The South Korean Hyundai Kona and the Japanese Lexus UX 300h are looking for space among electrified premium SUVs. Compact and priced above R$200,000, they offer luxury and technologies to cope with Chinese advances, in which larger electrified models have conquered the public.
Both have an HEV (full hybrid) system, the aim of which is to manage the engines to choose the most efficient operating mode. In the Folha Mauá test, they stood out more for their low fuel consumption than for their accelerations and restarts.
The first to hit the track was the Kona in the Signature version (R$235,690). Its seats covered in a lightweight material imitating leather and soft-touch plastics give the cabin a refined appearance. This option also comes with a sunroof and several sensors that help increase safety.
When reversing, for example, the Kona is able to detect an obstacle and automatically brake the car, thus avoiding a collision or crushing.
The trunk has a capacity of 407 liters and can be opened or closed using the key controls. Those traveling in the back won’t complain about the legroom, and two occupants can accommodate each other well. The front seats only offer electronic adjustments for the driver, although the passenger can adjust the seat height using a lever.
The presence of physical buttons for automatic air conditioning makes life on board easier, since it is not necessary to activate the multimedia center to change the temperature.
The grille has an electronic system that opens the fins to improve cooling of the 1.6 gasoline engine. Combined with the electric vehicle, the power reaches 141 hp, a figure that does not allow for meaningful performance data.
HYUNDAI KONA SIGNATURE
Price: R$235,690 (December/2025)
Motorization: petrol, 1,580 cm³, 105 hp at 5,700 rpm), which works in combination with an electric motor (44 hp)
Combined power: 141 hp
Couple : 14.7 kgfm at 4,000 rpm (petrol) and 17.3 kgfm (electric)
Transmission: automated dual-clutch transmission, six speed
Tires: 215/55 R18
Weight: 1,641 kg
Trunk: 407 liters
Reservoir: 38 liters
Length: 4.35m
Width: 1.82 m
Height: 1.58m
Wheelbase: 2.66 m
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h, in seconds): 11.4
Resumption (80 km/h to 120 km/h, in seconds): 7.7
Urban consumption (km/l): 27.6
Road consumption (km/l): 23.5
Motorway range (at 90 km/h): 893km
Data on price, power, dimensions and capacities are the responsibility of the manufacturer; consumption and performance figures were measured by the Mauá Institute of Technology
According to measurements by the Mauá Technological Institute, the Kona took 11.4 seconds to go from zero to 100 km/h. The result is lower than that obtained by most compact SUVs equipped with a 1.0 turbo flex engine.
Although not the fastest, Hyundai’s hybrid SUV is as quiet as a luxury car and, above all, economical. It is the SUV that consumes the least gasoline in the Folha Mauá 2025 ranking, with an average of 27.6 km/l in urban use.
The Lexus UX 300h wasn’t as fuel efficient: the city average was 25.1 km/l. Acceleration was a bit better, going from zero to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds. Still, that’s not an impressive figure for a model that costs R$309,990.
The price puts it in direct competition with high-end SUVs like the BMW X1 (from R$319,950). The German model assembled in Araquari (SC) is not a hybrid and has the same length as the Japanese competitor, however it offers more space for both occupants and their luggage.
The UX 300h stands out for its more luxurious appearance thanks to careful upholstery and a well-designed suspension, with an emphasis on a smooth ride. The problem is the comparison with cars “from below”, like the Kona and Chinese cars with similar technology, like the GAC GS4 (from R$191,990).
Technologies available in the Lexus model include braking sensors and lane readers that make up the Adas package (Advanced Driver Assistance System).
LEXUS UX300H
Price: R$309,990 (December/2025)
Motorization: petrol, 1,987 cm³, 152 hp at 6,000 rpm), which works in combination with an electric motor (112 hp)
Combined power: 198 hp
Couple : 18.8 kgfm at 5,200 rpm (petrol) and 20.6 kgfm (electric)
Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission
Tires: 225/50 R18
Weight: 1,641 kg
Trunk: 234 liters
Reservoir: 40 liters
Length: 4.50 m
Width: 1.84m
Height: 1.52m
Wheelbase: 2.64m
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h, in seconds): 10.7
Resumption (80 km/h to 120 km/h, in seconds): 7.1
Urban consumption (km/l): 25.1
Road consumption (km/l): 23
Motorway range (at 90 km/h): 920 km
Data on price, power, dimensions and capacities are the responsibility of the manufacturer; consumption and performance figures were measured by the Mauá Institute of Technology
Another feature common to the brand’s cars is the system that detects vehicles approaching from behind, including bicycles. The equipment helps prevent an accident when the driver or other passengers are about to disembark.
The digital instrument cluster can be customized and the front seats are heated and cooled, both electrically adjustable. There are also physical buttons for various functions, a plus given the technological complexity of many Chinese SUVs.
Compared to the Kona, the UX 300h conveys more of a feeling of belonging to the premium segment, in addition to benefiting from the good reputation of the Toyota group. On the other hand, the small difference in performance and the fact that it accommodates rear seat occupants less well makes the Hyundai model more coherent in its proposal.
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