The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0L 4-cylinder gets 22 MPG combined. This SUV is aimed at young families and active people who want space, safety, and all-weather driving instead of top fuel efficiency. These buyers consider the fuel economy a fair trade for the utility and security the vehicle offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T gets 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects frequent stops, starts, and idling, which impact the turbocharged engine’s fuel consumption. The highway number demonstrates the engine’s efficiency when cruising, helped by the six-speed automatic transmission holding higher gears. Drivers might see lower MPG during rush hour.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and average national fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs could change depending on driving habits, location, and local fuel prices. Expect to see that $2,000 figure rise with aggressive driving, excessive idling, and regular use of premium fuel (even though it’s not required).

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG often varies from EPA estimates. Some owners have reported slightly higher highway MPG when driving carefully on long trips, sometimes reaching the upper 20s. However, more aggressive driving, short trips, and more city driving will lower MPG into the high teens. The all-wheel-drive system also affects fuel economy, especially in colder weather or when used more often. Checking your trip computer regularly and changing driving habits helps get the best possible gas mileage.

How it compares

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T’s fuel economy is average for its class. The Honda CR-V AWD gets 29 MPG combined with its 1.5L turbo engine, offering better fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4 AWD gets around 25 MPG combined. The Mazda CX-5 AWD with its naturally aspirated engine gets 26 MPG combined, which is better than the Santa Fe Sport. These numbers make fuel economy a clear advantage of its Japanese rivals. For buyers more oriented towards all all Hyundai fuel economy data the numbers are very well-documented. You can also check SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The 2.0L turbo responds well to gentle acceleration, and using full throttle will lower fuel economy a lot. Drive at a consistent speed and anticipate traffic to avoid sudden stops and starts.

Make sure your tires have enough air. Low tire pressure adds rolling resistance, which wastes gas. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure on the door jamb sticker. This is especially important on AWD models.

Avoid idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine, and this is even more important in cold weather, since warming up the engine is a major fuel waster.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. This is most effective on flatter roads where the system doesn’t have to change the throttle much.

Keep up with regular maintenance. Regular oil changes, new air filters, and spark plug maintenance help your engine run efficiently. A well-maintained engine will give you better gas mileage.