23 MPG combined with all-wheel drive makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L 4-cylinder a thoroughly competent family hauler for those who prioritize space, style, and capability over outright fuel miserliness. This isn’t a Santa Fe for hypermilers, nor is it targeted at those obsessively chasing the lowest possible figures. Instead, this particular Santa Fe is for buyers who understand that a spacious, three-row SUV, complete with a strong 2.5-liter engine and the grip of AWD, inherently comes with its own set of thermodynamic realities. They are the families who need the extra clearance for gravel roads to the cabin, the secure footing for winter commutes, or simply the peace of mind that comes with all four wheels driving in inclement weather. These are pragmatic buyers, often with children and active lifestyles, who see the 23 MPG as an acceptable part of the value for a vehicle that capably handles everything from school runs to cross-country road trips, all while wrapped in a distinctly modern and rugged aesthetic.

City and highway performance

The 2025 Santa Fe AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder delivers 20 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. That 20 MPG in the city reflects the inherent challenges of moving a substantial vehicle through stop-and-go traffic, the 2.5-liter engine and traditional Automatic (AM-S8) transmission, while refined, are simply working harder from a standstill. This isn’t a powertrain optimized for perpetual urban crawling, nor would its target demographic expect it to be. The 28 MPG highway figure, however, is commendable. On an open road, where the Santa Fe can settle into a steady rhythm, the 8-speed automatic allows the 2.5-liter engine to operate efficiently at lower RPMs, making it a surprisingly capable long-distance cruiser. For the family embarking on a summer road trip, the highway economy is a welcome characteristic, stretching the distance between fuel stops and keeping overall travel costs reasonable for its class.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder. This figure is a standardized calculation based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed mix of 45% highway and 55% city driving, and at national average fuel prices, which are periodically updated by the EPA. For prospective buyers, this $1,900 estimate provides a clear, comparable benchmark. It signifies that over a typical year of ownership, considering average driving habits and national fuel costs, this Santa Fe can be expected to incur this amount in fuel expenses. It’s a transparent way for consumers to factor operating costs into their budget, understanding that their personal driving habits and local fuel prices will naturally cause their actual costs to vary, but the baseline remains consistent.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder should expect their fuel economy to closely mirror the EPA’s 23 MPG combined rating, perhaps with slight variations based on individual driving styles and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips with a cold engine, or consistently driving with a heavily loaded vehicle will naturally pull figures closer to the 20 MPG city rating. Conversely, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration, maintain consistent highway speeds, and avoid excessive idling will often find themselves trending towards the 28 MPG highway figure and can even exceed the combined average. The 2.5L engine, while not a powerhouse, provides sufficient motivation for daily tasks and highway passing, and its performance doesn’t necessitate constant flogging, which contributes to its ability to meet EPA estimates. This isn’t a vehicle that often disappoints in terms of real-world consumption because its capabilities align well with its stated efficiency.

How it compares

Comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD 2.5L 4-cylinder to its rivals reveals its competitive, if not leading, position in the segment. The Honda Pilot AWD, for instance, typically achieves around 22 MPG combined (19 City / 24 Highway), putting the Santa Fe slightly ahead, particularly on the highway. The Toyota Grand Highlander AWD with its 2.4L turbo engine sees figures closer to 20 or 21 MPG combined. The Kia Sorento AWD with its 2.5L turbo, a close platform sibling, also hovers around 22 MPG combined. Even the more compact, yet still three-row capable, Mazda CX-90 2.5 Turbo AWD achieves a similar 24 MPG combined (23 City / 28 Highway) with its inline-six engine, though often at a higher price point. Buyers choosing the Santa Fe want a blend of design, feature content, and capable AWD performance, where a 23 MPG combined figure is acceptable when weighed against alternatives that offer only marginal gains at a potentially greater cost or with less appealing packaging. For all Hyundai fuel economy data, our site has extensive records, and for specifics on the Santa Fe, check out the SANTA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent speeds on the highway is crucial for optimizing the Santa Fe’s fuel economy. Using cruise control on flat stretches helps prevent unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, allowing the 8-speed automatic transmission to keep the 2.5L engine in its most efficient operating range.

Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, directly impacts the Santa Fe’s efficiency. A well-tuned engine operates more smoothly and consumes less fuel, ensuring you get the most out of every gallon.

Checking tire pressure monthly is a simple yet effective way to improve fuel economy. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work less to move the vehicle, translating to better MPG and safer driving.

Avoiding aggressive acceleration and hard braking in city driving can significantly improve the 20 MPG city rating. Smooth inputs to the accelerator and brake allow the powertrain to operate more efficiently, minimizing wasted energy.

For those frequently driving in areas with varied terrain, using the Santa Fe’s drive modes judiciously can help. While Eco mode will prioritize efficiency, even Normal mode encourages a gentler throttle response compared to Sport mode, which can be useful when not needing peak power.