Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD
25 MPG The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2022–2026 run it averages 23.8 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 356 | 1 |
| 2025 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 356 | 1 |
| 2024 | 23 MPG | 22 | 26 | $2700 | 381 | 1 |
| 2023 | 23 MPG | 22 | 26 | $2700 | 381 | 1 |
| 2022 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26 | $2700 | 385 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD ranks 45 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Envision FWD (26), Cadillac XT4 FWD (26), GMC Terrain FWD (26), Infiniti QX50 (26), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2WD (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 356 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD get?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 30 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 23.8 MPG, ranging from 23 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2500.
Has the Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23 MPG in 2022 to 25 in 2026 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 9% across 5 model years.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 45 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 9.8 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.