Hyundai Santa Fe

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Hyundai Santa Fe appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 19 to 25 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,600 to $3,400 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average small sport utility vehicle 2wd in this dataset (about 26 MPG), the Santa Fe sits roughly 4 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Santa Fe for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $13,000 to $17,000, averaging about $15,000 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Santa Fe varies by about 6 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Santa Fe check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Santa Fe's average combined economy improved from about 21 to 24 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2020 Santa Fe has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 24 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 21 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Santa Fe at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the Santa Fe against a rival, or go back to all Hyundai models.