23 MPG combined won’t lead the compact SUV segment, but for buyers who want a responsive turbocharged engine and plenty of premium features without paying a luxury price, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD with the 2.0L turbo offers a reasonable compromise. This isn’t the choice for hyper-milers; it’s for drivers or young families who prioritize quick acceleration and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin over extremely low fuel consumption. They understand that the available performance requires more fuel.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates suggest 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure is arguably more important one for the typical Santa Fe Sport driver. This vehicle will likely be used for commuting and running errands during the week, activities that involve a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The 27 MPG highway figure is respectable and achievable on longer road trips, helping to offset the lower city number. Remember that aggressive driving with the eager turbo engine will quickly reduce both figures.

Annual Fuel Cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD 2.0L 4-cyl is $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual cost will vary depending on your individual driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area. If your commute is shorter than average and you use premium fuel, the actual cost may be lower or higher.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA ratings, especially during colder months or if you frequently activate the turbocharger. Drivers report getting around 18-22 MPG in mixed city driving and closer to 25-28 MPG on the highway. Pay attention to your driving style and tire pressure to get the best possible results.

How it Compares

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport’s fuel economy is about average for its segment. For example, the Toyota RAV4 LE FWD achieves a combined 26 MPG, making it a more fuel-efficient choice. The Honda CR-V LX FWD manages 28 MPG combined, further increasing the difference. However, these models lack the strong engine found in the Santa Fe Sport Ultimate. Meanwhile, the Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine offers similar performance to the Santa Fe Sport, but only achieves 23 MPG combined, matching the Hyundai. Knowing all Hyundai fuel economy data can help with your decision. The SANTA MPG across all years can also help compare with other year models to help decide the best vehicle for your needs. The buyer choosing the Santa Fe Sport is trading some fuel economy for a more engaging driving experience and more standard equipment compared to the base models of its competitors.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Take advantage of the “ECO” drive mode. Selecting this mode recalibrates the engine and transmission for maximum fuel efficiency, softening throttle response and encouraging earlier upshifts reducing the temptation to use the turbo. This can be especially useful in city driving, and will provide significant fuel savings.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.0L turbo engine is responsive, but frequent hard acceleration will quickly deplete your fuel supply. Practice smooth, consistent driving habits to maximize efficiency. Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle. However, be mindful of terrain changes and adjust your speed accordingly. Don’t be afraid to disengage cruise control when climbing hills, as the transmission will downshift to maintain speed, hurting fuel economy.

Reduce your vehicle’s weight. Carrying unnecessary weight in your Santa Fe Sport reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and back seats. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, resulting in better gas mileage.