2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined evolution in its design, appearing shorter in height but broader in width, with a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, the RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some competitors. Its appearance was notably smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a signature spindle-style grille, seamlessly integrated with a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, maintaining a familiar yet fresh aesthetic that distinguished it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer physical controls, focusing on digital instrumentation and touchscreen displays. The cabin offered high-quality materials, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including Standard, Premium, and F Sport Handling, with a range of powertrains such as hybrid and performance hybrid options. Pricing was expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe marked a departure from the sleek, futuristic designs of its Ioniq siblings, embracing a boxy shape optimized for storage capacity. This design choice, explained by Hyundai's design chief, aimed to combine elegance with practicality. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance and aerodynamic efficiency were surprising for its shape, drawing attention even in rural settings. A sophisticated color palette and anodized-finish badging enhanced its premium look, with various trims offering different wheel sizes and finishes.

Inside, the Santa Fe provided a premium experience, especially in the XRT and Calligraphy trims. While some surfaces used hard materials, the overall feel was softened by padded areas and luxurious touches like a fabric-covered headliner. The interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with options for stain-resistant cloth or leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and ample storage. The cargo area was particularly spacious, designed for car camping and tailgating, with a wide tailgate and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, though it generally provided a smooth ride. The F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure and composed driving experience, especially in Sport mode. Both models had 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, with the F Sport Handling's suspension minimizing unwanted motion. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's base powertrain was a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD standard. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road capabilities. A hybrid option with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine was also available. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the base FWD model rated at 24 mpg combined. The XRT trim, with its increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, offered a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. On-road performance was smooth and stable, with some body roll in turns, while the XRT excelled in off-road conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable interior, with the F Sport Handling's sport seat bolsters offering extra support during spirited driving. The Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport Handling trim had simulated leather seats and a sportier cabin ambiance. Both models offered ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space was improved over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's design focused on maximizing cargo space, with a longer wheelbase and body. The cargo area was designed for versatility, with an extra-wide tailgate and ample storage. The interior offered spacious first and second rows, with options for bench or captain's chairs. Upholstery choices ranged from stain-resistant cloth to plush Nappa leather, with heated and ventilated seats available. The cargo area provided 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additional features included roof rails, a UV sanitization compartment, and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music services, though it lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display in higher trims, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Lower trims had a 12.3-inch touchscreen with similar features. Wireless charging, Hyundai's BlueLink system, and Hyundai Pay were available, along with a biometric fingerprint scanner for added convenience and security.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations, such as the HUD's visibility with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it offered a robust set of standard safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a head-up display. The Santa Fe also introduced driver monitoring, using infrared cameras and capacitive sensors to ensure driver alertness.