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.
For 2020, the Santa Fe lineup receives minor updates that mainly include reshuffled content. The base SE and mid-level SEL models add a standard Rear Occupant Alert that reminds owners to check the back seat. The SEL also gets more standard driver assists (blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and more). All SEL models with the Convenience package now have wireless charging for phones. The top-tier Limited model now has premium doorsills, dark-chrome exterior trim, and a new Blind-View Monitor.
Pros Excellent value versus rivals, enjoyable to drive daily, eminently practical cabin.
Cons Not particularly quick, ho-hum interior design and materials, mediocre fuel economy.
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked #2 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 21 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable ride Good fuel economy Quality interior Lots of easy-to-use tech features
Cons Underwhelming base engine Rivals handle better Less cargo space than some competitors
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Enhanced blind-spot safety tech now standard on Limited trim.Minor revisions to feature availability.Ultimate top trim is gone.
Pros Abundant standard features for the money High-quality interior materials Generous warranty coverage Several standard and optional active safety features
Cons Base 2.4-liter engine's power and mpg are subpar View out of the rear side is blocked by wide roof pillars Sharp bumps can transmit harshness and road noise into the cabin
