Unnamed Automotive Podcast · Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Episode 427: 2026 Hyundai Kona, 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport

·45 min·3 clips

The NX 350h F Sport gets a separate binnacle, a tilted infotainment screen, and better cabin design than Toyota’s usual layouts.

1. Unnamed Automotive Podcast Episode 427 pairs a 2026 Hyundai Kona review with a 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport review. 2. Sami Haj Asad hosts with Benjamin Hunting, both named as automotive journalists, and they frame the episode as practical car talk rather than a technical deep dive. 3. The episode asks whether a gas-powered 2026 Kona or a Lexus NX 350h F Sport makes more sense in the compact-SUV class. 4. Sami opens with bookdepot.ca, Katie, and 29 books in his cart, which sets the episode’s loose conversational tone. 5. Ben says the 2026 Kona he drove is the limited trim in Canada, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 190 horsepower, and 195 pound-feet of torque. 6. He contrasts that Kona with base models that use a CVT and higher trims that get an eight-speed automatic. 7. Ben says the Kona’s Canadian pricing runs from about 27,000 dollars to about 40,000 dollars, while the U.S. spread is roughly 25,000 to 35,000 dollars. 8. He says the Kona was refreshed for the 2024 model year and still feels competitive because the segment has many rivals. 9. Ben highlights the Kona’s all-wheel-drive version, the roomy center storage area, and the spring-loaded cup-holder supports that pop out from the console. 10. He also cites 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them down. 11. Ben says the Kona’s steering-column shifter creates open space between the seats, which he finds especially useful for phones, tablets, purses, and bags. 12. He and Sami discuss Hyundai’s column-mounted gear selector and the ioniq-style blind-spot issue that can make reverse selection awkward. 13. Ben says the Kona’s two 12.3-inch displays and camera-based signal view add technology that feels unnecessary in a compact SUV. 14. He argues that the Kona still impresses because Hyundai continues to pack ventilated seats and other comfort features into an affordable package. 15. Ben compares the Kona with the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Kicks as the segment’s main rivals. 16. He says the Kona’s refinement, storage layout, and lack of CVT drone make it one of the strongest subcompact choices. 17. Ben then turns to the Lexus NX 350h F Sport, saying this F Sport setup is new for the regular hybrid and includes adaptive suspension and lateral dampers. 18. He describes the Lexus styling changes in detail, including Grecian water paint, a honeycomb grille, 20-inch wheels, and a red-and-black interior. 19. The conversation stays conversational and comparative, with Sami and Ben interrupting each other, trading examples, and checking Canadian versus U.S. trim names. 20. Listeners who track small SUVs, hybrid trims, and interior packaging will get the most from it. 21. Listeners who want a short, heavily scripted test-drive review will probably skip it.

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