2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2025 Lexus NX 250 Review

Picture of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

2025 Hyundai
Santa Fe

MSRP*: $34,200 to $48,550
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Picture of the 2025 Lexus NX 250

2025 Lexus
NX 250

MSRP*: $40,815 to $44,340
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 19 - 20 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 29 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 6 - 7 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 79.6 ft3 46.9 ft3
Engine
  • 277-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 203-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 277 hp 203 hp
Towing Capacity 3,500 - 4,500 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 190.2 in 183.5 in
Exterior Width 74.8 in 73.4 in
Leg Room Front 44.4 in
Rear 42.3 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 36.1 in
Head Room Front 40.2 - 41.1 in
Rear 39.6 - 40.6 in
Front 37.1 - 38.3 in
Rear 38.1 - 38.5 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Hyundai Santa Fe than in the Lexus NX 250. The Hyundai Santa Fe will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Lexus NX 250.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Hyundai Santa Fe as you will with the Lexus NX 250, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Hyundai Santa Fe will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Lexus NX 250.

Dimensions
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a little wider than the Lexus NX 250, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is slightly longer than the Lexus NX 250.

Handling
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the same turning radius as the Lexus NX 250, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Hyundai Santa Fe is clearly the choice over the Lexus NX 250 for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Hyundai Santa Fe greatly out-muscles the Lexus NX 250.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Hyundai Santa Fe does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Lexus NX 250.

Utility
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers greater seating capacity than the Lexus NX 250, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. With the Hyundai Santa Fe, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Lexus NX 250.