The 20 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD with the 3.3L V6 says something very specific: capability is a priority. This isn’t a Prius competitor; it’s a comfortable, family-oriented SUV designed for reliability and year-round usability first, efficiency second. It’s bought by people who need the space, appreciate the smooth power delivery of a V6, and live in climates where all-wheel drive is a genuine asset. Snow, ice, or even just muddy backroads on camping trips make the AWD worthwhile, and those drivers understand there’s a fuel cost associated with that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway reflect the Santa Fe’s driving characteristics. The city number shows the thirst of the 3.3L V6 when frequently accelerating from a stop, something inherent in urban driving. The highway figure is more palatable, suggesting that once up to cruising speed, and with the transmission settled into its higher gears, the Santa Fe AWD can achieve reasonable efficiency. The six-speed automatic, while a proven and reliable unit, lacks the extra gears of more modern transmissions, hindering overall fuel efficiency at higher speeds on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 3.3L is $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the actual number of miles driven annually, but this provides a good baseline for potential owners to budget accordingly. For example, someone who drives primarily in stop-and-go traffic and drives shorter distances will see far higher fuel costs than someone who drives primarily on the highway at a steady pace.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary. Driving habits play a significant role. Frequent short trips, aggressive driving, or carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel consumption. Conversely, a careful driver who anticipates traffic, avoids abrupt acceleration, and keeps the tires properly inflated can potentially achieve figures closer to the EPA highway estimate, even in mixed driving conditions. These aren’t unrealistic gains, but they require an awareness and modification of driving habits over time.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD’s fuel economy sits squarely in the middle of the pack for its class. The Toyota Highlander V6 AWD, for example, earns an EPA rating of 20 MPG combined, matching the SANTA MPG across all years. The Honda Pilot AWD comes in slightly higher at 22 MPG combined. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer with its optional 3.5L V6 and AWD achieves around 19 MPG combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up to meaningful savings (or increased expenses) over the lifespan of the vehicle. The key is identifying if you need the AWD and can use all Hyundai fuel economy data to save money.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 3.3L V6 in the Santa Fe is responsive, but each hard press of the accelerator pedal translates directly into wasted fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration, even when merging onto a highway, is key for maximizing efficiency in this engine.

Maintain optimal tire pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it burns. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area or back seats. Every extra 100 pounds can slightly reduce fuel economy, particularly during city driving.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, such as at a long traffic light or waiting to pick someone up, turn off the engine. The starter motor in modern vehicles is designed to handle frequent restarts.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, preventing fluctuations in acceleration and deceleration that can waste fuel. This is especially effective on relatively flat stretches of highway where traffic is light.