Comparison test between Lexus UX 300e Luxury and Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander
More drivers are looking to enter the battery electric realm, and these two also hit the compact SUV brief which has been popular around the nation
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With petrol prices climbing to $2, the allure of an EV has never been stronger.
Two of the leading compact SUVs go head-to-head.
Lexus UX 300e Luxury $80,679 drive-away
VALUE
This is the base electric model in Luxury specification, and while Sports Luxury sits a rung higher and is $8k more, there is an impressive array of kit. Among the highlights are a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 17-inch alloys, man- made leather trim in black or white, wireless phone charging, powered tailgate, smart-key entry, heated seats front (also with cooling function) and rear as well as a 10.3-inch colour screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 10-year coverage for the battery. Capped-price servicing is $295 for the first five annual or 15,000km services. Lexus also includes an installed home fast charger (probably worth about $2000) as well as free use of a petrol-powered Lexus if required as part of the company’s customer loyalty program.
DESIGN/TECH
Apart from the electric badges and charging points on both sides, most wouldn’t differentiate this model from its petrol sibling. Rear seat space is limited, especially knee room and taller occupants are reliant on those upfront not shifting too far rearward. The constant criticism of Lexus infotainment is its touchpad – finicky, and difficult to navigate basic functions on the move, it’s a distraction while driving. There is no touchscreen option. Two USB-C charging points are in the back.
MOTOR
Generating 150kW and 300Nm and powering the front axle, the UX 300e is swift off the line but not outrageously fast. While the official range is about 305km, we never managed to see much more than 260km. It has a 54.35kWh battery and takes about 6½ hours to charge using a home fast charger (32A), or 80min with a faster public facility (125A) and free charging is available at Chargefox facilities for three years. Use a 10 amp power point at home and it will take 24 hours.
SAFETY
Five stars were awarded by Australia’s authority in 2018 with high passenger protection levels. Autonomous braking not only looks for other vehicles but also pedestrians and cyclists at day and night (some systems only operate during daylight). Auto high beam, speed sign recognition, active cruise control and lane assist are among the other features. It has rear cross traffic alert, and AEB also steps in if a collision is detected.
DRIVING
Typically Lexus quiet, the electric power takes near silence to another level. The thick sports steering wheel feels brilliant in the hands, and using sport mode improves the acceleration response. Soaking up the bumps and lumps is achieved with aplomb, but it can scramble for grip with changes in direction and when exercising your right ankle.
Hyundai Kona Electric $65,640 drive-away
VALUE
Pricing dramatically undercuts the Lexus, even though this is the longer-range version. This top-spec Highlander gets the best of Hyundai’s repertoire, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen and another digital driver display of the same size, wireless phone charging, smartkey, Harman Kardon stereo with smartphone mirroring apps and a sunroof. Leather trim also has man-made elements, while the front seats have a heating and cooling function (rear outboard seats are also heated). Warranty coverage is five years and unlimited kilometres, while prepaid servicing is $1445 for five years or 75,000km. The battery warranty is eight years.
DESIGN/TECH
That grille. The closed front end is an attention grabber. Electric versions have the option of an exclusive blue hue and four metallic choices, which cost an additional $595. Operationally, the cabin is easily navigated with the touchscreen and push-buttons for drive selections on the console – rather than a traditional shifter. Aircon is restricted to just one zone. Like the UX, rear seat space is at a premium. Taller passengers will find knee and legroom limited. Boot space is also confined to just 330L (40L less than the non-electric model). There are also some hard plastics across the cabin which lacks the prestige feeling offered by the Lexus. There is only one USB-C port for those in the back seat.
MOTOR
Sitting on the front axle, the motor delivers 150kW and 395Nm to provide decent shove from standstill. The 64kWh battery boasts more than 480km of range with one charge. Use a standard household power point and it takes 28 hours to charge, but a home wallbox can achieve the feat in just over nine hours. A public 100kW fast-charger can shift the battery from 10-80 per cent in 47 minutes.
SAFETY
Awarded in 2017, the five-star rating carries over. Hyundai has continued to update its tech since that test and it has six airbags, auto emergency braking that also works in reverse, active cruise control, blind-spot, lane-keep assist and a head-up display that has the digital speedo and satnav instructions displayed on a small pane that pops up on the dash to keep the driver’s eyeline higher.
DRIVING
Fun and responsive, the Kona Electric remains composed and compliant in a wide range of conditions. Impressively accurate steering and adept at changing directions, the performance is surprisingly confident and adept. It’s a better drive than its petrol sibling. The 0-100km/h time is about 7.5 seconds, but it feels much quicker in the metal.
VERDICT
Impressive finishes and outstanding after-sales service of the Lexus, including free access to the Chargefox network for three years, can’t overcome the greater range and performance from the Hyundai. Having a range nearing 500km for $15,000 less with a similar features list makes the Kona Electric a clear winner. 17pts to 20pts.
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Originally published as Comparison test between Lexus UX 300e Luxury and Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander
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