24 MPG combined puts the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5 AWD 8AT firmly in a good spot for an adventurous, compact sport adventure vehicle. This isn’t a stripped-down commuter car, nor is it a gas-guzzling full-size truck. It’s a versatile, urban-friendly pickup alternative, and its fuel economy reflects that balanced mission. The Santa Cruz, with its Hyundai fuel economy data lineage and car-like unibody construction, delivers efficiency that belies its utility. Owners of this specific Santa Cruz trim aren’t searching for a pure workhorse or a dedicated off-roader, but rather a daily driver that effortlessly transitions to weekend warrior duties, hauling kayaks, mountain bikes, or simply a bed full of groceries from Costco. For this demographic, a combined 24 MPG is less about hyper-efficiency and more about respectable operating costs for a vehicle that fits their active, dynamic lifestyle without compromise.

City and highway performance

Breaking down the 24 MPG combined figure, the 2026 Santa Cruz 2.5 AWD achieves 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure of 21 MPG is particularly noteworthy for a vehicle with all-wheel drive, indicating efficient power delivery even in stop-and-go conditions. This is a direct benefit of the advanced 8-speed automatic transmission working in concert with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In urban environments, where many Santa Cruz owners spend a significant portion of their driving, the smooth transmission keeps the engine in its optimal efficiency range, minimizing wasteful revving. On the open road, the 29 MPG highway rating confirms the powertrain’s ability to cruise efficiently. Long-distance trips to campsites, trailheads, or simply visiting family don’t demand excessive fuel stops. The aerodynamic profile and intelligent powertrain management of the Santa Cruz contribute directly to these commendable highway numbers, further cementing its role as a practical adventure companion.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,800 for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD NX4 OB 2.5 AWD 8AT. 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. For many buyers considering the Santa Cruz, this $1,800 annual expenditure represents a manageable and predictable operating cost. It’s significantly less than what might be expected from a traditional body-on-frame pickup and positions the Santa Cruz as an economically sensible choice for its segment. The transparency of this EPA estimate allows prospective owners to factor fuel into their budget with confidence, understanding that their specific driving habits and local fuel prices will cause some variation, but the baseline remains an accurate and useful benchmark.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures for the 2026 Santa Cruz 2.5 AWD are reliable, and in real-world driving scenarios, owners should expect to achieve numbers very close to these estimates. This isn’t a vehicle where the official figures are a distant dream. The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, while certainly capable, isn’t tuned for aggressive, high-revving performance. Its power delivery is smooth and linear, encouraging a driving style that aligns with fuel efficiency. Those who frequently haul heavier loads, engage in consistent off-road excursions (even mild ones), or drive with a particularly heavy foot will likely see figures dip slightly below the 24 MPG combined. Conversely, drivers with a gentle throttle input, who adhere to speed limits, and use cruise control on the highway may even slightly exceed the 29 MPG highway rating. The character of the Santa Cruz, as a versatile and approachable vehicle, inherently promotes a more measured driving approach, which directly translates to achieving its advertised fuel economy with regularity. For more information on SANTA MPG across all years, consult our extensive database.

How it compares

In the burgeoning compact pickup/crossover utility segment, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz 2.5 AWD positions itself strongly regarding fuel economy. Let’s consider its primary rivals. The Ford Maverick, particularly the non-hybrid 2.0L EcoBoost AWD variant, offers 22 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined. The Maverick edges out the Santa Cruz by 1 MPG combined, a negligible difference for most buyers, but it’s a direct comparison. The Honda Ridgeline, a larger unibody truck, is naturally less efficient, with its AWD variants typically delivering around 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. This 3 MPG combined difference highlights the Santa Cruz’s more compact and car-like efficiency. Even some similarly sized crossovers without open beds can struggle to match the Santa Cruz’s utility-to-efficiency ratio. For instance, a Subaru Forester AWD typically delivers 26 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 29 MPG combined, superior to the Santa Cruz, but without the open bed utility. The Santa Cruz buyer accepts a modest fuel economy trade-off compared to a pure SUV to gain that crucial, open-air cargo flexibility. The decision point often comes down to prioritizing the open bed for lifestyle needs over gaining a few extra MPG from a fully enclosed SUV.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your Santa Cruz achieves its optimal fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended psi specified on the door jamb placard.

Adopt a smooth driving style, avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking. The 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission are designed for efficient power delivery. Using gentle throttle inputs and anticipating traffic will allow the transmission to stay in higher gears longer, reducing fuel consumption in both city and highway driving.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the bed and cabin. While the Santa Cruz is built for utility, carrying excessive tools, gear, or unused items adds weight and reduces fuel efficiency. Periodically clear out the bed and cabin of anything that doesn’t need to be there, especially if you’re not planning to use the extra cargo capacity.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever conditions allow. Maintaining a steady speed without constant micro-adjustments to the throttle is inherently more fuel-efficient. The Santa Cruz’s adaptive cruise control systems, if equipped, can further aid in maintaining optimal spacing and speed, contributing to better highway MPG.