2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Lexus NX

For 2021, Lexus offered three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. Focusing on the gas models, the performance-oriented F Sport version stood out. Lexus retained its signature design, with sharp lines giving the NX a look similar to the smaller UX and larger RX. The dimensions were akin to the Toyota RAV4, featuring standard power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

The NX F Sport, however, added a sportier flair with its unique honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, chrome-trimmed bumpers, laser fog light housings, larger exhaust, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats with options like Circuit Red interior. Material quality was top-notch, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a metal-faced four-dial setup with a 3D speedometer and tachometer, along with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt outdated compared to rivals' all-digital displays. The F Sport's G-Force meter, inspired by the Lexus LFA, was more gimmicky than practical. The center stack, showcasing some outdated elements like a CD player, felt cumbersome, especially as it compromised open storage space between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, in contrast, felt surprisingly luxurious for its price. The Santa Fe line-up flaunted new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trims ranging from SE to the premium Calligraphy. The fresh front-end redesign—complete with new running lights, grille, and bumper—gave each trim a distinct character.

Inside, Hyundai significantly upped the ante with new colors, patterns, textures, and a bridge-style center console that stored a plethora of controls. The Calligraphy trim, with its premium Nappa leather, suede-like headliner, and Black premium leather, exuded quality. The fit and finish, coupled with features like a panoramic sunroof, made the interior feel more expensive than its $43,590 price tag suggested. The Calligraphy's exterior design might split opinions with its current "parametric dynamics" cues, but this made it fit better with Hyundai's latest lineup.

The Lexus NX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission, although adequate, felt outdated compared to modern multi-speed transmissions. The SUV managed a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds, typical for its segment. Though powertrain noise emerged during hard acceleration, the ride remained mostly quiet. F Sport models added Active Sound Control for enhanced engine notes through the speakers, which purists found unnecessary.

The NX offered standard FWD, with optional AWD on all trims. However, its AWD system allowed up to 50% of torque distribution to the rear axle without individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model stood at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower. Adaptive suspension, based on the LC 500's system, provided 650 compression and damping adjustments. The NX's drive experience was smooth and comfortable but lacked steering feedback. Drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—adjusted throttle response and power-steering assist, with visual changes on the instrument cluster.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains in 2021. The SE and SEL trims ran on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, electric motors, and a six-speed automatic for a total output of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims, showcasing the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from the Hyundai Sonata N Line, churned out 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai's dual-clutch transmission provided crisp, rapid shifts.

The SUV offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The transmission showed reluctance in downshifting during Smart mode, attributed to fuel-saving settings. The Calligraphy trim, with its turbo engine, improved rigid structure, enhanced braking, and refined ride, felt quick, solid, and athletic. Fuel efficiency for both AWD powertrains was commendable at 24 mpg combined.

The Lexus NX's interior was upscale and comfortable, particularly in the F Sport model, with its quilted sport seats. Front seats provided ample space, while the second row comfortably accommodated two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were optional. The NX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Engine noise could penetrate the cabin, but road and wind noise remained minimal. However, its cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made the NX's storage capacity one of the smallest in its class. The available power liftgate with a kick sensor and power-folding rear seats added convenience.

On the flip side, the Hyundai Santa Fe, designed as a five-passenger midsize SUV, excelled in passenger space and comfort. Dual-zone automatic climate control, site-resistant fabrics, and leather seats (SEL and above) ensured a pleasant ambiance. The Calligraphy trim elevated the luxury with its Nappa leather and additional padding. Front seats featured various adjustments, heated options, and remote activation using a smartphone app.

The rear seat, sliding fore and aft, offered impressive comfort, with AC vents, USB ports, a power outlet, and sunshades. Though missing a third row, its rear bench seat compensated with enhanced cargo flexibility. The Santa Fe's smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accommodating a family's road trip needs. Fold the rear seat, and the capacity expanded to 72.1 cubic feet, rivalling the largest compact crossovers.

In the Lexus NX, the infotainment system's 8-inch touchscreen (10.3-inch optional with Navigation package) was positioned atop the dashboard, far from the driver, complicating accessibility. The Navigation package included advanced features like predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and HomeLink. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the complex Lexus infotainment system, reliant on a touchpad, was a drawback. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB port, HD Radio, WiFi, and Lexus Premium Audio with an eight-speaker system. Upgrading to the Navigation package added two speakers, and the top-tier model offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote app provided several remote capabilities and a 10-year subscription to Enform Services Connect was included.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy, atop the trim ladder, came loaded with technology. Highlights included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and 8.5-inch HUD with blind-spot warnings. The basic infotainment system's 8-inch touchscreen supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch variant offered wired versions, upgraded voice recognition, and enhanced Blue Link services. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon system accompanied the larger screen.

Blue Link, free for three years, connected the SUV to Alexa, Google Assistant, and smartwatches, along with features like emergency assistance, panic notification, car-finding function, and speed and curfew alerts. Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technologies were also noteworthy. Digital Key allowed unlocking, driving, and relocking via an Android smartphone, with temporary keys for others. Remote Smart Parking Assist enabled driverless parking via keyfob, offering convenience in cramped spaces.

The Lexus NX's safety suite, Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, came standard and included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional extras included park assist, surround-view cameras, and adaptive headlights. The Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, collision notification, and stolen-vehicle tracking. The IIHS awarded top "Good" scores across crash tests, "Superior" front crash-prevention technology, and an "Acceptable" LATCH system ease. The NHTSA gave a five-star overall safety rating, with no recalls reported. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Hyundai's 2021 Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features. Alongside common tech for cruise control, collision warning/prevention, and lane-keeping, the Santa Fe boasted unique features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot sensors to alert occupants of approaching traffic and could lock the rear doors if needed. Rear-occupant alert systems varied between basic notifications and ultrasonic versions capable of detecting movement for up to 24 hours, sending alerts via a smartphone app. Blind-Spot View Monitor used cameras for real-time displays, while Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering tech, albeit requiring hand-on-wheel involvement. The IIHS rated the Santa Fe a "Top Safety Pick" with LED projector headlights on Limited and Calligraphy trims, earning top marks in crashworthiness and front crash-prevention.