2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
Deciding between sophisticated efficiency and raw power is the central dilemma when comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe. If your priority is maximizing miles per gallon without breaking the bank on purchase price, the Lexus NX presents a compelling case. The NX achieves a superior 28 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG, despite the Santa Fe offering significantly more muscle with 277 horsepower compared to the NX's 203 hp. The initial investment is also a key factor, with the Santa Fe undercutting the Lexus by a substantial $6,165, starting at $34,800 while the NX begins at $40,965. Although the Santa Fe is physically larger at 190.2 inches long, the NX is slightly more economical in terms of everyday consumption. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value the Lexus badge and better fuel economy or the Santa Fe's substantial power and lower entry cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is better suited for families needing more physical space, measuring 190.2 inches in length versus the NX's 183.5 inches.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Fe's substantially higher output of 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers better immediate value, saving buyers $6,165 on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the Lexus NX delivers 28 combined MPG compared to the Santa Fe’s 24 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking, as the NX is 6.7 inches shorter in length.
- You value the prestige and expected longevity associated with the Lexus brand.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- You need the extra performance, given the Santa Fe boasts 277 horsepower versus the NX's 203 hp.
- Your budget requires a lower initial outlay, saving $6,165 off the base price by choosing the Santa Fe.
- You require more passenger or cargo flexibility, as the Santa Fe is the larger vehicle overall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 190.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 66.1" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 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 | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe than the 2025 Lexus NX?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly more powerful, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a 74 hp advantage over the Lexus NX, which is rated at 203 hp.
Which crossover will save me more money at the pump annually?
The Lexus NX is expected to save you money in the long run due to fuel economy. It achieves 28 combined MPG, which is 4 MPG better than the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG rating.
Is there a significant difference in their size for hauling gear?
Yes, while both are crossovers, the Santa Fe is physically larger, measuring 190.2 inches long. However, the provided cargo capacity data shows the Lexus NX offering more usable space at 22.7 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
What is the starting price difference between these two models?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a substantial upfront saving, with an MSRP of $34,800. This is $6,165 cheaper than the 2025 Lexus NX, which starts at $40,965.
Do both cars use the same type of fuel?
Yes, fortunately for owners, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which car has better highway driving efficiency?
The Lexus NX maintains better efficiency on the highway, achieving 33 MPG highway. The Santa Fe provides 29 MPG highway, making the NX the better choice for long highway commutes.
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