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Lexus LBX vs Hyundai Kona comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (28,300 £ vs 23,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lexus LBX or Hyundai Kona?

Lexus LBX vs Hyundai Kona: Key differences

Lexus LBX

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more efficient
  • marginally lighter
details

Hyundai Kona

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

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

LBX

Hyundai Kona VS Lexus LBX: quick take

Hyundai Kona VS Lexus LBX set up a neat contrast: the Kona plays the roomy, value‑focused allrounder while the LBX packages Lexus calm and finish into a smaller, premium shell. The Kona feels more practical and willing — more interior space, easier luggage loading and a straightforward tech layout — whereas the LBX trades some of that utility for quieter cabin ambience and nicer materials. Both are clearly aimed at urban buyers, but they answer different priorities: Kona for space and everyday usability, LBX for refinement and brand cachet. Read on to see which priorities shape real ownership day to day.

Kona

Character and driving manners

The Hyundai Kona drives like a sensible compact SUV: predictable, composed and a touch livelier when you ask for speed, so overtaking and motorway merges feel confident. The Lexus LBX is quieter and more restrained, favouring smoothness over punch and giving the impression of a much bigger car when cruising gently. Kona’s steering and chassis bias toward comfort with a hint of capability, while LBX leans into a velvety, premium feel that masks its subcompact footprint. If you want a small SUV that can hustle when needed, Kona tilts that way; if you prize serenity and a refined gait, the LBX is more persuasive.

LBX

Comfort and cabin quality

Step into the Lexus LBX and the first impression is materials and isolation: soft surfaces, neat detailing and a genuine sense of premium finish that lifts everyday trips. The Hyundai Kona counters with a brighter, more spacious cabin lay‑out and practical touches — clearer controls, larger touchscreens and more usable storage — which make day‑to‑day life easier. Lexus wins the tactile and acoustic battle, Kona wins on usable space and ergonomics for families or gadget users. In practice that means LBX owners feel cosseted on short drives, Kona occupants enjoy more practical comfort on longer stints.

Kona

Practicality and packaging

Practicality is where the Hyundai Kona asserts itself: taller rear room, easier access and a notably larger luggage area that makes weekend trips and family life simpler. The Lexus LBX’s packaging is tighter, with a snug rear bench and a boot that’s competent but not class‑leading, and certain layouts reduce usable cargo under specific trims. If you regularly carry rear passengers or bulky items, the Kona removes small daily frictions that the LBX asks you to accept in exchange for premium trimmings. The trade‑off is clear — choose Kona for space and flexibility, LBX for compact luxury and neat urban packaging.

LBX

City friendliness versus long‑distance behaviour

In town the Lexus LBX excels: compact dimensions, hushed hybrid starts and standard parking aids make urban driving pleasant and low‑stress. The Hyundai Kona is equally city‑savvy but shows its strengths beyond the curb with more luggage room and a drivetrain that feels stronger on fast roads, so long journeys are less taxing. On motorways the Kona’s greater urge and stability make it the more relaxed companion for longer distances, while the LBX stays tranquil but can feel its limits under sustained heavy acceleration. Pick LBX if most miles are urban and comfort matters; pick Kona if you split time between city and longer trips.

Kona

Buyer fit and the trade‑offs to weigh

For buyers prioritising space, straightforward tech and a stronger on‑road reserve, the Hyundai Kona is the more pragmatic choice: it bends toward family usability and value. For those who want Lexus refinement in a tiny footprint — a premium cabin, quiet city manners and a prestige badge — the LBX fits better, even if you trade off rear room and pay a price premium. Both cars suit different versions of “city life”: Kona for practical families and value‑minded tech users, LBX for premium‑seeking commuters and downsizers. The technical comparison that follows will make those trade‑offs concrete so you can match spec and costs to the daily behaviour you actually need.

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

LBX

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Hyundai Kona is slightly cheaper – starting at 23,600 £ , while the Lexus LBX costs 28,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,706 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Lexus LBX uses 4.5 L/100km and is barely more efficient than the Hyundai Kona with 4.6 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.

Kona

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Hyundai Kona offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 68 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai Kona is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Lexus LBX takes 9.2 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai Kona delivers markedly more torque with 265 Nm compared to 185 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

LBX

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus LBX is marginally lighter – 1,280 kg compared to 1,370 kg. The difference is around 90 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Hyundai Kona offers clearly more boot space – 466 L compared to 332 L. That’s a difference of about 134 L.

When it comes to payload, the Hyundai Kona carries marginally more – 490 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Kona is decisively ahead 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 £23,600
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
Lexus LBX
Hyundai Kona

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Lexus LBX

The Lexus LBX is a compact premium crossover that brings Lexus styling and craftsmanship to city driving, pairing a cozy interior with thoughtful tech and upscale materials. It focuses on a quiet, refined ride and fuel-efficient everyday usability while carrying the brand’s familiar emphasis on comfort and safety.

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Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a compact crossover that pairs bold styling with practical everyday usability, offering a comfortable cabin and intuitive tech for modern drivers. Available in both conventional and electrified versions, Kona brings lively handling and strong value for buyers who want crossover versatility and standout character.

details
Lexus LBX
Hyundai Kona

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,300 - 40,000 £
Price
23,600 - 41,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 16.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
380 - 510 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 110 g/km
co2
0 - 163 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,280 - 1,365 kg
Curb weight
1,370 - 1,773 kg
Trunk capacity
255 - 332 L
Trunk capacity
466 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
455 - 475 kg
Payload
420 - 490 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
115 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.2 - 9.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 11.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
185 Nm
Torque
200 - 265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,490 cm3
Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, F, A
Brand
Lexus
Brand
Hyundai
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.