2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille resembled that of the Ioniq 5, with a single-piece design that signaled its electric powertrain. The Kona adopted the "seamless horizon" styling seen in the new Sonata, featuring a prominent skinny LED headlight at the front. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding on various trims. The lineup came standard with LED lighting, and wheel sizes varied from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. Inside, the cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing driver-information and infotainment screens.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 embraced a geometric styling overhaul, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The side profile appeared as if carved from metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Luxury models focusing on opulence and the Overtrail trims emphasizing off-road capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but was built for durability and hard use.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500. The AWD option slightly reduced fuel economy estimates.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. The GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a composed on-road demeanor despite its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length translated to more rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and improved cargo capacity, expanding to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The interior featured a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a wireless charging pad with a "guardrail" to keep devices in place. The Kona offered various seating materials, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on lower trims. An over-the-air update was promised to add wireless connectivity to higher trims. The Kona included a Wi-Fi hotspot, a Bose stereo system, and multiple USB-C ports. Dual 12.3-inch screens were optional, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service included an intelligent voice assistant, and Remote Connect offered remote locking, ignition, and diagnostics. The GX featured a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. Subscription costs applied after initial trial periods.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came equipped with standard advanced driver-assistance safety features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, and adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. Crash-test ratings were not yet available, but the GX's modern architecture and ADAS inspired confidence.