2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is fuel economy, with the UX achieving a combined 43 MPG compared to the Santa Fe's 24 MPG—a difference of 19 MPG. Conversely, the Santa Fe dominates power metrics, producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the UX's 196 hp. In terms of size, the Santa Fe is considerably larger, measuring 190.2 inches long versus the UX's 177.0 inches, though this results in less usable space, as the UX offers 17.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. Price presents another contrast: the Santa Fe starts lower at $34,800 against the UX's $36,740 MSRP. These differences frame a choice between efficient, smaller luxury versus powerful, spacious affordability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX wins for commuters due to its superior 43 combined MPG efficiency.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the better family choice based on its greater dimensions (190.2 inches length vs. 177.0 inches for the UX).
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Fe's substantially higher 277 hp output compared to the Lexus UX's 196 hp.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe offers a compelling value proposition with 81 more horsepower for a $1,940 lower starting MSRP of $34,800.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Absolute priority is placed on maximizing fuel economy, evidenced by its 43 combined MPG rating.
- A smaller footprint is desired, as the UX has a length of only 177.0 inches.
- A slightly better measurable cargo volume of 17.1 cu ft is required over the Santa Fe.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Maximum available power is needed, as the Santa Fe delivers 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
- The driver requires a lower initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $34,800.
- The driver needs superior overall passenger volume associated with its 190.2-inch length and 67.7-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 190.2" |
| Width | 72.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 60.6" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed 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) | 45/41 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 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 UX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
What is the exact fuel economy difference between the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Santa Fe?
The 2025 Lexus UX significantly outperforms the 2026 Santa Fe in efficiency, achieving 43 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe’s 24 combined MPG. This represents a measurable difference of 19 MPG for the driver tracking fuel consumption.
How much more horsepower does the 2026 Santa Fe offer over the 2025 UX?
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers substantially more power, boasting 277 hp compared to the Lexus UX’s 196 hp. This results in an 81 hp advantage for the Santa Fe.
Which vehicle has the higher starting MSRP and by how much?
The 2025 Lexus UX has the higher starting MSRP at $36,740. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe undercuts this figure with a starting price of $34,800, creating a difference of $1,940.
Does the smaller size of the Lexus UX affect its utility compared to the Santa Fe?
Despite being shorter by 13.2 inches (177.0 vs 190.2 inches), the Lexus UX paradoxically offers slightly more specified cargo space at 17.1 cu ft versus the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.
Are both vehicles restricted to Front Wheel Drive (FWD)?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe are listed with a front wheel drive system configuration.
How do the transmissions differ between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus UX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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