2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, notably with its 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, which might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX came in various model series, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages. The interior, while dark, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, meanwhile, showcased a radical design departure, embracing a boxy shape for optimal storage capacity. This design choice was significant, as it contrasted with Hyundai's previous sleek, futuristic models. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, with sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. The interior offered premium styling, with trims like the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy providing a mix of hard and soft materials. The Santa Fe's design was both elegant and functional, with features like a soothing fabric headliner adding to its appeal.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option, with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Other models featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. AWD was standard across all models. The Santa Fe Hybrid had a projected fuel economy of 6.8 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, and 6.9 combined. The XRT trim offered off-road capabilities and increased towing capacity. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were smooth and stable, with some body roll through turns.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by "chabak," focusing on car camping and tailgating. The first and second rows were spacious, with options for bench or captain's chairs. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded. The Santa Fe included a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox and optional roof rails supporting 100 kilograms. The interior was designed for comfort and organization, with various upholstery options and storage features.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available in the Executive package.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, the first of its kind in the segment. The touchscreen display was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and six USB ports. The Preferred trim had a simpler 12.3-inch display, while higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access. The Ultimate Calligraphy and NHL Edition provided additional wireless chargers and advanced features.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also available, though it wasn't always smooth. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it included a comprehensive suite of safety features. The base Preferred trim offered adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and remote automatic parking. The Ultimate Calligraphy and NHL Edition included a head-up display and upgraded safety systems. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle with driver monitoring, using an infrared camera and capacitive sensors to track alertness.