2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and sophistication.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its new look, the GX still appeared dated, resembling its first-generation predecessor. Inside, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, had more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, with composed handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's fuel economy was estimated at 16 mpg in combined driving. The standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. However, rear-seat occupants faced compromised head- and legroom due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was limited, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing was not recommended.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a comfortable and elevated driving position with clear visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading hassle.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for 2022. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Blue Link provided remote services and was complimentary for three years.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The NHTSA gave the Kona five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. The Kona's forward collision-avoidance system received a "Superior" rating for vehicle-to-vehicle crashes and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on standard Lexus Safety System+ features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.