2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models. While it maintained an attractive appearance, it didn't stand out as much as other vehicles in the lineup. The SUV continued with the same design as the 2022 model, offering five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The Calligraphy AWD trim, tested in a Stormy Sea color, featured a black-on-black interior and had a total MSRP of $45,845. Its wide grilles and thin LED headlights were distinctive, but the overall look was more subdued.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim's black interior with Nappa leather seats provided a high-quality feel, though it was somewhat monotone. The seats were comfortable, with standard heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. The interior's dark appearance could be offset by choosing a beige or gray interior on lower trims for more visual contrast.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a luxury SUV experience with a more upscale appearance. The Luxury trim test model featured 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had an MSRP of $67,869.

The TX 350 Luxury model's interior included premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a Peppercorn interior, which appeared dark even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite the darkness, the interior felt luxurious, fitting the Lexus badge. The TX provided a comfortable ride, though the front seats lacked a massage function, which might be expected in this class.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine, available in Limited and Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with immediate acceleration and no turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean, and it offered four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart. The turbo version could tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined for FWD. The AWD option, costing $1,600, provided better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable and quiet highway experience. However, the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered ample rear-seat legroom of 41.7 inches and a competitive cargo space of 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 72.1 cubic feet. The Santa Fe's interior featured comfortable seating, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free smart liftgate. The Calligraphy trim included a panoramic sunroof and a head-up display, though the driver's seat height adjustment could be problematic for taller drivers.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model included premium upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, offering a 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital cluster in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the base trim, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The voice-recognition system had mixed results, struggling with certain commands.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist and traffic jam assist were also available. The system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.