2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene with an almost luxurious, yet efficient flair, offering 137 hp and hitting 30 MPG combined, perfectly pairing its slightly smaller 171.2-inch frame with strong low-end torque (162 lb-ft) on its standard FWD setup. Contrast this with the nimble 2025 Kia Seltos, which immediately distinguishes itself with standard All-Wheel Drive and a slightly punchier 146 hp output, though its fuel economy dips marginally to 29 MPG combined. The Seltos also leads in utility, boasting a superior 26.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. While the Buick asks for $25,940 to start, the Seltos undercuts it at $24,690, making the base-level AWD capability an attractive proposition for buyers needing traction without a major price hike. This comparison pits Buick's focus on efficiency and refined torque against Kia's rugged versatility and horsepower edge.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly better 30 MPG combined fuel rating and its superior 162 lb-ft of torque at lower speeds.
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos offers more practical space with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos excites enthusiasts more with its higher 146 hp output and the significant advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos provides greater capability, including AWD, for a lower starting MSRP of $24,690.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize smooth, low-speed performance, evident in its 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos' 132 lb-ft.
- You aim for the absolute best fuel efficiency, as the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance provided by its 64.1-inch height and the familiar feel of Front Wheel Drive.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- All-Wheel Drive is non-negotiable for your driving conditions, a standard feature on the Seltos.
- You require maximum utility, as the Seltos leads significantly with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want higher peak power, since the Seltos delivers 146 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 172.6" |
| Width | 71.4" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.1" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 146 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 27/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 356.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 53.5 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 52.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P215/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Kia Seltos.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
Both vehicles achieve a 31 MPG highway rating, indicating they are closely matched for long highway hauls. However, the Buick Encore GX boasts a slightly better city rating (30 MPG vs. Seltos' 27 MPG).
Does the difference in horsepower translate to a noticeably faster experience?
The Kia Seltos has 146 hp compared to the Buick's 137 hp, which is a noticeable edge in raw power. However, the Buick compensates with higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft), suggesting the Encore GX might feel more responsive during initial acceleration from a stop.
How does the starting price compare between the two models?
The 2025 Kia Seltos has the lower entry point at an MSRP of $24,690. The 2025 Buick Encore GX starts slightly higher at $25,940, meaning the Seltos offers standard AWD for less money.
Which vehicle provides more room for luggage?
The Kia Seltos is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 26.6 cubic feet of space. The Buick Encore GX trails with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
What is the benefit of the Buick Encore GX's flex-fuel capability?
The Encore GX is designed to run on E85 ethanol fuel, offering drivers the option to potentially save money or use a fuel blend that emits less carbon dioxide compared to the regular unleaded gasoline required by the Seltos.
Is one vehicle significantly larger or smaller than the other?
The vehicles are nearly identical in footprint; the Seltos is marginally longer at 172.6 inches versus the Encore GX’s 171.2 inches. The Encore GX is slightly taller at 64.1 inches compared to the Seltos’ 63.4 inches.
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