The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Ultimate FWD delivers a blend of features, passenger space, and price, resulting in a fuel economy of 20 MPG combined. Families who prioritize affordability and cargo capacity over ultimate efficiency choose this vehicle. They understand that hauling kids, pets, and weekend gear requires compromise and willingly budget for fuel costs in addition to the purchase price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Ultimate FWD are 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the fuel-intensive nature of stop-and-go driving, where the 3.3L V6 engine works harder to repeatedly accelerate the nearly 4,200-pound vehicle. While better, the highway figure is adequate, showing the aerodynamic compromises inherent in a large crossover design. The six-speed automatic transmission is reliable but lacks the fuel-saving benefits of more modern eight- or ten-speed units found in some competitors. Explore SANTA MPG across all years to see how this model compares to other Santa Fe variants.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Ultimate FWD at $2,200. This figure assumes driving 15,000 miles per year using the average national fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, driving conditions (city versus highway), and gasoline prices in your area. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, and neglecting routine maintenance can all lead to higher fuel bills. The EPA’s figure provides a standardized baseline for comparing the Santa Fe XL to other vehicles, allowing potential buyers to factor fuel costs into their overall ownership budget.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates offer a useful benchmark, but Santa Fe XL drivers often report slightly different real-world fuel economy. Drivers primarily in urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic may see figures closer to the 18 MPG city estimate, or even slightly below, especially during colder months when engine warm-up times are longer. On the other hand, drivers who spend significant time on open highways maintaining consistent speeds may achieve fuel economy closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the 23 MPG highway estimate. Remember, driving style, vehicle load, and tire pressure all contribute to your mileage.

How it compares

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL’s fuel economy is in the middle of the three-row crossover segment. The Honda Pilot, for example, offered up to 27 MPG highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration, making it a slightly more efficient choice. The Toyota Highlander, depending on the trim and engine, could also achieve similar or slightly better numbers. However, some larger, more powerful SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse or Ford Explorer, especially with optional V6 engines, typically deliver lower fuel economy than the Santa Fe XL. The trade-off is usually more horsepower and greater towing capacity. For families who don’t need those benefits, the Santa Fe XL offers decent MPG for its size class. See all Hyundai fuel economy data for further comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are important for conserving fuel in the Santa Fe XL. The 3.3L V6 is responsive, but unnecessary bursts of acceleration waste fuel. Anticipate traffic lights and maintain a steady pace. Avoid rapid starts and hard braking, which can negatively impact fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation is another easy way to optimize fuel economy and extend your tire life. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Check your tires regularly, especially during temperature changes. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load, reducing fuel economy. Remove any non-essential items from the trunk or rear seats. Lighter loads result in better efficiency.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering distance. If you anticipate waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and the fuel saved by turning off the engine outweighs the fuel used to restart it.