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Hyundai Kona vs Lexus ES comparison

Compare performance (204 HP vs 218 HP), boot space and price (23,100 £ vs 46,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai Kona or Lexus ES?

Hyundai Kona vs Lexus ES: Key differences

Hyundai Kona

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • moderately more efficient
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
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Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly more power
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Kona

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Hyundai Kona is substantially cheaper – starting at 23,100 £ , while the Lexus ES costs 46,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 23,528 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Hyundai Kona uses 4.6 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Lexus ES with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

ES

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus ES offers only slightly more power – delivering 218 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 14 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai Kona is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Lexus ES takes 8.9 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

Kona

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Kona is clearly lighter – 1,370 kg compared to 1,680 kg. The difference is around 310 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai Kona offers barely more boot space – 466 L compared to 454 L. That’s a difference of about 12 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai Kona carries barely more – 490 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Kona is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £23,100
Kona

Hyundai Kona

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.6 - 7 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.6 - 16.1 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 380 - 510 km
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Frequently compared as well

Hyundai Kona
Toyota Yaris Cross
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The Hyundai Kona serves up sharper handling, eye-catching design and punchier tech for drivers who want a bit of fun with their commute, while the Toyota Yaris Cross favours sensible virtues — class-leading hybrid economy, solid build and a more practical cabin for real-world family life. If you …
Hyundai Kona
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Hyundai Kona
Lexus ES

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona wears its personality on the outside with bold styling and sprightly handling that turns city driving into something a little more fun than a commute. It blends practical space, modern tech and sensible running costs into a compact, stylish package — a smart pick if you want flair without paying luxury prices.

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Reviews Hyundai Kona

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Hans
23 Apr 2026, 11:02:05

More modern car with much more advanced technology than the S-Cross. The S-Cross is functional, economical and good, but dated.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gorguet
10 Apr 2026, 07:38:34

Good car overall, but the finish isn't top‑notch — the paint is very fragile and chips at the slightest knock.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES delivers a supremely comfortable, quietly luxurious experience that favors serene cruising over sporting theatrics. It wraps everyday practicality, top-notch build quality and unimpeachable reliability in a handsome, grown-up package that will appeal to buyers who prize calm refinement over headline-grabbing excitement.

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Reviews Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
Patryk
9 Jan 2026, 23:36:16

Excellent car. Very comfortable and easy to use.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Hyundai Kona and Kia Sportage go head-to-head in the compact-SUV ring — the Kona is cheeky, city-savvy and punchy, while the Sportage leans into grown-up comfort and family-friendly practicality. We’ll break down which one gives you sharper driving thrills, better everyday usability and the …
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Welcome to DriveDuel’s compact-SUV throwdown: the cheeky, city-savvy Hyundai Kona goes head-to-head with the sensible, grown-up Nissan Qashqai to see which one should park in your life. Expect feisty styling and nimble urban manners from the Kona, measured space and comfort from the Qashqai — we’ll …
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Hyundai Kona
Lexus ES

Costs and Consumption
Price
23,100 - 41,900 £
Price
46,600 - 59,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 16.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
380 - 510 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 163 g/km
co2
115 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,370 - 1,773 kg
Curb weight
1,680 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
454 L
Length
-
Length
4,975 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,865 mm
Height
-
Height
1,445 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 490 kg
Payload
470 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 204 HP
Power HP
218 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 11.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
200 - 265 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Power kW
160 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, F, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Lexus
Is the Hyundai Kona offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.