2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the nimble 2025 Buick Encore GX and the efficient 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes down to prioritizing running costs versus raw power. If your main concern is stretching every dollar at the pump, the Kia Sportage Hybrid pulls ahead significantly, offering a 43 MPG combined rating compared to the Buick's 30 MPG combined. This difference translates to major long-term savings. However, the Buick undercuts the Kia on initial investment, starting at an MSRP of $25,940 versus the Kia's $28,790. Performance is another key divergence: the Hybrid boasts 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Encore GX's 137 hp. While the Buick is slightly more compact at 171.2 inches long, the Kia offers substantially more utility, boasting 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space against the Buick's 23.5 cubic feet, making the efficiency and size trade-off the central dilemma for buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for commuters due to its exceptional 43 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid provides significantly more usable space with 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
With 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia vastly outperforms the 137 hp offered by the Buick.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX wins on upfront cost, with an MSRP starting $2,850 lower than the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You want the lowest possible starting price, as the Encore GX MSRP is $25,940.
- You prefer the smaller dimensions (171.2 inches long) for easier city parking and maneuvering.
- You regularly have access to E85 fuel, as the Encore GX is flex-fuel capable.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is critical, given the Sportage Hybrid's impressive 42/44 MPG city/highway ratings.
- You frequently haul gear, benefiting from the Kia's superior 39.5 cu ft cargo volume.
- You need quicker acceleration, provided by the 90 horsepower advantage (227 hp total).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 227 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 258 lb-ft |
| 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 | 6-speed 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 | 42/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 43 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 575.4/602.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.1 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. | — |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
How much better is the fuel economy on the Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The difference is substantial; the Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 43 MPG combined, while the Buick Encore GX is rated for 30 MPG combined. This means the Kia offers 13 miles per gallon more efficiency on average.
Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX faster than the Kia Sportage Hybrid?
No, the Kia is significantly quicker, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Buick's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Kia holds a 90 hp advantage.
Which vehicle is better suited for loading large items?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo utility, offering 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Buick Encore GX only provides 23.5 cubic feet in the same configuration.
What is the difference in price between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX has a lower entry price point at $25,940 (MSRP). The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $28,790, making it nearly $3,000 more expensive initially.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
No, the Buick Encore GX is noted as being flex-fuel capable (Unleaded/E85). Conversely, the Kia Sportage Hybrid runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
Are there significant differences in size and maneuverability?
Yes, the Buick Encore GX is the smaller vehicle, measuring 171.2 inches in length and 71.4 inches wide. The Sportage Hybrid is larger in all dimensions, particularly length (183.5 inches).
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