Compare the2025 Lexus TXVS 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

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 TX 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 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.

Both the TX and the Santa Fe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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 TX is safer than the Hyundai Santa Fe:

	TX	Santa Fe
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	218	460
Neck Compression	12 lbs.	33 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	331/316 lbs.	290/423 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	356	369
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	60 lbs.	140 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	384/277 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, results indicate that the Lexus TX is safer than the Hyundai Santa Fe:

	TX	Santa Fe
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.3 inches	.6 inches
Abdominal Force	64 lbs.	85 lbs.
Hip Force	199 lbs.	203 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	55 lbs.	264 lbs.

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

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus TX is safer than the Santa Fe:

	TX	Santa Fe
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	38	89
Neck Tension	134 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.35 in	.87 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.1 in	1.34 in
Torso Deflection Rate	4 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1049 lbs.	1227 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.1 in	1.14 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	446 lbs.	580 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

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 TX’s reliability 22 points higher than the Santa Fe.

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 TX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 6 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 311) than the Santa Fe’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The TX 500h’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 89 more horsepower (366 vs. 277) and 95 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 311) than the Santa Fe’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The TX 550h+’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 127 more horsepower (404 vs. 277) than the Santa Fe’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Lexus TX is faster than the Hyundai Santa Fe:

	TX 500h	TX 550h+	Santa Fe
Zero to 60 MPH	6.1 sec	5.3 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	13.9 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93.4 MPH	101.1 MPH	92.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPGe
TX
	AWD	550h+ Electric Motors	81 city/70 hwy
Santa Fe
			MPG
	FWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/29 hwy
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy
		XRT 2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/26 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the TX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Santa Fe:

			MPG
TX
	AWD	3.5 V6 Hybrid	29 city/28 hwy
		2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
		2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
Santa Fe
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy
		XRT 2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/26 hwy

The TX 550h+ CVT can travel with zero emissions for 33 miles. The Santa Fe can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the TX 500h/550h+’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Santa Fe doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Transmission

The TX 550h+ has a standard 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 doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	TX 350	TX 500h/550h+	Santa Fe SE/SEL/XRT	Santa Fe Limited/Calligraphy
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	15.7 inches	12.8 inches	13.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.3 inches	13.3 inches	12 inches	12.8 inches

The TX’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 are solid, not vented.

The TX stops shorter than the Santa Fe:

	TX	Santa Fe
60 to 0 MPH	117 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	142 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the TX has larger tires than the Santa Fe (255/55R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The TX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Santa Fe SE/SEL’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TX has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Santa Fe SE/SEL. The TX’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels on the Santa Fe Calligraphy.

Suspension and Handling

The TX 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’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the TX’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than on the Santa Fe (116.1 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the TX is 2.7 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Santa Fe.

The TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury handles at .85 G’s, while the Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the TX 550h+ Luxury has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Santa Fe (7.7 vs. 7 inches), allowing the TX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The TX F Sport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Santa Fe doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The TX has .3 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear hip room, .9 inches more rear shoulder room, 3.5 inches more third row legroom, 3 inches more third row hip room and 3.9 inches more third row shoulder room than the Santa Fe.

Cargo Capacity

The TX’s cargo area provides more volume than the Santa Fe.

	TX	Santa Fe
Behind Third Seat	20.2 cubic feet	14.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	57.4 cubic feet	40.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	97 cubic feet	79.6 cubic feet

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

Towing

The TX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Santa Fe’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

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

The TX’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 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The TX’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’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the TX 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 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The TX’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 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The TX’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’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the TX Luxury/F Sport has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Santa Fe doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The TX’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 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Lexus TX 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 Limited/Calligraphy.

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

The TX has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Santa Fe Limited/Calligraphy.

The TX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Santa Fe SEL/XRT/Limited/Calligraphy.

The Lexus TX 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Lexus TX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Santa Fe SEL/XRT/Limited/Calligraphy offers wireless charging.

Recommendations

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

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