Photo: Hyundai Santa Fe by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Hyundai · model year 2003
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD
SUV · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Where it places
The CarCody take
The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD is a gasoline SUV with front-wheel drive, a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine, and a four-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA rating is 20 MPG combined, with 18 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. EPA annual fuel cost is $3,350, and tailpipe CO2 is 444.35 grams per mile.
Good to know
- SUV body with front-wheel drive
- 2.7-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine
- 24 MPG highway EPA rating
- Four-speed automatic transmission
Watch for
- 20 MPG combined fuel economy
- 18 MPG city rating
- EPA annual fuel cost of $3,350
- 444.35 grams of CO2 per mile
Who it suits. Drivers wanting a gasoline SUV with front-wheel drive Owners whose trips include regular highway driving
The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD is a straightforward gasoline SUV for drivers who want front-wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine. Its 20 MPG combined rating is the key ownership number, with city mileage falling to 18 MPG and highway mileage reaching 24 MPG. EPA fuel cost is $3,350 a year, so fuel spending matters as much as the vehicle's size and drivetrain. It makes the clearest case for buyers who value the SUV format and automatic transmission more than low fuel use.
What it is
The 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD is a sport utility vehicle with front-wheel drive. It uses gasoline and has a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. See other Hyundai cars.
The numbers
Its defining EPA figure is 20 MPG combined. That rating breaks down to 18 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway.
The six-MPG gap between city and highway ratings means stop-and-go driving is the less efficient use, while steady highway trips return the higher figure.
What it costs to run
EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,350. Tailpipe emissions are listed at 444.35 grams of CO2 per mile.
How it compares
The Santa Fe's 20 MPG combined rating falls between its 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway figures. Compared with its own city result, the highway rating is six MPG higher; compared with highway driving, the combined figure is four MPG lower.
Who it suits
This Santa Fe suits a buyer who wants an SUV body, front-wheel drive, and a gasoline six-cylinder powertrain. Its numbers make the most sense for someone whose driving includes enough highway travel to approach the 24 MPG rating.
Trade-offs
The 2.7-liter six-cylinder and SUV body come with a 20 MPG combined rating and a $3,350 annual fuel-cost estimate. City driving is rated at 18 MPG, below the 24 MPG highway figure. Front-wheel drive specifies the drivetrain.
Verdict
Choose this Santa Fe if an SUV layout, gasoline power, and front-wheel drive match your needs. Budget around $3,350 each year for fuel under the EPA estimate. Highway-oriented use should align more closely with its 24 MPG rating, while frequent urban trips will be nearer 18 MPG. The 20 MPG combined figure gives a practical middle point for mixed driving, and the 444.35 grams-per-mile CO2 figure shows the emissions cost of that trade-off.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 20 MPG
- City MPG
- 18 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $3,350
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 444 g per mile
- Model year
- 2003
- Body
- SUV
- EPA size class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.7 L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What fuel does the 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD use?
It uses gasoline.
What is its combined MPG?
The EPA combined rating is 20 MPG.
What are its city and highway MPG figures?
It is rated at 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
How much is its annual fuel cost?
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $3,350.
What drivetrain does this Santa Fe have?
It has front-wheel drive.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission.
How much tailpipe CO2 does it emit?
The listed tailpipe output is 444.35 grams of CO2 per mile.
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