2023 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 were complemented by 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the new model year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Iridium (silver) exterior and 21-inch wheels, looked identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any hybrid-specific badges. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with fewer switches and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N Line and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Kona N, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 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 like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain, produced 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control for a more engaging driving experience. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg compared to the RX 350h's 32 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants, even with the optional sunroof. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited headroom and legroom due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard leather. Rear passengers enjoyed good leg support and legroom, but headroom was tight due to the higher seat cushion and lower roofline. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base SE trim. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The N Line and above trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Kona also included a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, and Hyundai Blue Link connected services.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans after the complimentary trial. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel. However, the system had some drawbacks, such as reflections on the screen, lack of a tuning knob, and difficulty navigating menus while driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features like 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 crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" ratings for child-seat anchors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the RX when the accelerator pedal was released, was also included. The RX had a new front cross-traffic alert system, curve-speed reduction tech, and a driver monitoring system. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested. The RX's safety features operated with refinement and accuracy, though some irritations were noted, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's beeping and the curve-speed reduction tech's reactive nature.