Hyundai Santa Fe vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, presented a robust and boxy design with a long wheelbase and a distinctive snub nose. Its H-shaped LED headlamps were pixelated, aligning with Hyundai's design language, and offered vibrant color options like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal, affecting the overall visual balance. Each trim featured specific wheel sizes, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added off-road elements like chrome and black trim. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. The interior materials varied from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather, but some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, though the fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, maintained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, with a small roof spoiler and roof rails for added utility. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid stood out with a standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. Interior options included Birch, Black, and Peppercorn colors, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. Redesigned door handles offered a novel approach but lacked practicality. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row offering ample headroom and a recline function. The second row featured a one-touch button for easy third-row access, though folding the seats flat proved cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls, while mostly screen-based, retained physical temperature dials.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque, with FWD or AWD options. The XRT trim was exclusively AWD, equipped with 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for 231 horsepower. The Santa Fe offered stable handling, firm brakes, and responsive steering, though turbo lag and delayed transmission downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required acclimation, and the off-road geometry was suitable for moderate terrains but not rugged rock crawling.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, with a seven-kilowatt charger achieving a full battery in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom settings. Sport mode enhanced throttle response, though it wasn't overly aggressive. The 550h+ provided a smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power, and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections. The AWD system distributed power variably, with a Trail Mode for slippery conditions.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim offered essential features like a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control. The XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof, while the Calligraphy trim included heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats and a two-level glove box with UV-C sanitization on upper trims. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The liftgate width increased to 50.2 inches, facilitating easy loading, and most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated front and second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls included physical temperature dials. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 97 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a digital gauge cluster on top trims. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered 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 provided security, and Bluelink app connectivity offered remote features and over-the-air updates.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was mixed, with a 14-inch touchscreen that was responsive but lacked manual satellite radio input. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The backup camera offered a bird’s-eye view, and Advanced Park assisted with parking. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories, with "Acceptable" scores for headlights and LATCH.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning and Lane Tracing Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective but required setup through confusing controls. The NHTSA rated the TX 350 and 500h five stars, while the IIHS gave the TX "Acceptable" and "Good" scores in various crash tests.