2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Kia Sportage

$25,940 · Crossover

$28,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Buick Encore GX (Car1) and the 2026 Kia Sportage (Car2) lies in power output, with the Sportage delivering 187 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp—a 50 hp deficit for the Buick. Conversely, the Buick offers superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Sportage's 28 combined MPG, although the Sportage splits its efficiency better (25/33 MPG) than the Buick’s consistent 30/31 MPG. Size is another major factor: the Sportage is 13.2 inches longer (184.4 in vs 171.2 in) and offers significantly more cargo space at 39.6 cu ft versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. Pricing starts at $25,940 for the Encore GX, undercutting the Sportage’s MSRP of $28,690 by $2,750. Both vehicles offer comparable torque figures, with the Kia at 178 lb-ft and the Buick at 162 lb-ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and a lower entry price of $25,940.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage

The 2026 Kia Sportage provides substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly exceeding the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage

The 2026 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX presents better initial value by having a $2,750 lower MSRP while still delivering segment-competitive fuel efficiency.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Budget constraints necessitate the lowest starting MSRP of $25,940.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, evidenced by its 30 combined MPG rating.
A smaller, more maneuverable footprint (171.2 inches in length) is preferred for urban driving.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

Superior performance is required, delivered by the 187 hp engine.
Maximum hauling capability is needed, utilizing the substantial 39.6 cu ft cargo volume.
A traditional 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a continuously variable transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Kia Sportage
Length	171.2"	184.4"
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	357.5/471.9 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Kia
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	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

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 2026 Kia Sportage.

What is the exact horsepower difference between the 2025 Encore GX and the 2026 Sportage?

The 2026 Kia Sportage holds a clear power advantage with 187 horsepower. This is exactly 50 hp more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX, which is rated at 137 hp.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two small crossovers?

The 2026 Kia Sportage offers significantly more storage with 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Buick Encore GX provides only 23.5 cubic feet, representing a difference of over 16 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is more affordable based on MSRP?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the cheaper option, starting at $25,940. The 2026 Kia Sportage has a higher MSRP of $28,690, making the Buick $2,750 less expensive upfront.

Which car offers better highway cruising fuel economy?

While the Buick Encore GX has better combined MPG (30 vs 28), the Sportage wins slightly on the highway with a 33 MPG rating compared to the Buick's 31 MPG, though the Buick maintains 30 MPG in the city.

Are there differences in the powertrain technology used?

Yes, the two utilize distinct transmissions; the Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the Sportage is equipped with a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Does the Buick Encore GX support E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can operate on E85 fuel. The 2026 Kia Sportage requires only regular unleaded gasoline.