2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Lexus RX

$34,300 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe hits the scene with bold, boxy aesthetics and a strong value proposition starting at just $34,300, offering 277 horsepower from its standard engine. It’s a versatile powerhouse ready for action. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lexus RX provides a refined, premium experience, leveraging its slightly higher torque rating of 317 lb-ft, though carrying a significant $15,425 premium over the Hyundai. Performance parity is clear on paper, with the Santa Fe generating 277 hp and the RX delivering 275 hp. However, practical differences emerge: the Lexus boasts a massive 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Santa Fe’s 14.6 cu ft, but the Hyundai achieves a slightly better 29 MPG highway using regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Lexus requires premium fuel for its best 29 MPG highway rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its substantially lower MSRP of $34,300 and use of regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX provides substantially more usable space 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

Despite similar power, the Santa Fe’s accessible torque delivery combined with its aggressive pricing makes it the more exciting overall package.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe offers nearly identical power output for a $15,425 lower initial investment than the Lexus RX.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize saving money, as the MSRP starts $15,425 lower than the competition.
You want the flexibility of running on regular unleaded fuel while maintaining a 29 MPG highway rating.
You prefer the robust power delivery of 311 lb-ft of torque paired with 277 horsepower.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Maximum utility is crucial, demonstrated by its cavernous 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You seek the prestige and refined driving dynamics associated with the Lexus brand.
You need the slight edge in low-end grunt provided by 317 lb-ft of torque.

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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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 2026 Lexus RX.

How much more cargo space does the Lexus RX offer over the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2026 Lexus RX delivers significantly more utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In stark contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offers only 14.6 cubic feet, making the Lexus the clear choice for hauling bulkier items.

Is the fuel economy difference between the two SUVs significant?

The official EPA combined ratings are very close, with the Lexus RX at 25 MPG combined versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG combined. Both manage 29 MPG highway, but the Santa Fe achieves this on regular unleaded, while the RX recommends premium.

What is the primary performance difference based on the provided specifications?

Performance is nearly identical, but the 2026 Lexus RX edges out the Hyundai in torque with 317 lb-ft compared to the Santa Fe's 311 lb-ft. Horsepower is effectively a tie, with the Santa Fe slightly ahead at 277 hp versus 275 hp.

Considering the large price disparity, what do I gain by choosing the Lexus RX?

Choosing the 2026 Lexus RX over the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe means paying an extra $15,425 for a luxury badge, slightly higher peak torque, and double the standard cargo capacity.

Which vehicle uses cheaper fuel and does it affect mileage?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe uses regular unleaded gasoline, which is typically less expensive at the pump than the premium unleaded recommended for the 2026 Lexus RX. Both manage 29 MPG highway.

Are the physical dimensions very different between the two models?

The vehicles are similar in size, with the Lexus being slightly longer at 192.5 inches versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches. The Lexus is also slightly wider at 75.6 inches compared to 74.8 inches for the Hyundai.