Compare the2025 Lexus RXVS 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RX has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Lexus RX’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the RX and the Santa Fe Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid:

	RX	Santa Fe Hybrid
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	165	460
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	33 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	30.7%	32.5%
Neck Compression	114 lbs.	140 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	454/389 lbs.	726/652 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid:

	RX	Santa Fe Hybrid
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.3 inches	.6 inches
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	15 inches	16 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the RX is .5% to 3% less likely to roll over than the Santa Fe Hybrid.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus RX Hybrid’s reliability 25 points higher than the Santa Fe Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The Santa Fe Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 63 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 10th.

Engine

The RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 more horsepower (246 vs. 231) than the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The RX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (275 vs. 231) and 46 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 271) than the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The RX 450h+ Luxury’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 73 more horsepower (304 vs. 231) than the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 135 more horsepower (366 vs. 231) and 135 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 271) than the Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 350h 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid:

	RX	Santa Fe Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	7.4 sec	9.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	17.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89.2 MPH	82.2 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX running on electricity gets better mileage than the Santa Fe Hybrid:

			MPGe
RX
	AWD	450h+ Luxury Electric Motors	91 city/75 hwy
Santa Fe Hybrid
			MPG
	FWD	1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	36 city/35 hwy
	AWD	1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/34 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the RX 350h running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the Santa Fe Hybrid AWD (37 city/34 hwy vs. 35 city/34 hwy).

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Santa Fe Hybrid can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Both the RX and Santa Fe Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The RX 350 has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus RX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Santa Fe Hybrid.

The RX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Santa Fe Hybrid:

	RX	RX 500h	Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	15.7 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	13.4 inches	12.8 inches

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Santa Fe Hybrid are solid, not vented.

The RX stops shorter than the Santa Fe Hybrid:

	RX	Santa Fe Hybrid
70 to 0 MPH	178 feet	179 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Santa Fe SEL Hybrid. The RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited/Calligraphy.

The RX has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Santa Fe Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the Santa Fe Hybrid (112.2 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is .6 inches wider in the front and 1.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Santa Fe Hybrid.

The RX 450h+ Luxury handles at .83 G’s, while the Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RX 450h+ Luxury executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid AWD (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.7 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 2.5 feet tighter than the Santa Fe Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.9 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Santa Fe Hybrid (8.1 vs. 7 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RX 350h’s minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the Santa Fe Hybrid (8.2 vs. 7 inches).

Chassis

The Lexus RX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 300 pounds less than the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the RX 450h+ Luxury is quieter than the Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid AWD (72 vs. 73 dB).

Passenger Space

The RX has .2 inches more front hip room and 1.1 inches more rear hip room than the Santa Fe Hybrid.

Cargo Capacity

The RX has a much larger cargo volume than the Santa Fe Hybrid with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 14.6 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RX. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is limited to 2000 pounds. The RX offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 70% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 30th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited/Calligraphy, the RX 450h+ Luxury has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Santa Fe Hybrid has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The RX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Santa Fe Hybrid can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Proximity Key standard on the Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The RX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The RX’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Santa Fe Hybrid’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RX offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RX also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The RX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Lexus RX has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited/Calligraphy.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The Lexus RX has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Hyundai charges extra for Homelink® on the Santa Fe Hybrid.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus RX and the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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