2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of trim levels, including Essential, Preferred, Luxury, and Ultimate, with the latter two featuring a turbocharged engine for enhanced power and performance. All-wheel drive was standard on all Canadian trims except the Essential, where it was an optional upgrade. The Santa Fe's design was bold and experimental, with a distinctive grille shape, stacked lighting elements, and asymmetrical fender stampings. Inside, the SUV boasted a dramatic dual-cowl dashboard and high-contrast interior colours, though the materials didn't quite match the high-style design. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls operated with refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior felt dated, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX's upright dashboard and high centre console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle contributed to a bus-like driving position. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility and analog controls for ease of use.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's base engine was a 185-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, but the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder was the preferred choice, delivering 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a smooth ride, decent handling, and a quiet highway experience, especially with the Ultimate trim's laminated glass. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, and its fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The SUV handled moderate off-roading with ease but lacked driver engagement.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 2,349-kilogram weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and various drive modes for different surfaces. Its towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, with stability control including a trailer-sway control function.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family needs in mind, offering creative storage spaces and stain-resistant fabric. The test vehicle featured comfortable, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel. The back seat provided ample comfort, with air conditioning vents and reclining seats. However, the Santa Fe's cargo space was limited, with 1,017 litres behind the rear seat and a maximum of 2,019 litres. A hands-free "smart" liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and a bus-like driving position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile offered excellent visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stereo control knobs, shortcut buttons, and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with SiriusXM and Blue Link connected services available on higher trims. The Ultimate trim added a larger display, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. A head-up display and sophisticated voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, but analog controls provided ease of use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech offering was primitive for a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with a range of driver assistance technologies available. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Preferred trim added a safe exit assist system and an ultrasonic occupant alert system, while the Luxury trim featured a Blind View Monitor.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard. This bundle offered a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, but the GX missed out on some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models.