2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

$25,940 · Crossover

$24,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene with an inviting $25,940 MSRP and a robust 162 lb-ft of torque, suggesting smoother overtakes despite its 137 hp output. It boasts a respectable 30 MPG combined. In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona starts cheaper at $24,550 and wields a slightly higher 147 hp engine, aiming for efficiency with its 31 MPG combined rating, achieving an impressive 34 MPG highway. While both are compact FWD crossovers utilizing a CVT, the Kona squeezes out an extra 2.0 cu ft of cargo space, offering 25.5 cu ft versus the Buick’s 23.5 cu ft. The Buick stands slightly taller at 64.1 inches, potentially offering a different sense of presence compared to the Kona’s lower 62.2-inch stance. This comparison pits Buick's torque focus against Kona's superior highway economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona edges out the Encore GX with superior fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the Buick's 31 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Kona offers slightly more utility with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX provides significantly more pulling power with 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona has a lower entry price point at $24,550, making it the more affordable choice upfront.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize smooth acceleration in city driving, benefiting from the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the slightly taller stance of a crossover, as the Encore GX measures 64.1 inches high.
You plan on utilizing E85 fuel, as the Buick offers flex-fuel capability while the Kona requires regular unleaded.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Maximum fuel efficiency on the highway is critical, highlighted by the Kona’s 34 MPG highway rating.
You are looking for the absolute lowest starting MSRP, as the Kona begins at $24,550.
You need every cubic foot of utility, given the Kona provides 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Hyundai Kona
Length	171.2"	171.3"
Width	71.4"	71.9"
Height	64.1"	62.2"
Wheelbase	102.0"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Hyundai Kona.

Which crossover offers better engine pulling power for merging?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the clear winner here, producing 162 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Kona's 132 lb-ft. This torque advantage should translate to a slightly more effortless feel when accelerating onto highways.

How do the fuel efficiency ratings compare between the two FWD models?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins on pure efficiency, achieving a 31 MPG combined rating (29 City/34 Highway). The Encore GX is close behind at 30 MPG combined, but its highway figure is slightly lower at 31 MPG.

Is there a significant price difference between the base models?

Yes, the base 2025 Hyundai Kona starts at $24,550, making it $1,390 cheaper than the 2025 Buick Encore GX, which has an MSRP of $25,940.

Which car provides more room for luggage and gear?

The Kona offers marginally more usable storage space, boasting 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Encore GX has 23.5 cu ft, meaning the Kona wins by 2.0 cubic feet.

Does the Buick Encore GX offer any alternative fuel options?

Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is specified as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on either unleaded gasoline or E85. The 2025 Kona exclusively uses regular unleaded fuel.

Are there noticeable differences in physical size between the two crossovers?

Dimensionally, they are extremely similar in length (171.2 in vs 171.3 in), but the Buick is noticeably taller at 64.1 inches compared to the Kona’s 62.2 inches.