23 MPG combined won’t set any records, but for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD with its turbocharged 2.0L engine, it’s a figure most owners find acceptable. This Santa Fe Sport isn’t about squeezing every last drop of fuel; it’s about offering a comfortable, well-equipped crossover experience with some power. Families looking for a practical and stylish SUV with decent power typically find the fuel economy a reasonable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates reveal a split personality in the Santa Fe Sport’s fuel consumption. The city MPG rating lands at 20, a reflection of frequent stops and starts that any mid-size SUV struggles with. However, out on the open road, the 27 MPG highway figure is respectable, showcasing the benefits of the Santa Fe’s well-calibrated automatic transmission and relatively aerodynamic profile. Longer road trips become more palatable, and the difference between city and highway consumption emphasizes the importance of driving style for optimizing fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do, and the prevailing gasoline prices in your area. Drivers who primarily stick to city driving can expect to spend more, while those who predominantly drive on highways may see slightly lower costs. However, the $1,900 benchmark provides a useful point of comparison against other vehicles in its class. Find all Hyundai fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Driving habits, traffic conditions, terrain, and even tire pressure influence the MPG you actually achieve. Expect the Santa Fe Sport to deliver figures close to the EPA estimates if you drive conservatively and maintain your vehicle properly. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and neglecting routine maintenance like tire inflation will inevitably reduce your MPG. Using higher octane fuel than recommended (regular unleaded is fine for this engine) won’t provide any benefit.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport’s fuel economy is competitive, though not class-leading. For example, the Toyota RAV4 LE FWD from the same year offers a slightly better estimated combined MPG of 26. However, the Santa Fe Sport often appeals to buyers who are looking for a more engaging driving experience than the RAV4 provides, accepting the slight MPG difference as a tradeoff. The Honda CR-V LX FWD also boasts a combined MPG of 28, showcasing the edge that Honda’s engineering often delivers in efficiency. Even within the Hyundai family, there are variations; explore SANTA MPG across all years to see how this model year stacks up. The Santa Fe Sport prioritizes a responsive turbo engine, and its fuel economy reflects that focus.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy with the Santa Fe Sport’s turbo engine. Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration, as this is where the turbocharger demands the most fuel. Gentle and progressive acceleration allows the engine to operate more efficiently, especially in city driving.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, following the recommended PSI found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Excessive idling consumes fuel without any forward progress, and it can significantly impact your overall MPG, especially in urban environments.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from your vehicle that you don’t need, as extra weight reduces fuel efficiency and increases strain on the engine. Clean out the trunk or cargo area regularly to shed any unnecessary pounds.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid peak traffic times and routes with frequent stops and starts. Using navigation apps to find the most efficient route can help save fuel and reduce overall travel time. Route planning and driving style adjustments can make a meaningful difference.