- Newest year: 2006
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
- Same as 2005
2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG & Fuel Cost
6 model years · 17–21 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 7 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2006. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance
The 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe covers 6 model years in the EPA database (32 configurations in all), rated 17–21 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2006, costs about $3,270 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD (20 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2002, 2003 and 2005; 2004 and 2006 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 21 MPG, was reached in 2001.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Gas | 17–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,840 | Same EPA ratings as 2005 |
| 2005 | Gas | 17–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,840 | Ratings changed |
| 2004 | Gas | 17–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,840 | Same EPA ratings as 2003 |
| 2003 | Gas | 17–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,840 | Ratings changed |
| 2002 | Gas | 18–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,630 | Ratings changed |
| 2001 | Gas | 18–21 MPG | $3,110–$3,630 | First year |
What the 2006 Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$273
$3,270 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$5.45
Per 100 miles
$21.80
Five years
$16,350
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$810less a year
Class median $4,080 a year, MY2006
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe as for the 2005 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2005 section above.See 2005
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,840 |
2005 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
17–20 MPG · $3,270–$3,840/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration stays at 20 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,270.
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,840 |
2004 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2003
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe as for the 2003 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2003 section above.See 2003
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
17–20 MPG · $3,270–$3,840/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 20 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,270.
Gas configurations (6)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,630 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,840 |
| Santa Fe 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,840 |
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
18–20 MPG · $3,270–$3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2001: The most efficient configuration moves from 21 to 20 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,110 to $3,270, $160 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
2001 Hyundai Santa Fe MPG
18–21 MPG · $3,110–$3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,110 |
| Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.4L 4-cyl | FWD | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| Santa Fe 2.7L 6-cyl 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD: $4,440 in California and $2,850 in Texas, a $1,590 difference.
- California $4,440
- Washington $4,120
- New York $3,270
- Florida $3,090
- Texas $2,850
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2006 standard SUV models.
Generations
- 2001-2006 (SM)
- 2007-2012 (CM)
- 2013-2018 (DM)
- 2019-2023 (TM)
- 2024-2027* (MX5)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA rates the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe at 17–21 MPG combined across 32 configurations and 6 model years. The most efficient version, the 2001 Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 21 MPG (19 city, 26 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 21 MPG, in 2001. The lowest top rating, 20 MPG, was in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2001-2006 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2002, 2003 and 2005. In 2004 and 2006 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $3,270 a year. Across all 6 configurations the cost runs $3,270–$3,840 a year. That is a $570 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 100 miles?
About $21.80 per 100 miles for the Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $21.80 and $25.60 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD is rated 18 city and 24 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 6 MPG.
How does the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The Santa Fe 2.4L 4-cyl FWD costs about $3,270 a year to fuel, $810 less than the class median of $4,080, and less than 7 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 296 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2006, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe different from the 2005 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2005 and 2006: 6 configurations rated 17–20 MPG combined. See the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe for that year.