The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid gets 33 MPG combined, which shows the main purpose of this practical SUV for families. It’s a fuel-conscious choice for buyers wanting to minimize their impact on the lowered fuel costs and reduce trips to the gas station without giving up space and comfort, not a high-performance vehicle with fast acceleration.

City and highway performance

The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid gets a consistent 33 MPG in both city and highway driving. Many hybrids see a significant drop in MPG on the highway because they rely less on electric power at higher speeds, so this is important. The Santa Fe’s consistent performance indicates a hybrid system that manages the 1.6L 4-cylinder engine and the electric motor effectively in different driving conditions. It’s especially good for families who split their time between suburban commutes and longer road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid will cost $1,350 in fuel each year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Potential owners can use this as a benchmark to estimate their own fuel expenses, but remember that individual driving habits and local fuel costs will change the final number. This is an important thing for buyers on a budget who care about long-term ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are helpful, but real-world MPG can change based on outside factors. Fuel economy will suffer if you drive aggressively, accelerate hard often, and carry heavy loads. However, if you accelerate gently, keep a consistent speed, and the regenerative braking system, you can meet or beat the EPA estimates. Drivers who primarily take short trips and regularly charge the battery can lower their gasoline use and fuel costs because the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid can travel a good distance on electric-only power. Think about your driving habits and daily charging capacity when you decide if this vehicle is right for you.

How it compares

The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid does well in comparison to other plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class. The non-hybrid Santa Fe with the standard 2.5L engine gets around 25 MPG combined, showing the fuel savings you get with the plug-in hybrid model. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a popular competitor with a longer electric-only range and a slightly better combined MPG in hybrid mode (around 38 MPG). The RAV4 Prime can be harder to find and is often more expensive. All Hyundai fuel economy data shows that the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is one of the most efficient SUVs in the brand’s lineup, but other hybrids like the Elantra Hybrid have even higher numbers. To see how the fuel economy has improved, compare SANTA MPG across all years. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is different, with its emphasis on all-wheel drive and a tough look, and its fuel economy is similar to the Santa Fe PHEV when you include electric range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Always make the most of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s electric-only range. If you charge regularly, even for short times, you can greatly reduce how much you need gasoline, especially for daily commutes and errands. To adjust the powertrain’s performance to what you want, use the driving modes available, mainly Eco and EV. Eco mode improves fuel efficiency by making the throttle less responsive and changing climate control settings, and EV mode uses only electric power until the battery runs out.

Drive and brake gently because aggressive driving uses more energy. If you accelerate gradually, the electric motor will help effectively, and smooth braking lets the regenerative braking system capture energy and recharge the battery. Watch the power flow display on the infotainment screen to understand how the hybrid system works and change how you drive.

Make sure your tires are inflated properly because under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level. This simple maintenance can affect your vehicle’s efficiency.

Keep extra weight out of the vehicle. If you carry extra cargo, like sports equipment or tools, the engine and electric motor have to work harder, which uses more fuel. Remove anything you don’t need to improve your MPG.