The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two distinct powertrain options to SUV buyers in Cooksville: a gasoline engine for those seeking power and towing capabilities, and a hybrid engine focused on fuel efficiency. Each model has its strengths, whether it's the higher horsepower of the gas engine or the reduced fuel costs of the hybrid. To help potential buyers understand the fuel consumption differences, we will compare these two models across different annual driving distances and analyze how each powertrain performs in terms of fuel costs.
Powertrain Comparison: Gas vs. Hybrid
The gas-powered 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a 2.5L Turbo-GDI + MPI 4-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 RPM. This engine pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering strong acceleration and performance, especially in towing scenarios. The Santa Fe’s gas version offers up to 3,500 lbs towing capacity in most models, with the XRT trim pushing that limit to 4,500 lbs.
The hybrid Santa Fe, on the other hand, features a 1.6L Turbo-GDI 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This system is focused on maximizing efficiency while still delivering enough power for daily driving and light towing. The hybrid model comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Powertrain Comparison Table
Specification
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Gas Engine (2.5L Turbo)
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Hybrid Engine (1.6L Turbo)
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Horsepower
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277 hp @ 5,800 RPM
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231 hp @ 5,600 RPM
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Torque
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311 lb-ft @ 1,700-4,000 RPM
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271 lb-ft @ 1,000-5,100 RPM
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Transmission
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8-speed dual-clutch
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6-speed automatic
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Towing Capacity
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3,500 lbs (4,500 lbs XRT)
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2,000 lbs
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Fuel Consumption (City)
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12.2 L/100 km
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6.8 L/100 km
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Fuel Consumption (Highway)
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9.1 L/100 km
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6.9 L/100 km
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Fuel Consumption (Combined)
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10.8 L/100 km
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6.9 L/100 km
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Fuel Economy Comparison
Fuel consumption is one of the major deciding factors when comparing the gas and hybrid models. The gas engine is rated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city, 9.1 L/100 km on the highway, and 10.8 L/100 km combined. In contrast, the hybrid model delivers much better efficiency, with a rating of 6.8 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, and 6.9 L/100 km combined.
This difference in fuel consumption becomes more apparent when you calculate the fuel costs over various distances, particularly with today’s fuel prices. Assuming an average fuel price of $1.50 per litre, we will examine how the fuel costs compare for annual driving distances of 10,000 km, 15,000 km, 20,000 km, 25,000 km, and 30,000 km.
Fuel Cost Comparison Across Annual Distances
For a fair comparison, here’s how the two powertrains compare at different driving distances:
1- At 10,000 km per year:
- The gas model consumes 1,080 litres annually, leading to a fuel cost of $1,620.
- The hybrid model uses 690 litres, costing $1,035.
2- At 15,000 km per year:
- The gas model consumes 1,620 litres annually, costing $2,430.
- The hybrid model consumes 1,035 litres, leading to a cost of $1,553.
3- At 20,000 km per year:
- The gas model uses 2,160 litres, which equates to a cost of $3,240.
- The hybrid model uses 1,380 litres, costing $2,070.
4- At 25,000 km per year:
- The gas model consumes 2,700 litres annually, resulting in a cost of $4,050.
- The hybrid model consumes 1,725 litres, costing $2,588.
5- At 30,000 km per year:
- The gas model uses 3,240 litres of fuel, costing $4,860 annually.
- The hybrid model consumes 2,070 litres, leading to a fuel cost of $3,105.
Fuel Cost Comparison Table
Annual Distance (km)
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Gas Model Fuel Cost (10.8 L/100 km)
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Hybrid Model Fuel Cost (6.9 L/100 km)
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Savings with Hybrid
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10,000 km
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$1,620
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$1,035
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$585
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15,000 km
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$2,430
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$1,553
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$878
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20,000 km
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$3,240
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$2,070
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$1,170
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25,000 km
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$4,050
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$2,588
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$1,462
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30,000 km
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$4,860
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$3,105
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$1,755
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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Powertrain
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provides options for buyers, whether they seek performance with the gas engine or prioritize efficiency with the hybrid model. As shown, the hybrid version offers significant fuel savings at all mileage levels, making it a great option for those who plan to drive frequently or cover long distances. For lower mileage drivers or those who need additional towing capacity, the gas-powered Santa Fe may be more appealing due to its higher horsepower and towing capability.
Ultimately, the decision between the gas and hybrid models comes down to balancing your fuel economy needs with performance preferences. Whichever powertrain you choose, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a versatile and capable SUV.