Hyundai Santa Fe vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in several trims, including SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy, with prices ranging from $36,650 to $49,400. The XRT trim, which we tested, had a rugged, blacked-out appearance that was particularly striking in white. However, darker colors diminished the contrast between the wheels, trim, and windows. The Santa Fe's design, with its boxy back end and techno-funk styling, was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions from buyers. Inside, the Santa Fe offered a high-tech display, quality materials, and ample storage space, though the gloss-black control panel was prone to collecting dust.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more traditional luxury experience with its various trims, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the rear LED lighting spanned the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided ambient lighting, suede trim, and multiple interior color options. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The switch to a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission improved the driving experience. The XRT trim came with standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and a raised suspension, making it suitable for off-road adventures. However, its aerodynamics suffered, resulting in a lower fuel economy of 21 mpg combined. The Santa Fe Hybrid offered better efficiency at 34 mpg combined but wasn't available in the XRT trim. The XRT's off-road capabilities were commendable, though it lacked a front-view camera system for tight trails.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid boasted a 3.5-liter V6 engine and hybrid system, producing 404 horsepower. The seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving needs. The 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed. The suspension handled bumps well, making it ideal for long road trips. While not a sports car, the TX offered a comfortable and versatile driving experience.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized practicality and utility, though the XRT trim lacked some desirable features like a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. Entry and exit were easy, and the interior was spacious, with thoughtful touches like dual wireless charging pads and bi-directional storage access. The Santa Fe offered 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The power hands-free liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. However, folding the second row flat was cumbersome due to a series of levers. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-folding third row and available kick sensor in the liftgate added convenience.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a dual-screen panel with digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. Optional features included navigation and dynamic voice recognition. Bluelink+ offered safety and convenience features, such as remote engine starting and safe teen driver settings, complimentary for original owners.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported. However, some features required a subscription, limiting access to certain functionalities.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including junction turning detection and safe-exit assist. Higher trims featured Highway Driving Assist, which operated with minimal driver input. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning and Lane Tracing Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though Proactive Driving Assist was often turned off due to its unpredictability. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for small overlap front crash tests.