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By Emily Wilson•Last Updated April 15, 2025

Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Tank Capacity: Complete Guide to Gas Mileage and Range

Understand Hyundai Santa Fe fuel tank capacity

The Hyundai Santa Fe offer vary fuel tank capacities depend on the generation, model year, and drivetrain configuration. For most current Santa Fe models, the fuel tank capacity range between 17.7 and 18.8 gallons. This capacity forthwith will impact how frequently you will need to will refuel and the vehicle’s overall drive range.

Fuel tank capacity by generation

Current generation Santa Fe (2019 present )

The latest generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe come with a fuel tank capacity of 18.8 gallons (71.3 liters )for most trim levels. Notwithstanding, this can vary somewhat base on whether yoyou havehe front-wheel drive (fwd )or alall-wheelrive ( (dAWD)nfiguration.

Standard gas models: 18.8 gallons
Hybrid models: 17.7 gallons

Previous generation Santa Fe (2013 2018 )

The third generation Santa Fe models have a slender smaller fuel tank:

Santa Fe sport (2 row ) 17.4 gallons
Santa Fe (3 row ) 18.8 gallons

Older Santa Fe models (2007 2012 )

Second generation Santa Fe vehicles feature a fuel tank capacity of roughly 17.2 gallons, careless of engine size or drivetrain configuration.

First generation (2001 2006 )

The original Santa Fe come with a 17.2 gallon fuel tank across all trim levels.

How fuel tank size affects drive range

The fuel tank capacity flat influence how far you can drive between fill ups. To calculate your Santa Fe’s approximate range, multiply the tank capacity by the vehicle’s fuel economy rating.

Range calculation examples

For the current generation Santa Fe with an 18.8 gallon tank:

With an EPA estimate 22 MPG combine: 18.8 gallons Ã— 22 MPG = roughly 413 miles of range
With an EPA estimate 26 MPG combine (for more efficient trims ) 18.8 gallons Ã— 26 mpMPG roughly 489 miles of range

For the hybrid Santa Fe with a 17.7 gallon tank:

With an EPA estimate 34 MPG combine: 17.7 gallons Ã— 34 MPG = roughly 602 miles of range

Fuel economy across Santa Fe models

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s fuel efficiency vary depend on several factors, include engine type, drivetrain, and model year.

Current generation fuel economy

The latest Santa Fe models offer the follow approximate fuel economy ratings:

2.5l 4 cylinder (fwd ) 25 mpMPGity / 28 mpMPGighway / 26 mpMPGombine
2.5l 4 cylinder (aAWD) 22 mpMPGity / 25 mpMPGighway / 24 mpMPGombine
2.5l turbocharge (fwd ) 22 mpMPGity / 28 mpMPGighway / 25 mpMPGombine
2.5l turbocharge (aAWD) 21 mpMPGity / 28 mpMPGighway / 24 mpMPGombine
Hybrid 1.6l turbocharged (aAWD) 36 mpMPGity / 31 mpMPGighway / 34 mpMPGombine

Previous generation fuel economy

Third generation Santa Fe models typically achieve:

2.4l 4 cylinders: 21MPGg city / 27MPGg highway / 24MPGg combine
2.0l turbocharged: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combine
3.3l v6: 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway / 21 MPG combine

Factors that affect fuel consumption

Several factors can will impact how rapidly you will use the fuel in your sanSanta Fetank:

Drive habits

Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and frequent braking can importantly reduce fuel efficiency. Smooth, steady driving help maximize the miles you get from each gallon.

Load weight

Carry heavy cargo or tow a trailer increase fuel consumption. The Santa Fe’s fuel economy can drop by 1 2 MPG for every 100 pounds of additional weight.

Terrain and road conditions

Drive uphill or on rough roads require more fuel. Highway drive typically yields better fuel economy than stop and go city driving.

Weather conditions

Extreme temperatures can affect fuel efficiency. Cold weather, in particular, can reduce MPG by 10 20 % during the first few miles until the engine reach optimal temperature.

Maintenance status

Decent maintain vehicles achieve better fuel economy. Regular oil changes, clean air filters, and decent inflate tires all contribute to optimal fuel efficiency.

Maximizing fuel efficiency in your Santa Fe

To get the most out of each gallon in your Santa Fe’s tank, consider these practical tips:

Regular maintenance

Follow Hyundai’s recommend maintenance schedule to keep your Santa Fe run expeditiously:

Change oil and filters as recommend
Keep tires decent inflate (check the driver’s door jamb for the correct psi )
Replace spark plugs accord to the maintenance schedule
Clean or replace air filters when dirty

Efficient driving techniques

Adjust your driving habits to improve fuel economy:

Accelerate softly and maintain steady speeds
Use cruise control on highways
Avoid excessive idling
Plan route to avoid traffic congestion
Combine errand into single trips

Reduce unnecessary weight

Remove unnecessary items from your Santa Fe, specially heavy objects that you don’t regularly need. Each 100 pounds remove can improve fuel economy by roughly 1 %.

