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. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The 2024 Lexus TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, and with additional packages, the MSRP reached $67,869. The interior, while luxurious, felt too dark despite the panoramic glass sunroof, but overall, it met the expectations of a Lexus badge.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while 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 design, with its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory aesthetic. The newer model was about six inches longer, enhancing interior space and road presence. The Kona offered trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line, and Limited, each adding visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid, airy feel with ample tech features. The 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient interior lighting on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona's interior offered a comfortable and spacious experience, with various upholstery options and climate control features across trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The TX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), and while the performance was adequate, the engine note and torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road surface feedback and ride comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, although the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but might not appeal to those seeking performance due to the 'rubber band' sensation during acceleration. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 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, although it could feel flat at low revs. AWD was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The Kona's performance was competent, focusing on practicality rather than excitement.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV offerings. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. The TX offered a habitable third-row seat, accommodating adults comfortably, unlike previous models. The stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows enhanced third-row comfort. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The TX featured numerous storage options, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was reach- and height-adjustable. The drive selector's relocation to a stalk on the steering column created additional storage space. The Kona's interior featured various upholstery options, with heated front seats available from SEL Convenience trim and above, and ventilated seats on the Limited trim. The climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning on the SE to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents on higher trims. The system had physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, causing driver distraction. The head-up display was often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SE and SEL trims had a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, standard across all trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, although it was not always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system generally performed smoothly, although it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim offered parking assistance features like Parking Distance Warning and Surround View Monitor. All Konas included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.