Comparison - Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 2018 - vs - Lexus RX 350 2017
General
Also called:
Hyundai Maxcruz,Hyundai Grand Santa Fe
Also called:
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Expert Reviews
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has a small third-row seat, but delivers on almost every major crossover-SUV talking point.
Pros
No major flaws
A very good value
Excellent passenger space
Well-equipped, across the board
Smooth 6-cylinder delivery
Cons
Stiff mileage penalty for AWD
Six speeds may be too few
Slim third-row space
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked #14 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 57 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros
Class-leading warranty and buyer's coverage
Enthusiastic V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines
Fuel-efficient standard engine in Santa Fe Sport
Cons
Meager amount of cargo room
With only three trim levels and one option, picking the right Santa Fe isn't too difficult. We think the sweet spot is the SE Ultimate, which comes with the comfort and safety features you'll want along with a larger entertainment and navigation system and a surround-sound audio system
PROS
Plenty of standard features for the money
Easy-to-use entertainment interface
Generous warranty coverage
CONS
Fuel economy is slightly below par
Limited availability of advanced driver safety aids
Cargo capacity falls short of some competitors
The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros
Generous list of standard features
Comfortable and spacious rear seats
Lower base price than many competitors
Cons
Difficult-to-use infotainment system
Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways.
Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out.
It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros
Eye-catching design
Refined interior
Solid power
Available hybrid
Standard safety tech
Cons
Polarizing looks
Expensive with options
F-Sport rides very firmly
No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades.
The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
