Hyundai Santa Fe FWD
24 MPG The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2015–2026 run it averages 23.3 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 12 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 | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2600 | 374 | 1 |
| 2025 | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2600 | 376 | 1 |
| 2024 | 24 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2600 | 377 | 1 |
| 2023 | 25.5 MPG | 23.5 | 28 | $2450 | 355 | 2 |
| 2022 | 25.5 MPG | 23.5 | 28 | $2450 | 355 | 2 |
| 2021 | 25.5 MPG | 23.5 | 28 | $2450 | 355 | 2 |
| 2020 | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $2600 | 381 | 2 |
| 2019 | 23.5 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2675 | 385 | 2 |
| 2018 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2950 | 427 | 1 |
| 2017 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2950 | 427 | 1 |
| 2016 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2950 | 432 | 1 |
| 2015 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $2950 | 432 | 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 Fe FWD ranks 56 on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Sorento FWD (24.5), Toyota Highlander (24.5), Jeep Cherokee FWD (24.7), Alfa Romeo Stelvio (25), BMW X3 sDrive30i (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 374 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD get?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 29 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 23.3 MPG, ranging from 21 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Hyundai Santa Fe FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2600.
Has the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 2015 to 24 in 2026 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 14% across 12 model years.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 56 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.8 MPG. That is 10.8 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.