The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine gets 22 MPG combined. That number won’t win any hypermiling contests, nor will it impress those prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else. The Santa Fe XRT isn’t about chasing Prius-like numbers; it’s about capability, reliable styling, and offering all-wheel drive in a package that doesn’t break the bank. This is a vehicle for active lifestyles, for weekend adventures that might involve light off-roading, and for those who value a bolder aesthetic. Buyers accept the Santa Fe XRT’s fuel economy rating because they are prioritizing other aspects of the vehicle and its mission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT achieves 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the 2.5L engine and eight-speed automatic transmission work harder to accelerate the heavier AWD Santa Fe.

The highway number is more respectable, thanks to the transmission’s ability to settle into higher gears and the engine’s relatively relaxed state at cruising speeds. However, bear in mind that aggressively using the all-wheel drive system during inclement weather can noticeably impact both the city and highway numbers, as can consistently driving at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD XRT to be $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the Santa Fe XRT to other vehicles in its class, allowing potential buyers to factor fuel costs into their overall ownership budget.

Remember that your actual expenses may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and prevailing fuel prices. You can access all Hyundai fuel economy data on this website.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, your real-world MPG figures for the Santa Fe XRT will depend on a variety of factors. Driving style is a major influencer. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and high speeds will all decrease fuel economy.

Terrain also plays a significant role; hilly or mountainous areas will demand more from the engine, leading to lower MPG. And the use of accessories like air conditioning and the carrying of heavy loads can also negatively impact fuel consumption. Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and practice mindful driving habits can likely approach the EPA estimates, while those with more aggressive driving styles might see figures below the official ratings. To see SANTA MPG across all years, visit our model page.

How it compares

The Santa Fe AWD XRT lands in a competitive segment. Consider the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which achieves 28 MPG combined, a significant advantage. The Subaru Forester Wilderness, another popular choice for those seeking off-pavement capability, manages 26 MPG combined. Even the Honda CR-V AWD can frequently achieve closer to 30 MPG in combined driving.

For some buyers, these MPG differences are negligible compared to the styling and feature set of the Santa Fe XRT. For others, the fuel savings could be a deciding factor. In that case, looking at a more fuel-efficient trim of the Santa Fe or a competitor may be warranted.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be gentle with the throttle. The 2.5L engine delivers adequate power, but it doesn’t need to be pushed hard to maintain speed. Avoiding aggressive acceleration will significantly improve fuel economy, particularly in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing MPG. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended level, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Minimize idling. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, consider turning off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let the engine run unnecessarily.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo adds weight to the vehicle, which in turn reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and cargo area to minimize the load on the engine. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time driving in the city, where every pound counts.