2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior styling compared to some of Hyundai's recent designs. Although not flashy, the SUV remained attractive and tastefully designed. In contrast to its siblings, it lacked any stand-out features, which was anticipated to change with the forthcoming 2024 redesign.

In terms of trim levels, the Santa Fe carried over the same look and feel as the 2022 model, available in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Our top-tier Calligraphy AWD test model, adorned in Stormy Sea—a deep, rich dark blue—offered a black-on-black interior. Its base price was $42,600, with additional costs for AWD ($1,700), carpeted floor mats ($210), and a $1,335 destination charge, culminating in an MSRP of $45,845.

Despite the subdued exterior, the broad upper and lower grilles of Santa Fe lent a unique touch, along with the thin LED headlights. The interior of the Calligraphy model featured black Nappa leather seats providing a comfortable and luxurious ride. While the black interior felt monotonous, options like beige or gray interiors in lower trim levels could add some visual interest.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 embraced a more geometric and aggressive style compared to the previous GX 470. The redesigned midsize SUV presented a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a squared-off upper edge on the front fascia. The vertical stance of the new front end, coupled with the sculpted hood, offered a more commanding presence.

The side profile of the GX appeared almost as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The range included six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The Overtrail trims focused on off-roading, featuring larger all-terrain tires and more robust materials such as Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. Meanwhile, the Luxury trims emphasized features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between natural aspiration and forced induction 2.5-liter engines. The SE, SEL, and XRT trims featured a naturally aspirated engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged engine outputting 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The turbocharged engine significantly enhanced acceleration and performance, manifesting in immediate off-the-line acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. FWD was standard across all trims, with AWD as an optional feature. The Santa Fe also included a drive-mode selector with four customizable modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart. Despite its dual-clutch transmission, the SUV demonstrated smooth handling and minimal engine noise.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from its previous V8 to a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine. While down two cylinders, the new engine produced 349 horsepower and an impressive 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX benefitted from a stiffer chassis, adding stability on both on-road and off-road terrains.

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the GX operated confidently, eliminating any gear-hunting issues. Standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced off-road capabilities. The Overtrail trims featured an advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation and ground contact when clearing obstacles. The GX showcased effective braking and a composed ride, even during off-road evaluations.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, without a cramped third row, benefitted from enhanced rear-seat legroom and additional cargo space. Rear-seat legroom stood at an impressive 41.7 inches, coupled with a competitive 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding down the second row expanded the cargo capacity to 72.1 cubic feet. Comfort features included an eight-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats on higher trims.

Additional conveniences in higher trims encompassed dual-zone climate control, a smart liftgate, a power driver seat cushion extension, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite these positives, the driving position could push drivers uncomfortably close to the steering wheel at maximum height, and the wide center console slightly impinged on leg space.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior marked a significant upgrade with minimalist and sophisticated styling. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 36.7 inches in the second row. The available third row was tight, best suited for children, with 31.7 inches of legroom. The Defender 110, a key competitor, was marginally tighter in the front row but even more cramped in the third row.

The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space reached 76.9 cubic feet, and the Overtrail models, with no third-row option, boasted 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a massive 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology. The SE, SEL, and XRT trims featured a standard 4.2-inch color LCD display, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display in the base SE trim, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen in other trims providing navigation, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

While navigating through menus, users could appreciate the system's customizability, though voice-recognition capabilities were mixed. Command handling was efficient for navigation but struggled with music requests and temperature adjustments. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though the limited voice commands for features like seat heaters were a drawback.

The 2024 Lexus GX came equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen, USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers, and a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with intelligent voice assistance accessible via “Hey Lexus.” Drive Connect and Remote Connect offered advanced navigation and vehicle management capabilities, with initial three-year trial subscriptions provided free of charge.

The GX’s audio system consisted of a 10-speaker setup, with an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson upgrade available in higher trims. The well-integrated infotainment system offered impressive functionality, though subscription fees post-trial period were a consideration for long-term budgeting.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe’s safety features included a plethora of standard ADAS, such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. SEL and above trims added Highway Driving Assist and adaptive cruise control. The Santa Fe's reminders for rear-seat checks and safe-exit warnings reinforced its comprehensive safety suite.

The Santa Fe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the IIHS's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, affirming its excellent safety credentials.

For the 2024 Lexus GX, safety was a considerable upgrade. The GX now included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, standard across all trims, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist further enhanced safety by braking when needed. While crash test results were pending from NHTSA and IIHS, the new GX's modern GA-F architecture and extensive ADAS features indicated a significant improvement in safety.