Named the "Best Hybrid of 2026" by The Drive,3 there are countless reasons to love the three-row Santa Fe Hybrid; MPG just happens to be one we're discussing here. Our customers here at Findlay Hyundai Prescott often ask, "How many miles per gallon does the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid get?" So, we thought it might be helpful to dedicate an entire webpage to the topic. We're answering everything from "What is the Santa Fe Hybrid gas tank size?" to "How does the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 0-60 time affect gas mileage?" Let's go!
First, let's look at front- vs. all-wheel drive. FWD models notoriously have higher fuel economy ratings than their AWD counterparts, and this holds true for our Santa Fe Hybrid inventory.
Regardless of whether you select standard FWD or available HTRAC AWD, your Santa Fe Hybrid will come with the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 44.2-kW motor, 270-volt lithium-ion battery, and 17.7-gallon tank. Together, this hybrid setup puts you in command of 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. So, what causes the difference in MPG ratings between FWD and AWD variants? Curb weight and power delivery to all four wheels, mainly.
| SANTA FE Hybrid FWD | SANTA FE Hybrid AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 4,431 lbs | 4,575 lbs |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 37 / 36 / 362 | 35 / 34 / 342 |
You'll also notice that the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid MPG is better in the city than on highways, which may seem counterintuitive – until you remember that hybrids have two advantages in stop-and-go city traffic. First, Santa Fe Hybrid MPG is preserved because its 44.2-kW electric motor does the heavy lifting at lower speeds. Second, this SUV gains electric battery charge whenever you brake.
| SANTA FE Hybrid (Cty) | SANTA FE Hybrid (Hwy) | |
|---|---|---|
| FWD EPA-Est. MPG | 37 MPG1 | 36 MPG1 |
| AWD EPA-Est. MPG | 35 MPG1 | 34 MPG1 |
| FWD EPA-Est. Range | 655 mi2 | 637 mi2 |
| AWD EPA-Est. Range | 620 mi2 | 602 mi2 |
Whether you're driving a Santa Fe Hybrid with front- or all-wheel drive, you'll likely be taking it on the highway to visit friends, commute to work, or enjoy a relaxing vacation. This Hyundai SUV is perfect for long travels with its 44.4 inches of front legroom and driver lumbar support, but it also has a total highway driving range of at least 602 miles,3 as seen in the chart above. That's enough power for a round trip from Prescott, AZ, to Las Vegas, NV!
Want to maximize your Santa Fe Hybrid's highway gas mileage? Make sure your tires are filled to their proper pressures, and try to accelerate and brake more gently. Driving conditions and weather can also affect your SUV's fuel economy, so if you plan to explore an extremely hot or cold location, your MPG may decrease slightly.
Did you know that most EPA estimates are based on a five-cycle test that includes high-speed driving of up to 80 mph and several climbs from zero to 60? This means you can shop for a value-packed three-row model knowing that the Santa Fe Hybrid MPG ratings account for speeds of 70 mph and above. According to Car and Driver testing using a 2024 iteration, you can also expect a Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 0-60 time of around 7.8 seconds,4 – not the fastest three-row on the market, but certainly one of the most efficient.
EPA estimates aren't meant to be exact. Rather, they're a guide to provide reasonable expectations for individual models. If you load down any of our new Hyundai vehicles with heavy cargo, your actual gas mileage will likely be lower. However, as you'll see below, actual results can also be higher.
| AWD MPG (Comb) | Hybrid Range | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 EPA-Est. Ratings | 341 | 602 mi2 |
| 2026 Edmunds Testing | 26.75 | 473 mi2,5 |
| 2026 Consumer Reports Testing | 346 | 602 mi2,6 |
| 2025 AutoWeb Testing | 377 | 655 mi2,7 |
| 2025 Individual Owner Reports (Reddit) | 30 - 378 | 531 - 655 mi2,8 |
We're not surprised that families are turning to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe – MPG excellence is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what this three-row SUV has to offer. Plus, with our Hyundai finance and lease specials, securing one of these already affordable models becomes even sweeter. If you've been scouring auto sites for an efficient three-row sport-ute, a new Santa Fe Hybrid from Findlay Hyundai Prescott could be your answer.
Actual fuel economy can vary from EPA estimates for various reasons, such as heavy cargo loads, driving habits, weather conditions, and other factors. EPA estimates are meant to be guides for what you might expect from individual models under the same baseline conditions. This puts different makes and models on an even playing field, helping drivers make informed automotive decisions.
Yes, AWD often decreases fuel efficiency, as these models tend to be heavier and have to supply power to all four wheels simultaneously in an effort to maximize traction, stability, and control. That being said, differences in FWD vs. AWD MPG ratings for the Santa Fe Hybrid are relatively minor, so we suggest choosing whichever drivetrain you're more comfortable with.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, people who engage in aggressive driving, which includes speeding, quick acceleration, and hard braking, can lower their gas mileage by 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Bumpy or slick terrain can also use more fuel than smooth roadways because your wheels will need to fight for traction.
12/19/2024
We purchased a new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid this week! Findlay Prescott could not have been more accommodating. Zac S. was so patient and helpful in his teaching about the vehicle and the sales manager, James, was quick and provided explanations regarding possible purchases. There was no pressure regarding our purchase and I would highly recommend this dealership. We live in North Peoria, AZ. and extra miles to Prescott were worth it!
1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
2EPA estimate. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-santa-fe-named-best-hybrid-of-2026-by-the-drive-302680140.html
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/santa-fe-hybrid
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/santa-fe/2026/hybrid/
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-fe-hybrid/2026/road-test-report/
1315 Auto Park Drive
Prescott, AZ 86305
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