2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The updated LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern look. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned for a more spacious feel, with a horizontal layout and ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, elevating the Kona's sporty appeal. The Kona N, in particular, stood out with its aggressive design and performance-oriented features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a complete redesign, offering four model series with various trim levels. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was designed with a minimalist approach, offering a cozy and intimate feel. The NX 350 F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, sport-bolstered seats, and a new steering wheel. Despite the decluttered dashboard, some controls were integrated into the large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate. Overall, the NX's design improvements aimed to enhance comfort and functionality while maintaining the brand's luxury appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, paired with a CVT. For those seeking more excitement, the N Line trim provided a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The highlight was the Kona N, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N boasted exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift, enhancing its sporty character. The Kona's handling was composed, with AWD providing stability and confidence on various terrains.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered electrified options, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ PHEV delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX 350 F Sport trim added driving modes like Sport S and Sport+, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX's handling was improved, with a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning. The F Sport trim provided a more engaging driving experience, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. Despite the improvements, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered commendable front-seat comfort with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited drives. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior, especially with heated and ventilated front seats. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The NX's interior design focused on comfort and practicality, with thoughtful storage solutions and ambient lighting options.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base trim. The N Line and Kona N offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona N Line with the Ultimate Package and the Kona N featured a premium audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience and safety. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, offering modern connectivity options.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The NX offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. The new tech impressed, but the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob. Overall, the NX's technology aimed to enhance connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing it from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.