2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2022 Lexus GX, though both classified in the SUV category, offered distinct experiences in design and aesthetics. The Hyundai Santa Fe, especially with its new XRT treatment, left much to be desired. Customers found the suspension lift and aggressive tire tread absent, which could have made it more compelling. The side steps, while practical for roof rack use, interfered with entry and exit and limited the off-road capability by reducing the breakover angle. Many consumers would have been better off skipping the XRT package for something more functional, like the Hyundai's traditional trims.

The XRT trim was priced between the mid-range SEL and the higher-end Limited and Calligraphy versions. It featured FWD or AWD options starting at $34,095. The test model, in Portofino Gray with a black interior, lacked visual contrast, rendering a monochromatic appearance akin to an old black-and-white photograph. Despite this, the interior boasted a thoughtfully designed cabin with brightwork to break the monotony, even if it didn’t reach the luxury levels of the Limited or Calligraphy models. The MSRP of the tested vehicle stood at $35,940 with AWD.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus GX exuded a different kind of charm, particularly with the Black Line Special Edition. While a black-on-black aesthetic might puzzle some, it surely resonated with aficionados of this style. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome, giving the vehicle a sleek, covert look—perfect for those appreciating understated elegance.

The GX, however, seemed dated. Despite updates such as the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, its design echoed older generations. The black-on-black model attracted dust quickly, making it hard to maintain that pristine look.

Inside, the GX offered a superbly crafted cabin. Everything felt premium and meticulously designed, staying true to Lexus's reputation for quality and comfort. The SUV remained quiet, with minimal noise except for the soothing hum of its robust V8 engine. The GX 460 came in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition based on the GX 460 Premium started at $60,535, making it a significant investment.

The performance capabilities of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2022 Lexus GX painted a clear picture of their strengths and limitations. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not a powerhouse, it performed adequately for daily commuting and freeway cruising. Those seeking more spirited driving needed to look at the Limited and Calligraphy trims, which boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with different driving modes—Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow—allowed versatility. During our Southern California testing loop, the Santa Fe averaged 22.3 mpg, close to its EPA rating of 24 mpg. Users looking for better fuel efficiency often opted for the Santa Fe Hybrid models, boasting 32 mpg to 34 mpg combined with 226 hp.

The SUV demonstrated excellent ride quality and composure on various terrains, though not particularly engaging, it was reliable and comfortable. The suspension handled impacts well, and the cabin remained quiet thanks to acoustic glass. Despite the XRT’s cosmetic enhancements, it lacked significant off-road prowess, suggesting that the standard trims might have sufficed for most buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 brought brute power with its 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, albeit older in design. The SUV's full-time 4WD system and six-speed automatic transmission delivered a stable and reliable performance. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, decent for a vehicle weighing over 5,126 pounds.

The GX's driving experience was elevated by the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS), optimizing wheel articulation off-road while stabilizing on-road handling. Despite the 16 mpg combined fuel economy, the GX's grunt and off-road capability were a fair trade-off. However, its slow, laborious steering and touchy brake pedal required adaptation for optimal handling.

Interior space and practical design are critical in SUVs, and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2022 Lexus GX addressed these in different ways. The Hyundai Santa Fe, starting with its XRT trim, featured dual-zone automatic climate control and rear AC vents to ensure comfort for all passengers. The stain-resistant fabric seats were durable and comfortable, though the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat was a minor inconvenience. The rear seats provided ample space for a family, with added niceties like USB ports and window shades.

Storage in the Santa Fe was made user-friendly with several compartments and a handy Smart Tailgate feature. The SUV's cargo capacity measured 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded—enough for multiple large suitcases and various smaller items. This versatility made the Santa Fe ideal for families and travelers alike.

By contrast, the Lexus GX's interior catered to those preferring a high driving position coupled with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. However, the back door openings were narrow, making rear seat access challenging. The third-row seats were cramped and difficult to access, more suited for short-duration travel by children rather than adults.

While the GX boasted a luxurious cabin with comfortable, padded seats and a triple-zone climate control system, its cargo capacity fell short. With the third-row seats in use, the GX offered a meager 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Even with the seats stowed, it provided 46.7 cubic feet, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded—less than many lower-class SUVs.

Technological amenities are pivotal in enhancing the driving experience, and both the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe and Lexus GX included commendable features. The Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly with intuitive controls and clean graphics. Despite lacking the upgraded 10.25-inch screen and Harman Kardon audio system found in higher trims, the included features were sufficient for most users. The Hyundai Digital Key technology, though restricted to Android phones, along with useful Bluelink services, added to the convenience factor.

The 2022 Lexus GX, touted as the most advanced GX yet, introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This display was placed conveniently at the top of the center console, making the older, awkward Remote Touch Interface practically redundant. The infotainment system included modern necessities such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The presence of an old-school CD player brought nostalgia for some, though the positioning of stereo controls below off-road features did seem counterintuitive. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, missing in the test vehicle, would have further enhanced the tech offering.

Safety is a paramount concern for all vehicle buyers. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe did not disappoint, equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. It also included innovative features like a Junction Turning Detection System and Safe Exit Assist. The Santa Fe's occupant alert system ensured peace of mind, particularly for families. The SUV's safety ratings were impressive, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, despite its age, incorporated significant safety features under the Lexus Safety System+ umbrella. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhanced its safety profile. However, the lack of newer safety technologies found in competitors placed it at a disadvantage. The absence of advanced driving aids might be a pro or con, depending on the buyer's preference. Notably, there were no available crash-test ratings for the Lexus GX, an essential consideration for safety-conscious consumers.