2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) aesthetic in mind, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that has become synonymous with electric powertrains. The Kona's front end was dominated by a single skinny LED headlight, part of the "seamless horizon" treatment also seen on the new Sonata. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" on the doors and more substantial black body cladding on the Essential and Preferred trims. The N Line trim, however, featured body-coloured wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the package, with a single taillight spanning the rear. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented centre stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a distinct upscale look. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, offering a toned-down appearance that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX 350 Executive packages included striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced the SUV's presence. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, though the dark Peppercorn interior could feel too sombre even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite some interior shortcomings, the TX 350's cabin was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Essential and Preferred trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder for the N Line trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Paddle shifters were included with the N Line. During a test drive in Maryland, the Kona N Line demonstrated intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was slightly sluggish even with the turbo. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on Essential and Preferred trims, and standard on the N Line. Fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with the N Line AWD consuming 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 on the highway, and 9.1 combined.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations, though the engine note could be grating. Official fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km combined, slightly better than the old RX L with a V6 engine. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length significantly improved rear-seat legroom, offering 970 millimetres, which was 77 mm more than the 2023 model and 15 cm more than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The narrower, molded front seats enhanced comfort for rear passengers, with headroom increasing to 974 mm in the front and 972 mm in the rear with the sunroof. Cargo capacity expanded from 544 to 723 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,803 litres with them folded down, providing over 500 litres more space than the first-gen Kona. Inside, a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash offered convenient storage, while a "guardrail" kept phones secure on the wireless charging pad. The Kona featured cloth seats on Essential and Preferred trims, leatherette with the Preferred Trend package, and a leather/suede combination for N Line. Ventilated front seats were available on the N Line with the Ultimate package, a first for the Kona.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with heated and ventilated captain's chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and supportive. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control, USB charging ports for all rows, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion providing leg support and large side windows offering a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down, surpassing other Lexus SUVs and most competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced several technological enhancements, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on all trims except the N Line with the Ultimate package, which required wired connections due to compatibility issues with Hyundai's on-board navigation system. An over-the-air update was promised to add wireless connectivity to this version. The N Line's Ultimate package featured a Bose stereo system, while other trims had a standard six-speaker setup. Dual 12.3-inch displays created a panoramic view in the N Line, and OTA update capability was standard. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included on all 2024 Konas, and a digital key feature was introduced in Canada, allowing app-based vehicle access.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror on all but the base package. The Executive packages included a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system. While the larger instrumentation display and surround-view camera were beneficial, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features. Standard safety tech included Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. For 2024, high-beam assist became standard, adaptive cruise control was included from the Preferred trim, and the N Line's Ultimate package added Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation on backroads.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages added front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though no higher-speed hands-free system was available.