2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in Canada in XRT, Luxury, and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, maintained its bold, boxy design from its 2024 debut. This three-row SUV featured a long wheelbase, flat hood, and distinctive H-shaped LED headlamps, aligning with Hyundai's design language. The Santa Fe offered vibrant colours like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue, breaking away from the typical greyscale SUV palette. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal, affecting the overall visual balance. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which offered captain's chairs in the second row. The interior boasted leatherette, leather, or Nappa leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Despite a generally good fit and finish, some dashboard squeaks and rattles were noted during testing.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these features, the RX's design remained unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup included the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+ models, each offering different powertrains and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model, while the RX 500h delivered more power and sportier performance. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range. All models featured standard AWD in Canada, with various package options available. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary design with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic controls were challenging to use.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. AWD was standard across the lineup, providing stability in corners and a firm brake feel. However, turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted during acceleration. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite these features, the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged off-roading, better suited for graded dirt roads.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, prioritized efficiency over power. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and the drivetrain occasionally hesitated during city driving. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic communication, making it more about sporty appearance than overall driving satisfaction.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a spacious interior with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof in the XRT trim. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in third-row legroom, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 1,148 litres available when the third row was folded and 2,267 litres with the second row down. The liftgate width increased to 127.5 cm, facilitating easy loading of large items. Most trims could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, though heated and ventilated, felt snug due to enhanced bolstering. The rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. However, the cargo cover could obstruct loading full-size suitcases.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster, with navigation available on higher trims. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad enhanced connectivity. The digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via a smartphone or Apple Watch. Bluelink app connectivity offered remote climate control and vehicle monitoring. Over-the-air updates ensured up-to-date software.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a conversational digital voice assistant and cloud-based navigation. However, steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, while a surround-view camera was available. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it "Poor" in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.