Lexus UX vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?

Lexus UX

—

2026 price

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Hyundai Santa Fe

$45,950 - $88,777

2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Lexus UX

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.2L/100km (combined)

9.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Solid on-road handling
Great fuel economy
Long time between fills

Superb storage in cabin
Forgiving to drive for most driver types
Passenger comfort in all three rows

Dislikes

Reminds you too often its a base grade
Drive modes largely indistinguishable
Cosy back seat

Not as efficient as hybrid siblings
Exterior design won't land with everyone
Basic warranty terms on offer

2026 Lexus UX Summary

Replacing the long-standing UX250h, the more powerful Lexus UX300h hybrid sits at the luxury end of the compact SUV segment, and the latest update brings a refined line-up along with tweaks to both design and technology. In this review, I’m looking at the base Luxury grade to see what it's like to live with this hybrid day-today and how it stacks up against its nearest rivals.

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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Summary

A big welcome to one of the first turbo-petrol four-cylinder versions of the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that launched locally with only its hybrid variants available to our market.

While it might not satisfy the fans of the previous-gen's V6 petrol engine, it might be enough for those who have been on the fence about going the hybrid route.

This is my third time in the new Santa Fe, and each tested variant has managed to offer something different and the base petrol grade, in FWD, is no different – but does it offer enough?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus UX 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

Verdict

The updated Lexus UX300h Luxury is a solid entry in the premium compact SUV segment. It doesn’t break new ground, and there are areas that could be improved, but it handles well, offers a thoughtful selection of amenities for a base-grade luxury model, and its compact size makes it easy to park almost anywhere. For buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and practical hybrid with a luxury badge, it’s a dependable choice.

Verdict

So I asked at the beginning if the Hyundai Santa Fe FWD petrol offered enough for families looking for a large seven-seat SUV and the answer is: YES!

It's practical, has people-mover space and storage and is downright comfortable to drive. There's so much to like here.

Lexus UX vs Hyundai Santa Fe What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus UX vs Hyundai Santa Fe
What's the difference?