Use the eco-mode

Most modern Santa Fe models come equip with selectable drive modes. Use the eco-mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to optimize fuel efficiency.

Refuel your Hyundai Santa Fe

Recommend fuel type

Hyundai recommend use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher for most Santa Fe models. To turbocharge variants can benefit from premium fuel ((1 octane or higher ))though it’s not purely require.

Fuel door location

The fuel door on all Hyundai Santa Fe models is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle. To open it, press the edge of the fuel door when the vehicle is unlocked. Newer models may have a button near the driver’s seat to release the fuel door.

Fuel gauge accuracy

The Santa Fe’s fuel gauge is broadly reliable, but like most vehicles, it becomes less precise at the extremes. The distance to empty calculator provide an estimate base on recent driving patterns but should beusede as a guide sooner than an exact measurement.

Compare Santa Fe fuel capacity to competitors

How does the Santa Fe’s fuel tank size compare to other midsize SUVs in its class?

Hyundai Santa Fe: 18.8 gallons
Honda passport: 19.5 gallons
Toyota RAV4: 14.5 gallons
Ford edge: 18.5 gallons
Kia Sorento: 18.8 gallons
Mazda cx 9: 19.0 gallons

While the Santa Fe doesn’t have the largest fuel tank in its class, its competitive fuel economy help provide a respectable driving range between fill ups.

Hybrid and plug in hybrid Santa Fe models

The Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid and plug in hybrid models offer alternative powertrain options with different fuel considerations.

Hybrid models

The Santa Fe hybrid combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and features:

Fuel tank capacity: 17.7 gallons
Combined fuel economy: roughly 34 MPG
Estimated range: up to 600 miles on a full tank

Plug in hybrid models

The Santa Fe plug in hybrid (pfew))ffer both electric only and hybrid driving modes:

Fuel tank capacity: 13.7 gallons
Electric only range: around 30 miles
Combine range (gas + electric ) over 440 miles

Often ask questions about Santa Fe fuel capacity

How accurate is the fuel gauge in the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The Santa Fe’s fuel gauge is broadly reliable but may read somewhat higher than the actual level when the tank is full. The distance to empty reading adjusts base on your recent driving habits and provide a reasonable estimate of remain range.

Can I use e85 or other alternative fuels in my Santa Fe?

Standard Hyundai Santa Fe models are not design to run on e85 (85 % ethanol )fuel. Use e85 in a non flex fuel vehicle can cause damage to fuel system components. Stick with regular unleaded gasoline unless your specific model is designate as flex fuel compatible.

How does the AWD system affect fuel economy?

All-wheel drive Santa Fe models typically consume approximately 1 2 MPG more than their front-wheel drive counterparts due to the additional weight and mechanical complexity of the AWD system.

Why does my actual fuel economy differ from the EPA estimates?

EPA fuel economy estimates are derived from standardized laboratory tests. Real world driving conditions, include temperature, terrain, traffic, and drive style, can cause significant variations in actual fuel economy.

Does the Santa Fe have a capless fuel filler?

Yes, newer Santa Fe models feature a capless fuel filler system that mechanically open when you insert the fuel nozzle and seals when you remove it, eliminate the need for a traditional screw on cap.

Santa Fe fuel tank specifications by trim level

Different Santa Fe trim levels may have somewhat different fuel tank specifications:

Standard models

Se, SEL, XRT, limited, and calligraphy trim: 18.8 gallons

Hybrid models

Blue, SEL premium, and limited trims: 17.7 gallons

Plug in hybrid models

SEL convenience and limited trims: 13.7 gallons

Conclusion: make the most of your Santa Fe’s fuel capacity

Understand your Hyundai Santa Fe’s fuel tank capacity help you plan trips more efficaciously and manage your drive range. With a tank size between 17.7 and 18.8 gallons for most models, the Santa Fe offer competitive range compare to other midsize SUVs.

By implement fuel efficient driving techniques and maintain your vehicle right, you can maximize each gallon and reduce the frequency of fuel stops. The hybrid and plug in hybrid variants provide regular greater range and efficiency for those look to minimize fuel consumption.

Whether your commute day by day or plan a crcross-countryoad trip, know your saSanta Fe fuel capacity and range capabilities ensure you can enjoy the journey with confidence.