Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Santa Cruz trails their 26.3 mpg average by 1.3 mpg, about $76 a year.
Every Hyundai Santa Cruz engine, compared
The Hyundai Santa Cruz was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 21.4 / 27.4 | 2022–2026 | $1,613 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$76 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,620 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz gives up 8 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 22 in the city, $465 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (36%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Santa Cruz changed over the years
The Santa Cruz peaked in 2026 at 25 mpg (22 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2024 at 23 — 2 mpg apart, or $134 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2025 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2024 | 21 / 25 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2023 | 21 / 25 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2022 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Hyundai Santa Cruz — 1 engine across 2022–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,620. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz get?
25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2022 the Santa Cruz has averaged 23.8 mpg.
Is the 2026 Santa Cruz more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 25 against 25 mpg combined.
Which Santa Cruz year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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