Hyundai Kona vs Lexus NX
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 80 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Kona leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2018–2027
Hyundai Kona
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 58 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus NX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Kona | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 120 mpg ✓ | 40 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 134 mpg ✓ | 42 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 108 mpg ✓ | 38 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $600 ✓ | $1,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 281 g/mi | 87 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Electricity, Premium | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 58 | 58 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Kona vs NX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Kona or the Lexus NX?
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 80 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Kona runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,900 for the Lexus NX — a difference of roughly $1,300 per year.
What engines do the Kona and NX offer?
Hyundai Kona: 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start. Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Hyundai Kona as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Lexus NX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Kona comparisons
Comparison id: hyundai-kona-vs-lexus-nx