Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG: Fuel Efficiency, Explained

2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz parked outdoors at sunset with its LED lights illuminated.

When you need a family travel companion that can handle trailers and battle rough terrain in New Hampshire, check out the Santa Cruz MPG ratings. This dynamic pickup truck comes with a versatile open-air carrying bed. While this would normally reduce the fuel economy of an SUV, the Santa Cruz stays fuel-efficient and competitive in its marketplace, with a standard 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1

Let's see why the Hyundai Santa Cruz at McGee Hyundai of Lebanon is a standout choice!

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Santa Cruz MPG at a Glance

  • The Santa Cruz is rated by the EPA for 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
  • AWD models trade fuel efficiency for control, at 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while trims with turbocharged engines have exceptional power, with an EPA-estimated 18/25/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) rating.1
  • These metrics are all very competitive for this SUV's size bracket, rivaling similar midsize SUVs and compact trucks.
  • MPG can be affected by a myriad of factors, like tire pressure or towing a large trailer.
  • Learn more at McGee Hyundai of Lebanon!

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel-Efficient?

So, what is the Santa Cruz MPG? The Sport Adventure Vehicle actually has three official EPA ratings. The first two are for the model equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with the difference being the drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive or HTRAC All-Wheel Drive. The third rating is with the available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

  • Standard Hyundai Santa Cruz (FWD): 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz (AWD): 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz (2.5-Liter Turbo 4-Cyl, AWD): 18/25/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1

Considering that the Hyundai Santa Cruz is on the larger end – with a length of 195.7 inches and a curb weight of 3,785 pounds – this MPG rating is quite efficient. With the new Hyundai Santa Cruz, you can enjoy over 41 inches of front-row legroom, a bed volume of 27 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds2 without sacrificing as much MPG as a truck would.

Thankfully, you can always fill up with regular fuel. Any gas with an octane of 87 or higher allows the Santa Cruz to run at full strength and with optimal fuel efficiency.

Interior view of a Hyundai Santa Cruz featuring the steering wheel, digital displays, center console, and infotainment touchscreen.Hyundai Santa Cruz driving off-road on a rugged dirt trail.

Santa Cruz Fuel Efficiency Based on Trim

So, what models have those fuel efficiency numbers? The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the standard for the first three trim levels, while the turbocharged engine is reserved for the high-end XRT and the Limited. This means that depending on your trim, you have the following maximum EPA-estimated MPG rating:

  • SE: 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • SEL: 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • SEL Activity: 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • XRT: 18/25/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
  • Limited: 18/25/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity can have a very slightly reduced MPG rating if you choose AWD, trading off fuel efficiency for better control.

What Affects the Santa Cruz MPG?

  • Tire Pressure: If tires aren't at the recommended PSI, efficiency will reduce, as the engine has to physically turn the tires more.
  • Payload Capacity: Extra bed or back seat weight makes the engine work harder. Try not to carry unnecessary goods.
  • Electronic Use: Since the engine has to power functions like air conditioning and climate control, using electronics could increase your overall gas usage.
  • Driving Habits: Stop-and-start traffic also affects MPG ratings. White the Santa Cruz does come with available Stop & Go technology, try to ease off the brakes and slow gently to a stop, and try to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Does Towing Affect Santa Cruz MPG?

The final factor that may most affect your Santa Cruz MPG is towing a trailer. The Santa Cruz can tow 3,500 pounds with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged configuration.2 This is a significant amount of weight, letting you handle travel trailers, pop-up campers, and small vehicles with ease.

However, since the Santa Cruz has a base curb weight of 3,785 pounds, towing a trailer that's more than the weight of your vehicle can put a lot of pressure on the engine. If you tow anything significant, you'll likely notice your MPG ratings drop around 1% per 100 pounds you handle, so a 5,000-pound trailer could be a 25% to 50% dip.

So, when you tow, please consider:

  • Tow Mode (XRT and Limited Only): This drive mode is specialized for heavy trailers. Activate this mode to optimize your engine for heavy trailers.
  • Trailer Tires: Much like with your own vehicle's tires, if your trailer's wheels aren't properly inflated, it can put extra weight on your SAV.
  • Watch Your Speed: The speed limit is your best friend while towing a trailer. Staying at a lower speed will let your engine perform optimally.
  • Quick Weather Check: With a trailer, fighting headwinds in New Hampshire can actively impede your MPG ratings. If you take off when the winds are down, you can save a bit of gas.
Close-up of the Hyundai Santa Cruz tailgate featuring embossed lettering and XRT badging.Close-up of the illuminated rear taillight on a Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Billy Rehbock

Expert Opinion

For pickup practicality without the trucky bulk, the Santa Cruz hits a distinctive sweet spot. Think of it as an everyday SUV with a bed—not a shrunken traditional truck.

Billy Rehbock, MotorTrend

Explore Hyundai Fuel Efficiency at McGee Hyundai of Lebanon

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is fuel efficient and eco-friendly for its SUV size, making it the best of both worlds. Towing up to 5,000 pounds2 and gliding down the interstate in New Hampshire is easy with the versatile Sport Adventure Vehicle.

If you want a different family-friendly model from Hyundai, let McGee Hyundai of Lebanon be your first stop. You can compare Hyundai SUV sizes, test-drive multiple models, and learn from representatives who know these models like the back of their hands.

Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG FAQ

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel-efficient?

For a compact truck, the Santa Cruz is quite fuel-efficient. The standard FWD Santa Cruz achieves an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 which rivals gas-only SUVs. Considering how strong and capable the Santa Cruz is, you have an excellent and eco-friendly compact truck to work with.

Does the MPG vary between different 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims?

While most 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims share a 25 MPG (Combined) rating with FWD or 24 MPG (Combined) with AWD,1 the Santa Cruz XRT and Limited are a different story. These AWD-only models have a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

How does towing impact the fuel efficiency of the 2027 Santa Cruz?

When towing with the 2027 Santa Cruz, you'll notice a significant drop in MPG. That's simply because your engine is carrying more than usual and has to work slightly harder. It's not unusual for your Santa Cruz to lose 30% to 50% of MPG when towing heavy trailers.

Contact us to learn more about the Hyundai Santa Cruz!

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1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

2Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.