2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$25,940 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene offering premium flair starting at $25,940, prioritizing torque with 162 lb-ft and a robust 137 horsepower, appealing to those who appreciate a slightly more upscale feel despite having slightly less highway cruising range. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Seltos, priced lower at $23,690, champions efficiency and utility; it boasts superior highway MPG at 34 MPG and offers more space with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft. While the Seltos offers slightly more peak power at 147 hp, the Encore GX leverages its torque advantage in city driving via its flex-fuel capability. Dimensionally, the vehicles are nearly identical in length, but the Seltos manages to package 1.7 inches more cargo room into a marginally smaller frame. These compact crossovers present distinct approaches: badge appeal versus outright utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating and lower starting MSRP of $23,690.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

Families benefit from the Seltos's larger 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly beating the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

Enthusiasts will enjoy the Buick Encore GX's higher torque output of 162 lb-ft, which should translate to snappier off-the-line response.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides greater capability in cargo volume and fuel economy for a substantially lower entry price.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize maximum low-end responsiveness, evidenced by the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the option of utilizing E85 fuel via its flex-fuel capability.
You are drawn to the slightly higher horsepower figure of 137 hp combined with its FWD setup for city maneuvering.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Maximizing fuel savings is critical, highlighted by its 34 MPG highway rating.
You require maximum utility, as it offers 26.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the lowest upfront cost, with an MSRP beginning at $23,690.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Kia Seltos
Length	171.2"	172.6"
Width	71.4"	70.9"
Height	64.1"	63.6"
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	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	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-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	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	369.6/448.8 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.	53.0 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.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
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 2026 Kia Seltos.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for long highway trips?

The 2026 Kia Seltos pulls ahead slightly on the highway, achieving an estimated 34 MPG highway compared to the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 31 MPG highway.

Does the lower MSRP of the Seltos mean it sacrifices power compared to the Encore GX?

Not entirely; the Seltos produces 147 hp, slightly more than the Buick's 137 hp, although the Buick counters with higher torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Kia's 132 lb-ft.

How do the overall dimensions affect maneuverability in tight city spaces?

Both vehicles are similar in size, but the 2026 Kia Seltos is marginally narrower at 70.9 inches and shorter in height at 63.6 inches, which might offer a slight edge in tight parking situations over the Encore GX.

What is the advantage of the Buick Encore GX's fuel system?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is flex-fuel capable, meaning drivers have the option to use E85 blend fuels alongside standard unleaded gasoline.

Which vehicle offers better usable space for gear and groceries?

The Kia Seltos is the clear winner for cargo needs, offering 26.6 cubic feet of storage capacity, which is over 3 cubic feet more than the 23.5 cubic feet provided by the Buick Encore GX.