2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and performance. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a new infotainment system and ambient lighting, with the RX 350h showcasing luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h offered a sportier, all-black interior with optional Rioja Red upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle aesthetic in mind, evident in its grille and seamless horizon styling. Despite its increased size, the Kona retained its recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" on the doors and substantial black body cladding. The Kona's interior was updated with a driver-oriented center stack and a relocated gear shift, creating more space. The most noticeable change was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens, alongside revised vents and climate controls. The Kona's cabin offered a modern and spacious feel, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its power, it averaged 20.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system enhanced its athleticism, making it a joy to drive, though accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Kona's handling was nimble, with intuitive steering, though acceleration was modest even with the turbo. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost, slightly reducing fuel economy estimates.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury model offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, offering 38.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom. Cargo capacity expanded to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Interior storage was enhanced with a handy shelf on the passenger's side and a guardrail on the wireless charging pad. The Kona's seating options included cloth for SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The system's single-screen menu view and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the head-up display's dual-function touch-sensing control pads were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

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

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and a new Traffic Jam Assist system were also available, though some features had limitations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's reliance on the HUD, which was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard 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, and the Limited trim included Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist provided smooth lane-keep assist, though it was occasionally resistant to cancellation.