2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, enhancing the modern aesthetic with a mesh texture that flowed into an elevated hood. The RX's rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, while the interior boasted a modern look with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims elevated the cabin's luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle focus, evident in its grille resembling the Ioniq 5. The Kona's larger size retained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and substantial black body cladding. Standard LED lighting and a seamless horizon taillight design added to its modern appeal. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack and a gear shift moved to the steering column, creating more storage space. The most noticeable update was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens, complemented by revised vents and climate controls.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder for SE and SEL trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine delivered 147 horsepower, while the turbo offered 190 horsepower. The new eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous seven-speed DCT. The Kona's intuitive steering and nimble handling were appreciated, though pickup was slow even with the turbo. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional cost, slightly reducing fuel economy estimates.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy with good leg support, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space improved to 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length enhanced rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches and cargo capacity to 25.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with them down. The Kona Limited included a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Interior storage was improved with a handy dash shelf and a guardrail on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on lower trims, with leather/suede combinations for higher trims, and introduced ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system required tone adjustments for optimal performance. Additional features included digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and an optional color head-up display.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto promised via an OTA update for higher trims. The Kona included wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose stereo system. Dual 12.3-inch screens were optional with the Convenience Package and standard on higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, with a subscription included for the vehicle's life.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. The system was generally impressive, though some features like curve-speed reduction and adaptive cruise control had limitations.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard safety features like 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 adding Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist provided smooth lane-keep assist, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation.