2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2026 Lexus NX

$34,800 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between a mainstream, feature-packed utility vehicle and a premium, fuel-sipping luxury crossover often causes a headache for buyers. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe enters the ring with a significant MSRP advantage at $34,800 compared to the 2026 Lexus NX's starting price of $44,175—a $9,375 gap. Power-wise, the Santa Fe leads with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, giving it a noticeable edge over the NX's 240 hp. However, where the NX truly pulls ahead is efficiency; it achieves an incredible 40 combined MPG, obliterating the Santa Fe's 24 combined MPG, even though the Hyundai runs on cheaper regular unleaded. The Lexus is also smaller, measuring 183.5 inches long versus the Santa Fe's 190.2 inches, which might impact maneuverability, but the NX offers surprisingly more space with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft, suggesting clever packaging.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 40 combined MPG, significantly lowering running costs versus the Santa Fe's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

Despite being smaller, the Lexus NX provides more usable space for gear with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers significantly more performance with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus NX's 240 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a $9,375 lower entry price and uses regular unleaded fuel, offering better immediate and ongoing cost value.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...

You prioritize immediate upfront savings, as the MSRP is $9,375 less than the Lexus NX.
You prefer higher raw output, utilizing the Santa Fe's 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save money on fuel costs by only requiring regular unleaded gasoline.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Maximum fuel economy is critical, given the NX's excellent 40 combined MPG rating.
You need surprisingly efficient space, as the smaller crossover offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo room.
You prefer the refined characteristics associated with a luxury brand like Lexus.

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 shiftable automatic	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	Underbody 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Lexus NX.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Lexus NX compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The difference in efficiency is substantial; the 2026 Lexus NX achieves 40 combined MPG, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe manages only 24 combined MPG. This means you will be stopping for gas far less frequently in the NX.

Is the higher price of the Lexus NX justified by interior utility?

While the NX has a $9,375 higher MSRP, it paradoxically offers more usable space, boasting 22.7 cu ft of cargo volume compared to the Santa Fe's 14.6 cu ft. The Santa Fe is longer overall, but the NX seems better packaged for storage.

Which vehicle offers better driving excitement and power?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the clear winner here, outputting 277 hp versus the Lexus NX’s 240 hp. The Santa Fe also offers significantly more pulling power with 311 lb-ft of torque.

What is the difference in required fuel type between the two crossovers?

A practical consideration for daily use is that the Hyundai Santa Fe runs efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline. The Lexus NX, however, recommends premium unleaded, which will contribute to higher recurring fuel expenses.

Are these vehicles similar in physical size for city driving?

Not exactly; the Santa Fe is the larger vehicle, measuring 190.2 inches long and 67.7 inches high. The Lexus NX is more compact at 183.5 inches long and 66.1 inches high, making it slightly easier to park and navigate tight city streets.