23 MPG combined is what you’ll get for the unique capabilities of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD with the 2.5L 4-cylinder. This compact “Sport Adventure Vehicle” isn’t trying to maximize fuel economy; it’s designed those who value its truck-like bed and car-like maneuverability over ultimate efficiency. They accept the fuel economy trade-off to secure a vehicle that can haul mulch one day and serve as a comfortable daily driver the next.

City and highway performance

The Santa Cruz’s EPA ratings break down to 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving most owners will experience and the engine’s responsiveness in urban environments. The highway number is decent, suggesting the Santa Cruz can achieve reasonable fuel economy on longer trips, but it won’t be setting any records. Achieving the 26 MPG highway figure requires a gentle foot and avoiding excessive speeds, two areas where the Santa Cruz encourages restraint. The 8-speed automatic transmission plays a critical role, optimizing engine speed for both performance and efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD 2.5L at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual expenses will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel costs, and the grade of gasoline used. However, $1,900 provides a benchmark to consider when budgeting for vehicle ownership. Owners covering significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually will see a corresponding change in their real-world fuel expenditure.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy depends greatly on individual driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Expect to see figures closer to the 22 MPG city rating if your driving is primarily urban with lots of stoplights. During long highway journeys, maintaining a consistent speed and using cruise control can help to approach or even exceed the 26 MPG figure. The Santa Cruz’s utility also impacts fuel economy. Consistently hauling cargo in the bed will reduce MPG, as will towing a trailer, even a small one.

How it compares

Compared to other compact trucks and SUVs, the Santa Cruz’s fuel economy is average. The Ford Maverick Hybrid, for instance, achieves a substantially higher 37 MPG combined. However, that comes with the compromises inherent in a hybrid powertrain and a different overall driving experience. The Honda Ridgeline, another truck with car-like qualities, manages around 21 MPG combined in its AWD configuration, making the Santa Cruz a slightly more efficient option. Even other compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 (around 30 MPG combined for the non-hybrid models) demonstrate a clear advantage. Buyers drawn to the Santa Cruz typically prioritize its unique combination of truck bed utility and car-like handling over maximizing fuel efficiency. Comparing SANTA MPG across all years to segment rivals confirms the relative position.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Santa Cruz. The 2.5L engine is responsive, but pressing the accelerator harder than necessary wastes fuel. Avoid quick starts and try to anticipate traffic flow to maintain a smoother, more consistent speed.

Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, has a noticeable impact on fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule ensures the engine is running at its best.

Minimize the weight you’re carrying. The Santa Cruz’s utility is one of its key selling points, but hauling unnecessary cargo hurts fuel economy. Remove any items from the bed or cabin when they aren’t needed to reduce the load on the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and braking, both of which consume extra fuel. Using cruise control on long stretches of highway lets the Santa Cruz maintain optimal efficiency.

Consider using the vehicle’s Eco mode if equipped. Eco mode typically adjusts engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. The impact may be subtle, but any small improvement can add up over time. Checking all Hyundai fuel economy data reveals how much variation exists within each model line.