2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Lexus RX

$34,300 · Crossover

$49,125 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe (Car1) and the 2025 Lexus RX (Car2) is the initial MSRP disparity of $14,825, positioning the Santa Fe at $34,300 versus the RX's $49,125. Performance metrics are closely aligned, with the Santa Fe delivering slightly more horsepower at 277 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, although the RX edges out in torque with 317 lb-ft against the Santa Fe's 311 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a minor advantage for the Lexus, achieving a 25 MPG combined versus the Hyundai's 24 MPG combined, though the Santa Fe uniquely runs on regular unleaded. In utility, the RX provides substantially more storage, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, despite the RX being negligibly longer at 192.5 inches versus 190.2 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX offers superior fuel efficiency at 25 MPG combined compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers nearly double the utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe produces slightly more peak horsepower at 277 hp than the Lexus RX's 275 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe starts $14,825 less expensive, offering comparable power output for the entry price.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

Budget is the primary constraint, given the $34,300 starting MSRP.
You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.
You prioritize a slightly higher published horsepower figure (277 hp vs. 275 hp).

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Maximum storage is required, as the RX provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You seek the highest torque output (317 lb-ft) in this specific comparison.
A higher combined fuel economy of 25 MPG is necessary for daily driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Fe	Lexus RX
Length	190.2"	192.5"
Width	74.8"	75.6"
Height	67.7"	67.3"
Wheelbase	110.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	277 hp @ 5800 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	354.0/513.3 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	12
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Rear Head Room	40.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.3 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.9 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Lexus
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2025 Lexus RX.

What is the primary difference in powertrain between the 2025 Santa Fe and RX?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Lexus RX provides 275 hp and slightly more torque at 317 lb-ft.

How significantly does the MSRP vary between these two crossovers?

There is a substantial difference of $14,825; the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, whereas the Lexus RX begins at $49,125.

Which vehicle has superior cargo capacity for families?

The 2025 Lexus RX is the clear winner for cargo, offering 29.6 cu ft, which is more than double the 14.6 cu ft available in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Do these FWD models use the same type of transmission?

No, the Santa Fe utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, while the Lexus RX employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is there a significant difference in physical size between the two models?

The Lexus RX is slightly larger overall, measuring 192.5 inches in length compared to the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, and it is fractionally wider at 75.6 inches.