Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ vs Kress Mission RTKn KR172
Quick take: The Kress Mission RTKn KR172 costs $1,600 less; the Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ is rated for a larger lawn (1 acre); the Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ is rated for steeper ground (45%); the Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ cuts taller (up to 4"), which matters for fescue and warm-season grasses.
| Spec | Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ | Kress Mission RTKn KR172 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$3,299 | ~$1,699 |
| Rating | 3.9★ (247) | — |
| Navigation | RTK GPS | RTK GPS |
| Max Lawn Size | 1 acre (43,560 sq ft) | 0.5 acres (21,780 sq ft) |
| Max Slope | 45% (24°) | 40% (22°) |
| Cutting Width | 9.4" | 7.9" |
| Cut Height | 1"–4" | 1.6"–3.5" |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Runtime | 84 min | — |
| Charge Time | 54 min | — |
| Noise | 62 dB | 59 dB |
| Weight | 38 lb | 26.5 lb |
| Obstacle Detection | Radar object detection plus bumper collision, lift and tilt sensors; slows for large objects but still bumps small ones and cannot see sticks or toys | Bumper plus lift and tilt sensors only; camera obstacle avoidance is reserved for the OAS variant (KR172E.A) and larger Kress models. |
| Edge Cutting | No | No |
| Rain Sensor | No | Yes |
| Cellular | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Theft | PIN code, lift alarm, GPS tracking and geofence alerts | PIN code plus real-time GPS tracking and geofence |
| Warranty | 4-year limited (3-year battery) | Kress dealer warranty (term not listed on the US product page) |
Pros & cons
Husqvarna Automower 420 iQ
- ✓Best value in the iQ range: double the rated area of the 410 iQ for a few hundred dollars more, and often discounted
- ✓Faster 54-minute charge than the 410 iQ keeps it mowing through the day
- ✓Owners who upgraded from wired X-line mowers report faster, more systematic coverage and easier install
- ✓Optional physical wire for shaded trouble spots, unlike camera-only competitors
- ✓Quiet 62 dB operation and a fine mulching cut suited to early-morning schedules
- ✓4-year warranty plus cellular theft tracking with no subscription
- ✗EPOS can lose fix in narrow side yards or under heavy tree cover and simply stops until you intervene
- ✗Radar does not avoid sticks, toys or low edging; owners with old trees say they walk the yard before every mow
- ✗Rear-wheel drive and a 45 percent slope limit trail AWD rivals at this price
- ✗Brand-site reviews include units that failed within weeks and long dealer repair queues
Kress Mission RTKn KR172
- ✓No antenna, base station or wire to install; boundary is drawn in the app
- ✓Straight parallel stripes with dead-reckoning fallback when satellites are blocked
- ✓Quiet 59 dB and light 26.5 lb body with electric height adjustment
- ✓4G, GPS theft tracking and OTA updates included; dealer handles setup and service
- ✗Only works where a Kress dealer antenna covers your address; coverage must be verified first
- ✗No camera obstacle avoidance on this trim, so it relies on bumper contact and no-go zones
- ✗Runtime, charge time and warranty term are not published on the US product page
- ✗Small 8 in deck and 0.5 acre recommendation make it a modest-lawn machine at $1,700
- ✗No US retailer reviews yet; dealer-only sales mean little independent owner feedback