Lexus RX vs Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Kona leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
2018–2027
Hyundai Kona
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 58 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus RX | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg | 120 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg | 134 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg | 108 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,100 | $600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 89 g/mi ✓ | 281 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 | 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular | Regular, Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2018–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 59 | 58 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RX vs Kona: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus RX or the Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,500 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 $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $1,500 per year.
What engines do the RX and Kona offer?
Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5. Hyundai Kona: 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Lexus RX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the Hyundai Kona as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More RX comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-rx-vs-hyundai-kona