2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued into 2020 with some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which looked better on the GX than on some other models. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained a decade-old design, sharing a platform with the rugged Toyota 4Runner, which emphasized capability over innovation.

Inside, the GX's age was evident. The cabin featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this interior might not suit a new Lexus RX, it worked for the GX's rugged SUV persona. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-rounded standard features.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a funky small SUV with a blend of mild and wild styling. The front featured a busy look with multiple lighting elements, while the rear had a more subdued, standard crossover shape. The playful exterior design targeted younger buyers. Inside, the Kona managed a similar attitude without being too whimsical. The seats had neat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, with higher trims offering leather upgrades. The well-organized interior featured an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash and physical climate controls, making the layout simple and intuitive.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 offered a swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted initially but proved direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and corners with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road capability, with various 4WD modes, adjustable suspension height, and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it a sensible city vehicle. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. In a week of combined driving, an average of 16.3 mpg was observed.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine produced 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $1,400. While neither engine was particularly powerful, both provided ample power for city and highway driving.

The dual-clutch transmission in the turbo model was less graceful at low speeds but smoothed out at higher speeds. The Kona handled with confidence, feeling agile and engaging, yet comfortable and composed on curvy roads. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the base engine and FWD returning 27/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined, and the turbo engine with AWD delivering 26/29/27 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between kids. However, getting adults into the third row was challenging. With all rear seats folded, the GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays within easy reach. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked support for spirited driving. Back-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom. The large rear door openings made loading and unloading children easier, though large rear-facing car seats could be problematic for taller front passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited, only beating out the Mazda CX-3 in its segment. However, small-item storage spaces were generous and conveniently located.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. It was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering simplicity over modern Lexus systems. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant tradeoff for some drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with a solid list of tech features, including an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Hyundai's infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate and use.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, and rear occupant alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and parking sensors.