2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver-finished wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the TX 550h+, which was anticipated to start over $75,000. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, included various packages and features, though the interior, despite its luxurious materials, felt somewhat dark.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, maintained its design from its 2024 debut. It featured a chunky, boxy look with a long wheelbase and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps, aligning with Hyundai's design language. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel sizes, with the Calligraphy trim boasting 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. The interior ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical dials for HVAC temperature was appreciated, though the fan speed controls were less intuitive.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving scenarios with up to four passengers. The engine's note was somewhat grating, and FWD models experienced hints of torque steer. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the TX 350, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined, but testing revealed an average of 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly better acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both FWD and AWD, with the XRT trim exclusively available in AWD. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled gear changes. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe demonstrated stability in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some acclimation. The XRT trim, with 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, offered improved off-road capabilities, though it wasn't suited for rugged terrain.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more practical and comfortable third-row seat compared to the RX L and GX, while being more affordable than the LX. The TX 350 Luxury trim featured premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs as an option. The third-row seat accommodated adults, with sufficient leg support and visibility. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to improve third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX provided ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of features across its trims. The base SE trim included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control, while the XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof. The Calligraphy trim featured heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system. All trims included a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seat cushions. Cargo space measured 14.6 cubic feet with all seats in use, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The widened rear opening facilitated loading larger items, and most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation through a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. Additional features included Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with upper trims offering a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims included Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via a smartphone or Apple Watch, with an available fingerprint scanner for added security. The Santa Fe offered a digital rearview mirror and head-up display on higher trims. Standard Bluelink app connectivity provided remote climate control, alerts, and over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist, with optional parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though no higher-speed system was available. The LSS+ 3.0 system generally performed well, though it reacted too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and safe exit assist. Higher trims added rear parking collision avoidance, side park distance warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The Highway Drive Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-following assist, though it occasionally exhibited inconsistent behavior in traffic. The top trim included a blind-spot avoidance feature, while the top two trims offered a Blind-View Monitor. The driver attention warning system was standard, with an expanded driver monitor system on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories.