The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.4L gets 23 MPG combined, which is acceptable for its class. The Santa Fe Sport is a comfortable, practical, and affordable crossover aimed at young families and active individuals who prioritize space and features over outright fuel efficiency. These buyers need room for weekend gear, kids, and the occasional Home Depot run, and that utility comes at a fuel cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Real-world experiences often mirror these figures fairly closely, especially on longer highway trips. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and generally well-matched to the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, allowing for relaxed cruising at highway speeds and contributing to that 27 MPG rating. Stop-and-go city driving, however, can quickly drag down the average, highlighting the engine’s need for a bit of extra fuel to get the Santa Fe Sport moving from a standstill. The front-wheel drive configuration, while lacking the all-weather capability of the AWD model, does offer a slight edge in terms of efficiency, making it the choice for those who rarely encounter snow or challenging terrain.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.4L at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with approximately 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (more city or highway), and fuel prices in your area. For example, someone who primarily drives in stop-and-go traffic in a city with high fuel prices could easily exceed that $1,900 figure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a good baseline, but Santa Fe Sport drivers know its MPG can vary. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, maintaining a consistent speed on the highway, and ensuring proper tire inflation can help you achieve or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates. Many owners report averaging around 22-25 MPG in mixed driving conditions, so the 23 MPG combined figure is a reasonable expectation for the average driver. Find SANTA MPG across all years here.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors in the compact SUV segment, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport’s fuel economy is fairly average. For example, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 FWD with its 2.5L engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined, putting it slightly ahead. The 2016 Honda CR-V FWD manages an even more impressive 29 MPG on the highway, exceeding the Santa Fe Sport by a noticeable margin. On the other hand, the 2016 Ford Escape FWD with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while offering more power, achieves an EPA combined rating of 25 MPG, a small edge. The 2WD Nissan Rogue achieves 28 MPG combined.

The Santa Fe Sport appeals to buyers who might be willing to sacrifice a few MPGs for its blend of comfort, features, and value. If fuel efficiency is more important, other options might be more appealing. Check all Hyundai fuel economy data for a broader view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 2.4L engine responds best to a smooth and steady driving style. Try to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. Every hard acceleration wastes fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips, to optimize fuel efficiency and tire life.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Excessive idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, impacting your overall fuel economy, especially in city driving. The Santa Fe Sport doesn’t have a start-stop system, so you’re the one in control.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items you don’t need from the vehicle, such as sporting equipment or extra cargo. Extra weight puts a strain on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Lightening the load will make a small but noticeable difference over time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long drives by preventing unintentional speed fluctuations. Set it for optimal MPG.