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The Compact Hyundai Returns Slightly Better Figures Than Most Midsize Pickups

In any case, the difference is so small that the EPA estimates that your annual fuel cost will not be affected by choosing one of them

Hyundai Santa Cruz fuel economy data in 2022 was officially released and posted on the EPA website. This is the only “compact” truck with fuel economy estimates, and we expect excellent numbers. Of course, Ford will soon enter the ring with its Maverick and use a hypothetical hybrid option to turn the tables (based on the truck badge on Ford’s trailer). However, the Santa Cruz is not a hybrid car.

There are two types of motors to choose from. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is an entry-level option, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The model reached 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and the total reached 23 mpg. Following the zero standard, the all-wheel drive version improves the figure of the front driver. Fuel economy on the highway is up to 27 mpg, while city and comprehensive data are carried over from front-wheel drive trucks. We are not sure why the four-wheel drive Santa Cruz will get better fuel economy, because cars with two-wheel and four-wheel drive usually do the opposite.

In any case, the difference is so small that the EPA estimates that your annual fuel cost will not be affected by choosing one of them. If you want more power, you should upgrade to the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged option, which is specifically paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

This model’s city mileage is reduced to 19 miles per gallon. However, highway fuel economy matches 27 mpg for a naturally aspirated model. Compared to the base truck, it has lost a total of 1 mile per gallon because the turbocharged model has a total fuel consumption of 22 mpg. We still don’t know how fuel efficient the Ford Maverick is, but the suggestion of a hybrid option makes us think it will definitely beat Santa Cruz.

Compared to midsize trucks, Honda Ridgeline is the only other all-in-one competitor, and its fuel economy is 18/24/21 mpg. This is a meager but impressive victory. Ford is chasing Santa Cruz with a 21/26/23 mpg two-wheel drive Ranger. Of course, the Ranger, which has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a body structure, is also more capable than modern cars in terms of getting the job done. However, Santa Cruz outperformed the basic four-cylinder versions of the Toyota Tacoma (20/23/21 mpg) and Chevrolet Colorado.