2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims were particularly noted for their distinctive design elements, such as the unique mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats in the F Sport. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior aimed for a minimalist look, with most functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which some found challenging to navigate quickly. Despite this, the NX maintained high-quality levels, though some controls, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior styling, with its wide upper and lower grilles being the most distinctive elements. The Santa Fe was available in five trims, with the Calligraphy AWD trim offering a luxurious experience with its Nappa leather seats and a rich Stormy Sea paint. The interior, while high-quality, was dark and monotone, though options for beige or gray interiors provided some visual contrast. The Santa Fe excelled in comfort, with features like heated and cooled front seats and a spacious cabin, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, generated 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its athletic performance. However, the NX's turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, provided brisk acceleration and smooth performance, with no discernible turbo lag. The Santa Fe's handling was smooth, with minimal body lean during cornering, and the dual-clutch transmission operated seamlessly. While the Santa Fe wasn't tested off-road, its towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine made it a versatile option for those needing to haul trailers.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room than its predecessor, with a cozy and intimate cabin design. The NX's front seats were comfortable, especially in the F Sport trim, which provided better bolstering. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with features like rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided generous rear-seat legroom of 41.7 inches and a competitive cargo space of 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the seats down expanded the cargo area to 72.1 cubic feet. The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with features like an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats in the SEL trim and above. The Calligraphy trim added luxury touches like a head-up display and ambient lighting, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays and natural voice recognition. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a range of connected services. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The NX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system and a comprehensive head-up display. However, the touchscreen's tendency to collect fingerprints and the lack of a tuning knob were minor drawbacks.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, with a standard 4.2-inch color LCD display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch display in the base trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available in higher trims. The system offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the top trims. While the voice-recognition system had mixed results, the Santa Fe's technology package was impressive for a mass-market brand.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trims added features like rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The safe-exit warning system and rear-seat reminder added to the vehicle's safety credentials, making it a reliable choice for families.