2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Lexus NX is fuel economy, with the Lexus achieving 40 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG, a 16 MPG advantage. Despite the superior efficiency of the NX, the Santa Fe offers substantially more power, boasting 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus's 240 horsepower. Pricing presents another major contrast: the Santa Fe starts at $34,300, undercutting the Lexus NX's $44,175 MSRP by $9,875. The Lexus compensates with better utility, offering 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space against the Hyundai's 14.6 cu ft. Finally, dimensional differences are notable, with the Santa Fe measuring 190.2 inches long, exceeding the NX's 183.5 inches, suggesting greater interior volume, though the NX leads in accessible storage capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX is the commuter winner due to its exceptional 40 combined MPG rating, significantly reducing routine operating costs.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is favored for families based on its lower $34,300 starting price and its larger overall exterior dimensions.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts favor the Santa Fe for its superior output of 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque versus the NX's output.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe delivers significantly higher power for a price point that is $9,875 lower than the Lexus NX.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You require maximum engine output, as the Santa Fe produces 277 horsepower.
- Budget is the primary concern, given the $34,300 MSRP is substantially lower than the competitor.
- You prefer to use regular unleaded fuel rather than the Lexus's premium recommendation.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, evidenced by the 40 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize maximum dedicated cargo volume, where the NX provides 22.7 cubic feet.
- A transmission optimized for smooth, steady driving via a continuously variable-speed automatic is preferred.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Fe | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.8" | 73.4" |
| Height | 67.7" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.9" |
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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 354.0/513.3 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate 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 | — | 10 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.3 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 52.5 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Lexus NX.
What is the primary fuel economy difference between the 2025 Santa Fe and 2026 NX?
The 2026 Lexus NX is significantly more efficient, achieving 40 combined MPG. This contrasts sharply with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG rating, resulting in a 16 MPG advantage for the Lexus.
How much more power does the Hyundai Santa Fe offer over the Lexus NX?
The Santa Fe provides 37 more horsepower than the NX, outputting 277 hp compared to the Lexus's 240 hp. Furthermore, the Santa Fe also produces higher torque at 311 lb-ft.
Which vehicle has a better starting price?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a far more accessible entry point at $34,300. This represents a $9,875 savings compared to the 2026 Lexus NX's $44,175 MSRP.
Is there a significant difference in cargo capacity?
Yes, the 2026 Lexus NX provides considerably more storage space with 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is rated at only 14.6 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
No, they utilize different transmissions; the Santa Fe uses an 8-speed automated manual, while the Lexus NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
The 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe operates effectively on regular unleaded fuel.
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