2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The vehicle was extended by 4 centimetres compared to the 2021 model, and featured a revised grille, front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. The sporty new character lines, contrasted by lower body cladding, gave the Kona a more refined appearance. New alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the instrument panel and centre console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. Ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and rocker panels, and exclusive interior features like black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals.

The 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance. The front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by large headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury status. Nevertheless, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The vehicle's dimensions and design made it suitable for off-road adventures, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim provided a more spirited experience with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 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. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line, impressed with its power and agility, making it enjoyable to drive in various settings.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, offering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with its linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, though it lagged behind some competitors. Fuel economy was a downside, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, but its handling remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for various terrains.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2023 Lexus GX excelled in providing cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was appreciated, though the abundance of buttons required some familiarization. The second row offered comfort with captain's chairs and good legroom, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door posed challenges, and cargo space was limited to 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display for the base trim, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims added SiriusXM, Hyundai BlueLink, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and HD Radio. The Kona N featured an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services for three years.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player. While the infotainment tech lagged behind competitors, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with a real 4WD system, KDSS, and various driving aids.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, it fell short of Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety features, enhancing its overall safety profile.