Kia Stonic vs Lexus NX450H+
What's the difference?

Kia Stonic

$28,180 - $36,040

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Lexus NX450H+

$79,870 - $103,598

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Kia Stonic

2025 Lexus NX450H+

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

1.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Nice ride and handling balance
Frugal fuel use
Spacious backseat

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Dislikes

Sparse cabin trimmings
Little engine can feel wheezy
Feels old in places

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

2026 Kia Stonic Summary

This might be Kia's best defence yet against the wave of cheap Chinese SUVs currently crashing against our shores.

It's the Kia Stonic, and this update brings mild hybrid technology, which lowers your fuel bill while upping your power. There's also some new tech stuff and some new safety stuff, as well as a refreshed front-end look.

Critically, though, it's not actually new. The Stonic launched globally back in 2017, before an updated version arrived in Australia around 2021. This is yet another update, albeit a significant one, which means the Stonic has been given dual-cab ute levels of longevity in the market.

All of that should be helping Kia to keep the pencil sharp, with the new range kicking off at $28,180, plus on-road costs.

Not quite China cheap, but not too far off it.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Lexus NX450H+ Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Kia Stonic 2025 Lexus NX450H+

Verdict

Unlike a lot of rivals in this segment, the Stonic's actually quite a bit of fun to drive, and that alone earns it a tick from me.

Yes, it can feel underpowered in places, especially when you're trying to do high-speed overtakes or if you're on a really engaging road and on and off the accelerator. But just cruising around, the little powertrain gives you plenty to get around the city.

And I guess that is the point. This does feel like a very city-friendly vehicle, even if it is undeniably showing its age in places.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics (https://www.carsguide.com.au/ethics), and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Kia Stonic vs Lexus NX450H+ What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Stonic vs Lexus NX450H+
What's the difference?