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Mystery Fuel Mileage

December 14, 2007 about Hyundai Santa Fe

My owners manual states the fuel capacity to be 19 gallons. I say this because I am at wits end trying to figure out the average fuel mileage of this car. Apparently doing the math (adding or subtracting from 19) doesn't work either. I don't know if vapor, air or whatever limits the fill capacity. I have recorded as low as 21 and as high as 29 miles to the gallon. I got 29 miles to the gallon during a sophmoric high speed run down Texas farm roads averaging over 95 mph for several hours. However, for the most part, I drive the car in the same manner week to week and under the same conditions. The car has met all the recommended servicing required by Hyundai and is meticulously maintained. It is a 2004 model and has a 4 cylinder instead of the more common 6. Someday I am going to stick a 2 gallon can of fuel in the car and drive it till it stops. Because of the mileage variance I am too chicken to take it past 25 miles after the light goes on. As an aside, I also fuel by mileage on trips because I don't trust the gauge or mileage I get. By the way, other than this anomaly I love this vehicle. Has anyone else out there suffered from such variance in fuel mileage with their Hyundais?

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Story replies

May 6, 2009 by John Fuzi

when the gas pump shuts off the car is not full,you can still put about 2 gallons more in the car,all gas pumps are not the same some shut off before others.

September 19, 2011 by Flora

That's way the btseset answer so far!

September 19, 2011 by Flora

That's way the btseset answer so far!

September 19, 2011 by Flora

That's way the btseset answer so far!

February 28, 2013 by Beth Folland

I agree about the pump shutting off before the car is full. It is the oddest thing! I've only had my Santa Fe for a few weeks, but I have noticed this often already. I do have the six cylinder though (2002). Loving it!!! :)

August 15, 2014 by Stretching the miles

I've watched the needle go down below 1/16 which should be around 1gal but adding 9gal brings me up to 3/4 full near 13gal. Strange. I've also seen the needle jump forward about 2 gal worth. (05 V6 3.5)