Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG: Fuel Efficiency Explained

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG values are built for driving freedom. Thanks to its impressive fuel economy, you can travel farther and wider between fill-ups. This sport adventure vehicle combines strength and capability with efficiency and innovation. Learn more in our guide below, and when you're ready for an in-person look, visit McGee Hyundai of Lebanon.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG Summary
- The Santa Cruz earns up to an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- MPG can depend on the trim, engine, and drivetrain of this sport adventure vehicle
- Five trims, two engines, and two drivetrains are offered in the 2025 Santa Cruz
- Various elements can affect fuel economy ratings, including idling and towing

Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG Values: What To Expect
The 2025 Santa Cruz embodies the same go-anywhere attitude that you do. One way it achieves this is through the highly impressive Hyundai Santa Cruz gas mileage. Its MPG figures depend on several factors, including the drivetrain, engine, and trim level.
Santa Cruz variants with FWD are the most fuel-friendly since this system has a simpler design and is lighter than AWD. Although your Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD MPG may be less efficient, it offers road-gripping traction and improved handling, giving you precise control over your vehicle's performance.
Two engine options are offered for the 2025 Santa Cruz, including the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque and its turbocharged alternative; this unit churns out 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The standard engine works with an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC, and the available unit is equipped with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Both can be had with FWD and AWD, depending on the trim.
Let's take a look at the full lineup of 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz mileage ratings.
With the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you can anticipate the following:
- SE, SEL, SEL Activity with FWD: EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- SE, SEL, SEL Activity with AWD: EPA-estimated 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
When equipped with the available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, MPG estimations are as follows:
- XRT with AWD: EPA-estimated 18/26/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- Limited with AWD: EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
Fuel Capacity & Recommended Octane Rating
The 2025 Santa Cruz may have a big personality with performance to match, but it doesn't cost you big at the pump. The Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel capacity is 17.7 gallons throughout the entire lineup. This sport adventure vehicle operates with a gasoline direct and multiport injection system.
Hyundai automakers also keep things simple by conveniently designing the model to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This is typically the least expensive fuel when you fill up at the gas station.

What Can Affect the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG?
As with all vehicles, there are some factors that can impact fuel economy. Here are the most common:
- Speeding
- Hard braking
- Idling
- Excessive air conditioning use
- Underinflated tires
To ensure your vehicle continues to produce the impressive 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG values you deserve, keep the above items in mind and stay updated on its routine care. We can assist you at our on-site Hyundai service center.
Towing & Payload
Did you know extra cargo weight can also influence fuel economy? The new Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale is sporty and designed for the spontaneous, backed by robust towing and payload capacities. Here's what the five trims offer:
- SE, SEL, and SEL Activity: Up to 3,500 pounds of towing2 and 1,411 pounds of payload
- XRT and Limited: Up to 5,000 pounds of towing2 and 1,411 pounds of payload
A dip in Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel economy while hauling cargo is normal. This is because the extra cargo weight requires your vehicle to exert more energy, resulting in increased fuel consumption. If you have questions about what MPG values to plan for while towing or transporting items in the bed, call our specialists or refer to your Hyundai Santa Cruz owner's manual.
Experience the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Today
With the impressive 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG figures, your sport adventure vehicle is ready for action. Browse our Hyundai Santa Cruz lease deals and finance specials to see how you could save at McGee Hyundai of Lebanon today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel-efficient?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a sport adventure vehicle that balances attractive fuel economy with ample power. It earns up to an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the standard engine and a maximum EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the available engine. Contact our team to learn more.
Does the MPG vary between different 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims?
The MPG numbers for the new 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vary depending on the trim, engine, and drivetrain. However, the Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel tank capacity is 17.7 gallons across the board. At its maximum, this sport adventure vehicle renders an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 Since many factors contribute to fuel efficiency, reach out for exact ratings for your ideal Santa Cruz configuration.
How does towing impact the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Santa Cruz?
Towing increases the overall weight of the 2025 Santa Cruz. Since this requires the engine to work harder to maintain performance, higher fuel consumption can be expected. Typically, this won't result in an extreme loss of fuel economy, but it is still important to note. Get the specifics about how towing and fuel efficiency influence each other at McGee Hyundai of Lebanon.
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.