2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh appearance that stood out 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 futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, about 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, body-coloured bumpers, and cladding, further enhanced its appearance. The interior remained solid and airy, with a drive selector on a column beneath the wiper stalk, creating a sense of space. The Kona offered trims named Essential and Preferred, with progressively larger alloy wheels and LED lighting. The Trend package and N Line trim added features like a sunroof and powered liftgate.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that provided a comfortable ride and accurate steering. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line had a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional $2,000 on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. The AWD models had a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, providing a competent ride and handling experience.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space and 972 mm of headroom. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims had cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line had Alcantara sport seats. Climate control options ranged from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system available in the Executive package.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the Essential and Preferred trims had a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.