22 MPG combined reflects the fuel economy for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. It’s a figure that might raise eyebrows compared to traditional crossovers, but it has to be viewed as what the Santa Cruz is: a lifestyle-oriented pickup truck that blends SUV comfort with truck utility, but with a smaller bed than a typical mid-size offering.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Santa Cruz AWD with the 2.5L engine come in at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which taxes any vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The highway number is more respectable and realistically achievable on longer road trips if you keep your speed consistent and avoid aggressive acceleration. This split reflects the Santa Cruz’s design compromise: it’s not a dedicated fuel sipper, but it’s also not excessively thirsty for its intended purpose.

The relatively wide gap between city and highway MPGs suggests that owners who spend most of their time on open roads will see the most favorable fuel consumption.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel cost will depend on your individual driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and fuel prices in your area.

If you frequently drive aggressively or spend most of your time in heavy traffic, expect to spend more than $2,000 per year. Conversely, a gentle driver who primarily logs highway miles might spend less. This figure serves as a useful baseline for comparison, but it’s important to personalize it to your specific circumstances.

real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs, especially when a vehicle’s functionality is a key factor. Santa Cruz owners likely bought it for specific reasons: light duty hauling, outdoor adventures, or both. These activities add weight, increase aerodynamic drag, and engage the all-wheel drive system, which all negatively impact fuel economy. Owners who regularly tow small trailers, carry cargo in the bed, or drive on unpaved roads should anticipate seeing numbers lower than the official EPA ratings.

Treat the EPA number as a best-case scenario under ideal conditions and adjust your expectations based on your usage patterns. You can get a broader picture of SANTA MPG across all years on this site.

how it compares

The Santa Cruz occupies a unique niche, so direct comparisons are tricky, but it’s important to understand where it lands in the broader market. A similarly equipped Honda Ridgeline, another unibody pickup with standard AWD, achieves 18 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. The Ford Maverick Hybrid, while a smaller and less powerful truck, boasts a significantly better 42 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, but only offers front-wheel drive in hybrid form. Crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 AWD (27 MPG combined) or the Honda CR-V AWD (29 MPG combined) typically offer better fuel economy, but without the utility of a pickup bed.

These comparisons show the trade-offs in the Santa Cruz’s design. Buyers accept a fuel economy compromise to gain pickup truck capabilities, a decision reflected across all Hyundai fuel economy data. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, a traditional crossover or hybrid pickup might be a better fit. However, if you need the versatility of a bed and the security of AWD, the Santa Cruz offers a package, even if it’s not the most economical choice.

tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps. The 2.5L engine can be a bit thirsty when pushed hard, so avoid stomping on the gas pedal. Gradual acceleration minimizes fuel consumption, particularly in city driving where stop-and-go traffic is common. Smooth driving translates directly into better MPG.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can have a noticeable impact on fuel economy.

Lighten the load. The more weight you carry, the more fuel you’ll use. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cabin to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight. This is important if you frequently use the Santa Cruz for hauling. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, negatively impacting fuel efficiency, even with the AWD system.

Plan your routes strategically. Congested roads and frequent stops can dramatically reduce fuel economy. Whenever possible, opt for routes that minimize stop-and-go traffic and allow for consistent speeds. Using navigation apps to avoid traffic jams can make a significant difference, especially during peak hours, helping you preserve gas.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. Avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration, and let the cruise control system manage your speed efficiently. This is helpful on relatively flat stretches of highway.