The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L gets 22 MPG combined, revealing it is more fuel-efficient than a traditional pickup truck, but uses more gas than a compact crossover. This figure is what you can expect for a versatile vehicle that blends truck utility with car comfort and maneuverability. Buyers value the Santa Cruz’s bed, secure storage, and available all-wheel drive over fuel savings, understanding trade-offs are part of the package.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic where the Santa Cruz’s weight and all-wheel-drive system work against it. The highway figure is more respectable, showing the eight-speed automatic transmission’s ability to cruise efficiently at higher speeds. This difference makes the Santa Cruz more economical for long-distance travel than urban commutes. Aggressive driving and frequent acceleration will reduce both numbers. Those who are interested in comparing these numbers against all Hyundai fuel economy data can follow that link.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD 2.5L at exactly $2,000. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, location (due to regional fuel price differences), and the actual number of miles driven. Drivers exceeding 15,000 miles annually should expect to pay more, while those driving less will pay less. Premium fuel is not required, which helps keep costs down.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, actual fuel economy often differs. Santa Cruz owners who regularly use the truck bed for hauling or frequently engage the all-wheel-drive system in bad weather often report numbers slightly below the EPA estimates. Drivers who primarily use the Santa Cruz for commuting and light errands, using a gentler driving style, may see numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA ratings.

Terrain also plays a role. Mountainous regions will negatively impact fuel economy compared to flatter areas. Monitoring the trip computer and fuel consumption patterns is the best way to understand how your Santa Cruz performs.

How it compares

The Santa Cruz exists in a niche, making direct comparisons difficult. The Ford Maverick Hybrid gets a significantly better 37 MPG combined. However, the Maverick Hybrid is front-wheel drive only and has payload and towing limits compared to the Santa Cruz. A comparable Maverick AWD 2.0L EcoBoost manages 25 MPG combined. Traditional mid-size trucks like the Toyota Tacoma are less fuel-efficient. The Tacoma’s 4×4 models typically achieve around 20 MPG combined with the V6 engine. Even smaller SUVs, like a Honda CR-V AWD, get better fuel economy at an EPA-rated 30 MPG combined, but you lose the pickup bed and overall utility that the Santa Cruz provides. For those specifically interested in SANTA MPG across all years, there are resources available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 2.5L engine in the Santa Cruz responds best to a smooth and steady driving style. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a safe following distance, and let the vehicle coast when possible. This is important in city driving where constant stop-and-go affects fuel consumption.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, and inflate to the pressure listed on the tire placard, usually on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the truck bed. Carrying extra cargo adds strain on the engine, reducing efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from the bed and cab to improve fuel economy, especially before long trips.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes changes in fuel consumption. Cruise control helps maintain a steady pace, optimizing fuel efficiency during highway driving if traffic allows.

Think about limiting the use of all-wheel drive in good conditions. The Santa Cruz’s AWD system engages automatically when needed, but in dry, paved conditions, it’s not always necessary. If your driving habits and conditions allow, consider options for disabling or reducing AWD engagement if available to possibly conserve fuel.