2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's increased size, being around six inches longer than its predecessor, contributed to a more assertive road presence and improved interior space. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing its visual appeal. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solidly constructed and airy environment with ample tech features. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on the N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims for 2025.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was a $75,000 SUV that, despite its price, appeared unremarkable in design. It featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, but its overall look was dependent on the version and color/wheel combination. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, but its design remained somewhat off, lacking the visual appeal expected from a luxury SUV. Inside, the RX Hybrid offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic controls were less than ideal.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked in performance excitement. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a more muscular performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional cost, enhancing traction and handling.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three distinct models with varying performance characteristics. The RX 350h, the least powerful but most efficient, featured a hybrid powertrain with 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, while the RX 500h boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h offered impressive acceleration but sacrificed fuel efficiency, averaging 20.9 mpg in testing. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and advanced all-wheel-drive system, providing a capable yet filtered driving experience. Despite its power, the RX 500h's dynamic capability and communication with the driver were lacking.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, offering adequate space for passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a range of adjustments, and the interior featured ample storage options. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation options were available, with dual-zone climate control on most trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though they could become uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though some areas lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The RX Hybrid's interior was designed for comfort, but cargo space was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Built-in navigation was available on select trims, with Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity providing over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its technology offerings. The RX 500h Black Line Special Edition featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The RX Hybrid offered connected services, including a digital voice assistant and Wi-Fi hotspot. However, some features, like digital key functionality and a hands-free power liftgate, were optional. The steering wheel controls were distracting, but the overall technology package was advanced and user-friendly.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid featured Predictive Driving Assist, which monitored progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in certain tests. The optional Convenience Package added a surround-view camera, enhancing safety during parking.