2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the brand-new 2026 Hyundai Kona and the recently refreshed 2025 Buick Encore GX often boils down to prioritizing subtle advantages in a fiercely competitive small crossover segment. Buyers facing this choice must weigh the Kona's slightly superior efficiency and space against the Buick's lower entry point and torque figures. The Kona sneaks in with a lower MSRP at $25,350 compared to the Encore GX's $25,940, while also offering marginally better fuel economy at 31 combined MPG versus the Buick's 30 MPG. Interestingly, the Encore GX, despite being slightly shorter in length (171.2 inches vs 171.3 inches for the Kona), provides less ultimate hauling capability; the Kona boasts 25.5 cu ft of cargo room, beating the Buick's 23.5 cu ft. However, the Buick fights back with higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft), which should translate to peppier initial acceleration off the line.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG versus the Encore GX's 30 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Kona
Families will appreciate the 2026 Hyundai Kona because it offers 2.0 more cubic feet of crucial cargo capacity, totaling 25.5 cu ft.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX appeals more to enthusiasts because it delivers significantly higher torque output at 162 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona takes the value crown by having a lower starting MSRP of $25,350, which is $590 less than the Buick.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize higher low-end pulling power, as the Encore GX has 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance, as the Encore GX is 64.1 inches tall versus the Kona's 62.2 inches.
- You are comfortable with E85 capability, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel operation.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You need maximum storage space, given the Kona's leading 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Saving money upfront is critical, as the Kona starts at $25,350, beating the Buick's price.
- You want slightly better highway cruising range, evidenced by its 34 MPG highway rating.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is technically the more powerful in terms of peak output, providing 147 hp against the Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. However, the Encore GX offers notably more rotational force with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
Which vehicle is better for long highway commutes regarding fuel economy?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona edges out the competition on the highway, rating at 34 MPG highway compared to the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 31 MPG highway rating. Both are CVT models, but the Kona's gearing appears optimized for steady-speed efficiency.
Does the difference in size affect their practicality inside the cabin?
While their overall lengths (171.2 vs 171.3 inches) are nearly identical, the Kona provides more usable storage space with 25.5 cu ft of cargo room versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. The Kona is also slightly wider at 71.9 inches.
Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX more expensive than the 2026 Kona?
Yes, the Buick carries a slightly higher starting price for the base trim. The Encore GX MSRP is listed at $25,940, whereas the Hyundai Kona starts at $25,350, giving the Kona a $590 initial cost advantage.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these base FWD crossovers?
Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX is explicitly listed as a flex-fuel vehicle capable of using unleaded or E85 fuel. The 2026 Hyundai Kona specifies regular unleaded fuel only.
If I look purely at acceleration potential based on engine specs, which looks better?
Torque often dictates initial acceleration feel, meaning the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft output should give it a slightly more immediate response than the Kona's 132 lb-ft, even with its lower horsepower rating.
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