Compare the2025 Lexus NXVS 2023 Hyundai Kona N

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus NX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Hyundai Kona N doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Lexus NX has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Kona N doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The NX has standard Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Kona N doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The NX offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Kona N doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The NX offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Kona N only offers a rear monitor.

Both the NX and the Kona N have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Lexus NX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Kona N has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 63 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 11th.

Engine

The NX 350 AWD’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 28 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 289) than the Kona N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The NX 450h+ AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 28 more horsepower (304 vs. 276) than the Kona N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the NX 450h running on electricity gets better mileage than the Kona N (93 city/75 hwy MPGe vs. 20 city/27 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the NX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Kona N:

			MPG
NX
	FWD	250 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	26 city/33 hwy
	AWD	350h AWD 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/37 hwy
		450h+ AWD 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/33 hwy
		250 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	25 city/32 hwy
		350 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/28 hwy
Kona N
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy

The NX 450h can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Kona N can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the NX 350h/450h’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Kona N doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the NX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available 350h/450h+). The Kona N doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The NX has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Kona N (14.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus NX higher (5 to 6 out of 10) than the Hyundai Kona N (3). This means the NX produces up to 23.4 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Kona N every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The NX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Kona N doesn’t offer a CVT.

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the NX offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Kona N’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the NX can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Kona N doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the NX’s wheelbase is 3.5 inches longer than on the Kona N (105.9 inches vs. 102.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the NX is 1 inch wider in the front and 2 inches wider in the rear than on the Kona N.

The NX’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (57.7% to 42.3%) than the Kona N’s (63.9% to 36.1%). This gives the NX more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Kona N (7.7 vs. 6.8 inches), allowing the NX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The NX’s minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the Kona N (8.1 vs. 6.8 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the NX 350 AWD is quieter than the Kona N (70 vs. 73 dB).

Passenger Space

The NX has 3 inches more front hip room, .8 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, .9 inches more rear legroom and .3 inches more rear hip room than the Kona N.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the NX’s rear seats recline. The Kona N’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The NX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Kona N with its rear seat up (22.7 vs. 19.2 cubic feet). The NX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Kona N with its rear seat folded (46.9 vs. 45.8 cubic feet).

The NX’s cargo area is larger than the Kona N’s in almost every dimension:

	NX	Kona N
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37.6”/70.3”	28.6”/61”
Max Width	54.5”	48”
Min Width	39.7”	40”
Height	29.6”	30”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the NX’s optional rear seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Kona N doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the NX. The Kona N doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the NX’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Kona N doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

The NX offers up to a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Kona N has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the NX uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Kona N doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The NX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Kona N uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 78% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 29th.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the NX, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Kona N doesn’t offer a memory system.

The NX’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Kona N doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The NX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Kona N does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The NX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Kona N doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The NX’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Kona N has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The NX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Kona N’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

On a hot day the NX’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Kona N can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The NX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Proximity Key standard on the Kona N doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The NX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Kona N’s passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The NX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Kona N’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The NX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Kona N doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the NX offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Kona N doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the NX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Kona N’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The NX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Kona N offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the NX and the Kona N have standard heated front seats. The NX 350/350h also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Kona N.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the NX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Kona N doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the NX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Kona N doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The NX’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Kona N doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the NX and the Kona N offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the NX has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Kona N doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the NX has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Kona N doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The NX 350/350h/450h+’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Kona N doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

The NX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the NX will retain 57.75% to 60.19% of its original price after five years, while the Kona N only retains 56.3%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus NX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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