2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. Typically, new vehicles seem overpriced, but the Santa Fe made you question why it didn't cost more. With a choice of two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe offered a range of trims from SE to Calligraphy, with prices starting at $26,850 and going up to $39,950 MSRP. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and a bridge-style center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium leather and panoramic glass sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, giving it a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's design felt dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor from 2002. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's reputation for quality with smooth, refined materials and a quiet ride. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric drive motor, producing a total of 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe provided a smooth, refined driving experience with impressive body control and athletic handling. Both the standard and turbocharged engines achieved a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 5,126-pound curb weight, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and handling, making it more agreeable to drive despite its age. The GX excelled off-road, thanks to its capable 4WD system and available Off-Road Package, which included Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and additional cameras.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the Calligraphy trim. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric or leather seats, and a luxurious Calligraphy trim with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe had 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the rear seats were heated. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen offered wired versions, upgraded voice recognition, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. Blue Link provided a range of features, including remote engine start and climate control adjustment. However, the Santa Fe lacked a WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a WiFi hotspot, and available Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The GX offered a dual-screen view for navigation and radio display and excellent voice recognition technology. Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras were also available.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist further enhanced safety. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.