Hyundai Kona Electric vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4 stars (2023) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 91% for the Lexus NX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai Kona Electric, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets premium cloth upholstery while the Lexus NX 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.

The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,355mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 305mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 113L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Kona Electric's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $710 a year (14.8 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Kona Electric) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Hyundai Kona Electric), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Kona Electric: the lower starting price ($46,000 against $71,700).

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 99kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 407L).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 70

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Hyundai Kona Electric's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Lexus NX ahead by 27 points), safety (Lexus NX ahead by 20 points), practicality (Lexus NX ahead by 15 points). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, 520L in the Lexus NX.

Common questions