2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 sporty new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated look. The sharp new body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior styling changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, giving the interior a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, had a commanding visual presence. The front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with a surprising amount of plastic material. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions across its lineup. 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 continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The new-for-2022 Kona N was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and AWD, provided more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, both around town and on the highway. The Kona's handling was composed, and the noise levels inside the cabin were quieter than expected for its price point.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite not winning many battles on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying driving experience. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in terms of fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll felt predictable and controllable. The brakes were strong and solid, and the Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split in most conditions, making the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The front seats, especially in the N Line, did an excellent job of holding occupants in place. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet with all seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing with the Kona was not recommended.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those put off by touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's 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 both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for the 2022 model year. 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 came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen only offered wired versions. The Kona also offered Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and Hyundai Blue Link, a suite of connected services.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped for the 2022 model year, already looked dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's driver aid menu was somewhat limited but included standard features such as 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 Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all six crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite being engineered for the 2010 model year, the GX included advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.