2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with its bold geometric styling. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive front fascia. The squared-off front end and flat hood, with humps above each front wheel, enhanced the vehicle's off-road capabilities. The GX's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, improving visibility. The SUV was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models emphasized opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail packages focused on off-roading with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, with a futuristic design highlighted by a flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's larger size, 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, offering a solid and airy feel with tech features like a drive selector on the column. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, featured progressively larger alloy wheels and LED lighting. The Trend package added a sunroof and powered liftgate to the Preferred trim, while the N Line offered additional sporty features.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. The GX's performance was commendable, with effective brakes and controlled handling, despite its weight of 2,570 kilograms.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Kona N Line boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering active on-demand drive and a dedicated Snow mode. The AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior showcased a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the touchscreen, while physical buttons for off-roading features remained. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 mm, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured excellent in-car storage, with numerous compartments. The Essential and Preferred trims had cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line featured Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features available in higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant. Drive Connect and Remote Connect services required subscriptions after initial trials. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems instilled confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.