2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh and distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it 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 myriad curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory visual appeal. The 2025 model was notably larger, about six inches longer than its predecessor, enhancing both interior space and road presence. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solidly constructed and airy feel, with the addition of standard 64-color ambient interior lighting on select trims.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid featuring a standard panoramic glass roof and new Matador Red Mica paint option. The TX retained its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats, but material quality fell short of luxury standards. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, while the second row offered captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX's climate controls were mostly screen-based, with physical dials for temperature, and the center console had a dual-opening lid that limited access. Cargo space was generous, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered 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). For those seeking more power, the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, providing enhanced traction and a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, along with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with a capable AWD system that could distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The suspension absorbed bumps effectively, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a range of adjustments, and the interior featured ample storage options. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation options improved with higher trims, and dual-zone automatic climate control was available on most models.

The 2026 Lexus TX provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. The second row offered captain’s chairs with a removable center console, but folding the seats flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, and Hyundai’s digital key. The N Line and Limited trims included an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch color touchscreen, but some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues were noted. The steering wheel had multi-functional buttons that were confusing to use. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered, and the second row had an available 120-volt outlet.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, but the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX a mix of "Acceptable" and "Good" scores in crash tests.