2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, featured a design that was both distinct and familiar. Its sharp edges and streamlined profile gave it a unique look, though the styling had remained largely unchanged over the years. The F Sport Black Line model added a larger mesh grille, fake side intakes, and dark-finish 18-inch wheels, complemented by a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty elements like an aluminum pedal and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a sense of value that seemed to exceed its price tag. With new gasoline and hybrid powertrains, the Santa Fe was available in various trims, including the luxurious Calligraphy. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with unique trim-specific elements. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted new colors and textures, a bridge-style center console, and a high-tech 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Calligraphy trim, with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof, exuded quality and comfort, making it feel like a bargain for its price.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with transitions between electric and gasoline power.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, while the hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 226 horsepower. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with a dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe's driving modes, structural improvements, and refined braking system contributed to a quick, solid, and agile driving experience. Both powertrains offered a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, with the turbo engine being more efficient on the highway.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats, however, offered excellent support and comfort. The dashboard design was sporty, with controls easily accessible, but rear visibility was compromised by thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Features like a power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room, with dual-zone climate control and stain-resistant fabric in lower trims. The Calligraphy trim elevated luxury with Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. Comfort was a priority, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated options, and a spacious rear seat with sliding capabilities. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience, though it could be unintentionally activated.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but lacking a touchscreen. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. Analog controls were available for climate and audio, but the system felt outdated, with basic graphics and text-heavy menus. The base audio system was underwhelming, with an optional 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and head-up display. The 10.25-inch touchscreen offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced voice recognition, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Blue Link connected services were free for three years, offering features like remote start and climate control. While a WiFi hotspot was absent, the Santa Fe included Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, adding convenience and innovation.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and rear-occupant alert. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe was a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS with LED projector headlights, earning high ratings for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.