2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with the "2.0T" versions featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was an option, and the test vehicle had Limited 2.0T trim with dealer-installed floor mats, priced at $39,170. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with potential points of controversy like the grille shape, stacked front lighting elements, and oversized rear "skid plate" trim. Inside, the dual-cowl dashboard design and diamond-textured speaker grilles added character, while the materials quality was somewhat lacking due to glossy plastic and stiff leather seat upholstery. However, the build quality was excellent, and the controls operated smoothly. The Santa Fe's daring design might appeal to some, but it wasn't for everyone.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L had slightly lower power figures at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD at 22 mpg, and the RX 350L AWD at 21 mpg. The RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined, and the RX 450hL at 29 mpg. The F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements, while various drive modes allowed for customization.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe had a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but the 2.0T versions featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission funneled power to the front wheels, with optional AWD available. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy for the 2.0T front-driver was 23 mpg combined, with the test model returning 22.1 mpg. The Santa Fe offered a smooth ride, decent handling, and light-effort steering, making it a good daily driver. The Limited trim provided a quiet highway ride with laminated windshield and front window glass. The Santa Fe handled moderate off-roading well but lacked driver engagement, making it more of a practical tool than an adventurous toy.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's interior was thoughtfully designed with creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric in cloth seat versions. The test vehicle had eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with additional lumbar support and 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 in the Limited trim. The Santa Fe's cargo space was 35.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.3 cubic feet maximum, with large storage compartments under the cargo floor. The hands-free "smart" liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was in proximity, adding convenience.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay integration helped alleviate some issues. The RX also came with Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, and other app compatibilities. The center console touchpad system was improved but still not perfect. The RX had six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and a programmable button. Every Santa Fe had Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services with three free years of service. The Limited trim included a larger 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 and responsive.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also had a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

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 had a Blind-Spot View Monitor.