The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate AWD with the 3.3L V6 gets 19 MPG combined. Nobody buys this specific Santa Fe configuration for outstanding fuel efficiency. It’s a practical, comfortable, and well-equipped family hauler. The all-wheel-drive system and reliable V6 provide confident performance in all conditions, not to win any hypermiling contests.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers are fairly indicative of what you’ll experience. The city figure reflects the demands placed on a six-cylinder engine in stop-and-go traffic, especially when coupled with an all-wheel-drive system that adds weight and parasitic loss. The highway rating, while not stellar, is reasonable for a vehicle of this size and aerodynamic profile. This Santa Fe isn’t shaped like a wind tunnel test subject. It’s designed for interior space and functionality first, efficiency second.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate AWD 3.3L 6-cyl. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and, of course, the ever-fluctuating price of gasoline. Someone who primarily uses the Santa Fe for short trips around town will likely exceed that $2,300 figure. A driver who does mostly steady-state highway cruising might fall slightly below it.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized yardstick. Your actual fuel economy will depend on a multitude of factors. Aggressive acceleration will take a toll. Hauling cargo or passengers regularly will impact the mileage. Tire pressure, maintenance, and even the weather can all influence your MPG. Owners often observe that achieving the advertised 22 MPG highway figure requires a conscious effort to drive conservatively. The benefit of the 3.3L V6 is that it allows for effortless passing and merging, but using that power comes at a price.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size SUVs with V6 engines and all-wheel drive from 2017, the Santa Fe’s fuel economy is generally in the middle of the pack. For example, the 2017 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (19 city, 26 highway). The 2017 Ford Explorer with its 3.5L V6 and AWD manages 19 MPG combined, 16 city, and 22 highway. A 2017 Honda Pilot AWD lands at 22 MPG combined (19 city, 26 highway). These differences might seem small on paper, but they can add up over time. The key is to weigh the MPG figures against other factors such as price, features, reliability, and overall driving experience. If you value the Santa Fe’s specific blend of comfort, features, and price, a few MPG points might be a perfectly acceptable trade-off. Check out all Hyundai fuel economy data for more context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The most impactful thing you can do to improve fuel economy in the 2017 Santa Fe is to adopt a driving style that prioritizes smoothness. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. The instantaneous fuel economy gauge in the instrument cluster is a helpful guide. Learn to anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a steady throttle.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and check your tires regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. This is particularly important for a vehicle with all-wheel drive, where all four tires share the load.

Regular maintenance matters. Ensure your engine is properly tuned, and that the air filter is clean. A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes and other services to keep your Santa Fe running smoothly. You can also research SANTA MPG across all years.

Consider your cargo. Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy objects. A lighter car is an efficient car.