2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 257 kg more than 2010 Lexus IS.
Because 2010 Lexus IS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Lexus IS. 2010 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lexus |
| Model | Santa Fe | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
