable part of the overall ownership experience. It reinforces the idea that the Santa Fe XRT’s demographic prioritizes utility and functionality, where fuel expenses, while considered, are not the sole determinant of purchase.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving scenarios, owners of the 2025 Santa Fe AWD XRT can generally expect to see figures very close to the EPA estimates. The 2.5L four-cylinder is a well-proven unit that, while not a performance powerhouse, is designed for efficient and reliable operation. Aggressive driving habits, excessive idling, or consistent hauling of heavy loads will naturally push the MPG figures slightly lower. Conversely, drivers with a lighter foot, who anticipate traffic, and maintain consistent highway speeds, might even occasionally nudge past the 26 MPG highway rating. The vehicle’s aerodynamic profile, while distinctive, is optimized enough to prevent excessive drag, and the automatic transmission is adept at finding the most efficient gear for the conditions. For a broader look at all Hyundai fuel economy data, our database offers detailed insights.

How it compares

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT 2.5L 4-cyl positions itself competitively within the mid-size SUV segment, especially against other adventure-oriented trims. Take the Subaru Outback Wilderness, for instance, which often achieves around 23 MPG combined, very similar to the Santa Fe. The Santa Fe offers available three-row seating, a significant differentiator. Another competitor, the Honda Pilot TrailSport AWD, typically registers closer to 20 MPG combined, making the Santa Fe’s 22 MPG combined figure slightly more appealing in terms of efficiency, while still offering comparable rugged styling and capability. The Kia Sorento X-Pro AWD, mechanically similar with the same combined 22 MPG, shares much of the Santa Fe’s underlying engineering but offers a different aesthetic. For those considering a Toyota Highlander AWD, which offers about 23-24 MPG combined from its turbocharged four-cylinder, the Santa Fe presents a bolder, more contemporary design choice with comparable, if not slightly lower, efficiency. The decision often comes down to styling preference, interior layout, and feature set, where the Santa Fe XRT carves out its unique niche. For a deeper dive into SANTA MPG across all years, our model-specific data is invaluable.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent tire pressure is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to preserve the Santa Fe XRT’s fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check them regularly, especially before long trips, to ensure they match the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Adopting smoother driving habits can significantly influence your MPG. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, as these actions waste fuel. Anticipate traffic and use engine braking where possible to conserve momentum and reduce wear on your brake system.

Reducing unnecessary weight in the vehicle also contributes to better fuel economy. Remove heavy items from the cargo area or roof rack when they are not needed, as carrying extra weight demands more power and thus more fuel from the engine.

Use the vehicle’s drive modes effectively. While the XRT trim is built for adventure, selecting “Eco” mode during everyday commuting or highway cruising will optimize the engine and transmission for maximum efficiency, slightly dulling throttle response but saving fuel.

Regular maintenance, particularly adherence to the recommended service intervals for oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running at its peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly and effectively, directly translating to better MPG over the lifespan of the vehicle.