Lexus RX vs Hyundai Santa Fe
The Lexus RX and Hyundai Santa Fe are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 36 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 3 measured categories, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus RX | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,100 | $1,700 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 89 g/mi ✓ | 111 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 59 | 90 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RX vs Santa Fe: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus RX or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Lexus RX and Hyundai Santa Fe are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 36 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Santa Fe runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $400 per year.
What engines do the RX and Santa Fe offer?
Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5. Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus RX and the Hyundai Santa Fe as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: lexus-rx-vs-hyundai-santa-fe