23 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency contests, but for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with the 2.0L turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive, it’s a practical compromise. This configuration suits buyers who prioritize space and features over ultimate fuel efficiency, often young families or those needing a comfortable, capable crossover for daily life. They accept the middling fuel economy as the price of admission for a versatile and well-equipped vehicle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for city and highway driving are 20 MPG and 27 MPG, respectively. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic, a common scenario for Santa Fe drivers navigating urban commutes and school drop-offs. The 2.0L turbo needs to work harder in these conditions. The highway figure is more optimistic, suggesting that steady-state cruising yields more acceptable fuel consumption. The Santa Fe’s automatic eight-speed transmission helps optimize engine speed for efficiency on the open road, contributing to that 27 MPG rating. However, aggressive acceleration and higher speeds will quickly diminish this result, so drivers seeking to maximize fuel economy should adopt a smooth, consistent driving style.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD 2.0L 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 calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. While the Santa Fe doesn’t require premium fuel, using it won’t necessarily improve fuel economy enough to justify the added expense. This $1,900 figure provides a useful benchmark for potential owners to factor into their overall cost of ownership, allowing them to compare the Santa Fe’s running costs to those of competing models.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many factors influence fuel efficiency, including driving style, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Santa Fe drivers living in hilly areas or frequently carrying heavy loads can expect lower MPG figures than the EPA estimates. Conversely, drivers who primarily use the Santa Fe for long highway trips and adhere to posted speed limits may see numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the 27 MPG highway rating. Regular maintenance, such as tire inflation and oil changes, is critical for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency. Drivers can also use the Santa Fe’s various driving modes, such as “Eco,” to prioritize fuel economy over performance.

How it compares

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe’s fuel economy positions it competitively within the mid-size SUV segment, but it’s not a class leader. For example, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined, making it a significantly more fuel-efficient choice for those prioritizing mileage above all else. However, it comes at a higher price point and offers a different driving experience. A similarly-sized Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbo engine achieves around 30 MPG combined in FWD guise, thereby undercutting the Hyundai. Within its competitive set, the Santa Fe’s fuel economy is acceptable to its target buyer. For those considering other Hyundai models, you can view all Hyundai fuel economy data on our site, or dive into SANTA MPG across all years to compare across trim levels and powertrains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize aggressive acceleration. The 2.0L turbo engine responds eagerly to throttle input, but frequent bursts of acceleration consume a significant amount of fuel. Adopt a smooth, gradual acceleration style to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range. The Santa Fe’s torque will allow you to accelerate smoothly without needing to excessively push the accelerator pedal.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will alert you to significant drops, but regular manual checks are still advised.

Reduce idling time. Idling gets you zero miles per gallon. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by turning off the engine will quickly add up, particularly in urban environments with frequent traffic stops.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed on the highway minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, leading to improved fuel economy. Use the Santa Fe’s cruise control system to maintain a steady speed, particularly on long trips. However, be mindful of changing traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety.