Hyundai Kona Electric vs Lexus LBX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $46,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $1,550.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,600 and $52,305 respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus LBX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Lexus LBX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona Electric. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus LBX gets a 9.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets cloth upholstery while the Lexus LBX offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Lexus LBX has the clear power advantage at 100kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LBX is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 402L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 5L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Lexus LBX trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona Electric and Lexus LBX?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $46,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LBX by $1,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Lexus LBX has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 407L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LBX makes the most power at 100kW. The Lexus LBX is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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