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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Lexus ES - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 302 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 42,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Lexus ES?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Lexus ES: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • considerably cheaper
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Lexus ES

  • very slightly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • barely lighter
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Lexus ES costs 42,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 13,290 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Lexus ES performs substantially better – achieving 43 mpg, compared to 22 mpg for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. That’s a difference of about 21 mpg.

ES

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus ES offers very slightly more power – delivering 302 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a bit more torque with 311 lb-ft compared to 267 lb-ft. That’s about 44 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus ES is barely lighter – 3,690 lbs compared to 3,779 lbs. The difference is around 89 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Lexus ES stands out in the key areas in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $42,000
ES

Lexus ES

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 203 - 302 HP
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Reviews Hyundai Santa Cruz

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Lexus ES

The Lexus ES rides like a rolling spa, with a plush cabin, hushed manners, and the kind of build quality that makes your shoulders drop the moment you shut the door. It’s not here to light up back roads, but if you want a stress-free commute, long-haul comfort, and the peace-of-mind ownership Lexus is famous for, it nails the brief with quiet confidence.

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Reviews Lexus ES

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz
Lexus ES

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
42,000 - 52,300 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
22 - 43 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
31 - 44 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 - 15.9 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
3,690 - 3,737 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
13.9 cu. ft.
Length
195.9 in.
Length
195.9 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
73.4 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
56 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
203 - 302 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
163 - 267 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
2.5 - 3.5 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Lexus
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Starting from 28,800 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.