2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the smaller, efficiency-focused 2025 Buick Encore GX and the larger, more powerful 2025 Kia Sportage often comes down to size versus hustle. For buyers juggling tight parking spots and looking to maximize every drop of fuel, the Encore GX is compelling, achieving a superior 30 MPG combined versus the Sportage's 28 MPG combined. However, that efficiency comes at a cost of performance; the Encore GX offers only 137 hp, noticeably trailing the Sportage's robust 187 hp—a significant 50 hp difference. Furthermore, the Sportage offers far greater utility, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft, making it the better hauler. While the Buick starts slightly cheaper at $25,940 versus the Kia's $27,390, the gap closes quickly when considering usable space and engine output for highway merging.
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 combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage is the superior family vehicle, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 39.6 cu ft versus 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sportage
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Kia Sportage, which delivers 187 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers better basic fuel efficiency (30 MPG combined) at a lower starting MSRP of $25,940.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined.
- You want the lowest entry price, starting at just $25,940.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with a length of 171.2 inches for easier city maneuverability.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You frequently haul gear, benefiting from the Sportage's massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire significantly more power, benefiting from the Sportage's 187 hp engine.
- You prefer the assured shifting feel of a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 183.5" |
| Width | 71.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 64.1" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 25/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 357.5/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.8 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
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 Sportage.
How much more powerful is the Kia Sportage compared to the Buick Encore GX?
The Kia Sportage is substantially more powerful, putting out 187 hp, which is 50 horsepower more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp output. This power difference will be noticeable during highway passing maneuvers.
Which crossover is better for carrying luggage or strollers?
The 2025 Kia Sportage is the clear choice for cargo hauling, providing 39.6 cubic feet of storage capacity. The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers considerably less space at only 23.5 cubic feet.
Does the fuel type make a difference in ownership costs?
Yes, the Buick Encore GX is a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on E85, offering flexibility, whereas the Kia Sportage requires regular unleaded. While MPG figures are close (30 combined for Buick vs. 28 combined for Kia), E85 prices can sometimes offer savings.
Are the driving experiences very different between the two transmissions?
They will feel quite distinct; the Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth acceleration, while the Sportage uses a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which offers defined shift points.
How do their exterior sizes compare for parallel parking?
The Buick Encore GX is the smaller vehicle overall, measuring 171.2 inches long and 71.4 inches wide. The Kia Sportage is noticeably longer at 183.5 inches and wider at 73.4 inches, making the Encore GX easier to squeeze into tight city parking spots.
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