2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Its front end, with large headlights, was designed to dominate the road ahead. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering exclusive paint colors like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was more about functionality, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 109.8 inches, making it adept at tackling obstacles. Inside, the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, though the use of plastic materials was a letdown for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, grille-less front reminiscent of the Ioniq 5. The Kona's design featured a "seamless horizon" styling with a single LED headlight strip. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the "parametric surface" on the doors and substantial black body cladding. The interior was updated with a driver-oriented center stack and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens. The Kona's cabin was modernized with thoughtful storage solutions and improved materials, making it a more comfortable and spacious option.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper compared to newer engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. Its towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was respectable, though its fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined was less impressive. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable handling, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the SE and SEL trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo offered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The new eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous seven-speed DCT, and paddle shifters were available on higher trims. The Kona's handling was nimble, with intuitive steering, though its pickup was slightly sluggish even with the turbo. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost, slightly reducing fuel economy.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample storage with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders, though it lacked modern USB-C ports. The interior featured hard buttons for controls, which some might prefer over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a bench seat option, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, providing 38.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom with the sunroof. Cargo capacity improved significantly, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Kona's interior featured practical storage solutions, like a dash shelf and a guardrail for the wireless charging pad. The Limited trim included a power hands-free liftgate, and seating options ranged from cloth to leather/suede combinations, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the Limited.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt outdated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved on- and off-road performance.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto promised via an OTA update. The Kona included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and a Bose stereo system. Dual 12.3-inch screens were available on higher trims, providing a panoramic view. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, with a lifetime subscription included.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist and adaptive cruise control were standard on higher trims, with the Limited trim offering Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist provided smooth lane-keep assist, enhancing the Kona's safety credentials.