The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine gets an EPA estimated 24 MPG combined. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient, it’s a reasonable choice for buyers who value space, safety, and all-weather capability over saving on gas. This Santa Fe is designed for suburban families who require a practical and reliable vehicle for school, errands, and weekend trips without excessive cost.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the Santa Fe AWD 2.5L are 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The 21 MPG city rating reflects frequent stops and starts. The 28 MPG highway rating is more easily achieved on long trips at consistent speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) helps optimize fuel economy by shifting smoothly and keeping the engine in its most efficient range. All-wheel drive adds weight, which impacts fuel consumption, but many buyers in colder areas find it worthwhile for better traction in winter.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L at $1,800. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Note that this is an estimate, and your fuel costs can vary based on driving habits, fuel type, and local prices. Aggressive driving, idling, and using premium fuel when it’s not needed will increase expenses.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving style, terrain, and weather all play a role. Expect slightly lower figures than the EPA estimates if you often drive in the city or in hilly areas. However, long highway trips could result in better mileage if traffic is minimal and you drive conservatively. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires inflated and replacing the engine air filter, helps ensure good fuel efficiency.

Owner forums and online reviews for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe provide more information about the experiences of other drivers.

How it compares

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L is competitive in terms of fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4 AWD achieves about 30 MPG combined in its non-hybrid version. The RAV4 Hybrid gets significantly better mileage, in the high 30s or low 40s, depending on the model. The Honda CR-V AWD performs somewhat better than the Santa Fe, reaching about 27 MPG combined. A Subaru Forester, with its standard all-wheel drive, often gets around 29 MPG on the highway. The choice between these vehicles depends on factors beyond fuel economy, such as features, space, reliability, and price.

Consumers interested in purchasing a Santa Fe should also look to learn more about SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking can significantly improve fuel economy. Avoid sudden acceleration, and anticipate stops to avoid hard braking. The 2.5L engine responds well without excessive throttle. Driving smoothly helps save fuel and reduces wear.

Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Check pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes. The correct pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle. Extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need, such as sporting equipment or tools. While the Santa Fe has much cargo space, be mindful of added weight.

Avoid idling. Idling wastes fuel without covering distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly. This is an easy way for Hyundai owners to save money.

Plan trips carefully. Combine errands to minimize cold starts, which consume more fuel. Avoid driving during peak traffic, which significantly reduces fuel economy. Navigation apps can find efficient routes to help save fuel.

You can also find all Hyundai fuel economy data on our website.