2023 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained look. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty design elements. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models featured specific badging and sporty interior touches, but comfort was compromised by less-than-ideal seating adjustments.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe exhibited a more conservative exterior design, maintaining the same look as the 2022 model. Available in four trim levels in Canada, the Santa Fe offered a spacious five-passenger configuration, with AWD standard across all trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a rich Stormy Sea paint and a high-quality black leather interior. While the cabin was dark and monotone, the Nappa leather seats provided comfort and attractiveness. The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. The interior offered a high-quality feel, though the wide centre console slightly compromised driver leg space.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid added electric motors for a combined 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty driving dynamics. The engine note was more subdued than expected, and acceleration was unimpressive. The F Sport models included adaptive suspension and additional drive modes, but changes in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 281 hp. The turbocharged engine, available in Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided a significant performance boost with 311 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe featured a drive-mode selector with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes, and the turbocharged version delivered brisk acceleration with minimal turbo lag. Handling was smooth, with only slight body lean during cornering. The Santa Fe's towing capacity was 907 kg for the non-turbo version and 1,587 kg for the turbo model. Overall, the Santa Fe's performance was competitive for its price point, offering a balance of power, ride comfort, and handling.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models provided limited space for anything beyond groceries, with a 2/3/2 seating configuration. Cargo space behind the second row was 453 litres, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered generous rear-seat legroom of 1,060 millimetres and competitive cargo space of 1,032 litres behind the second row. Folding the seats expanded storage to 2,041 litres, with an underfloor storage compartment adding convenience. The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with standard eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. Higher trims included features like a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting enhanced the cabin experience, though the wide centre console slightly reduced driver leg space.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen featuring navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clearly marked icons and extensive customization options. Voice recognition capabilities were mixed, with some difficulty in recognizing commands. The Santa Fe's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included features like forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness tests.