2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Lexus NX

When shopping for a new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, buyers had the choice between SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. The "2.0T" versions offered a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was an optional feature. The selection process included choosing paint and interior colors, and a few dealer-installed accessories. The test vehicle, a Limited 2.0T, came with dealer-installed floor mats, totaling $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, featuring a controversial grille shape, stacked front lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard design and diamond-textured speaker grilles added character, though the materials quality didn't quite match the high-style design. The build quality was exceptional, and the controls operated with refinement.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the F Sport version offering a sportier appearance through a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The interior of the NX F Sport included quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for Circuit Red, Black, and Arctic White/Black color schemes. Material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup. However, the center stack design appeared outdated, and the G-Force meter, though based on technology from the Lexus LFA supercar, felt more like a gimmick.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe had a minimum curb weight of 3,591 pounds and a maximum of 3,946 pounds. The standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was shared with the Kia Sorento, but the preferred choice was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided better performance, especially at higher altitudes. The eight-speed automatic transmission funneled power to the front wheels, with AWD as an option. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD, experienced torque steer under hard acceleration, which disappeared with AWD. The Santa Fe had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined, with the test model returning 22.1 mpg. The driving experience was smooth and quiet, with decent handling and light-effort steering. The Santa Fe handled moderate off-roading with ease but lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. AWD was available on all trim levels, allowing up to 50 percent of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. The FWD model had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, with changes in throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered thoughtful attention to detail, with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in cloth-seat versions. The test vehicle featured eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and an extending thigh support for the driver. The dual-zone automatic climate control system included a Clean Air ionizer, and the air conditioning was effective even with the panoramic glass sunroof. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with air conditioning vents, rear side-window sunshades, and heated bottom cushions. The Santa Fe had 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Large storage compartments under the cargo floor were a positive feature, and the hands-free "smart" liftgate was convenient.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX had 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. The power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options. The cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, though engine noise could be heard.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three free years of service. The Limited trim included an 8-inch display, navigation system, surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and a 12-speaker Infinity surround sound system. A head-up display provided data within the driver's line of sight, and the voice recognition system was sophisticated.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, predictive traffic information, and fuel station guidance. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various functions, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a safe exit assist system. The SEL Convenience Package included an ultrasonic occupant alert system, and the Limited trim featured a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as options. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.