2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, maintained its bold, boxy design from its 2024 debut. Its three-row configuration featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps, reminiscent of Hyundai's design language seen in models like the Ioniq 5. The Santa Fe offered vibrant color options such as Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue, standing out amidst the common grey and white SUVs. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated taillights positioned lower than ideal, affecting the overall visual balance. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. Interior materials ranged from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, but the fan speed controls were less intuitive.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more understated exterior despite its $75,000 price tag. The exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers added unique touches, but the overall design remained unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h. Each model featured standard all-wheel drive, with varying trim levels offering different features. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary design with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the ergonomics of the controls were mixed, with some being intuitive and others baffling. The RX avoided the common single curved display, opting for a more traditional layout, which was appreciated for its distinctiveness.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, except for the XRT trim, which was exclusively AWD. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided smooth shifting, though turbo lag was noticeable during acceleration. The Santa Fe Hybrid variant, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, produced 231 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft of torque. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, it was not designed for rugged terrain, performing best on graded dirt roads.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three distinct models. The RX 350h, with 246 horsepower, prioritized fuel efficiency, while the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower and a 37-mile electric range. The RX 500h stood out with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft of torque. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic communication, making it more about appearance than performance.

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 provided premium features like heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet available with the second row folded and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows down. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of towing 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured snug heated and ventilated front seats, though the bottom cushions were less comfortable over long drives. The rear seats offered ample space and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could obstruct loading larger items.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also offering a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with standard 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. A digital key and fingerprint scanner were available for added security. The Bluelink app provided remote connectivity and over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered advanced technology, though some features were optional. The RX 500h included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The Lexus Interface system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system. The RX Hybrid also offered a head-up display and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims offered additional features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, except for the headlight and LATCH categories.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also offered Predictive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.