2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$24,550 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the new 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Buick Encore GX often boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus low-end grunt. Buyers looking to save a bit more at the pump will gravitate toward the Kona, which posts a slightly better 31 MPG combined rating compared to the Encore GX's 30 MPG. The Kona is also the more affordable entry point with an MSRP starting at $24,550 versus the Buick's $25,900. However, performance metrics favor the Buick, as the Encore GX delivers superior torque at 162 lb-ft, despite having 10 fewer horsepower (137 hp vs. Kona's 147 hp). Both vehicles are similarly sized, with the Kona being negligibly longer at 171.3 inches and the Encore GX being noticeably taller at 64.1 inches. For drivers needing slightly more hauling space, the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 31 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides a slight edge for families needing to haul gear, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Encore GX

Enthusiasts will appreciate the 2026 Buick Encore GX's superior 162 lb-ft of torque, offering better pulling power than the Kona's 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers better immediate value with a lower starting MSRP of $24,550.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize the lowest initial cost, as the Kona starts at $24,550.
You want the best gasoline efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
You need a little extra space for groceries or gear, as it boasts 25.5 cu ft of cargo room.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You frequently use E85 fuel, since the Encore GX is flex-fuel capable.
You prefer stronger low-end pull from your engine, thanks to 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly taller ride height, as the Encore GX stands at 64.1 inches high.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Buick Encore GX
Length	171.3"	171.2"
Width	71.9"	71.4"
Height	62.2"	64.1"
Wheelbase	104.7"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for city driving?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is slightly more city-friendly in terms of pure fuel use, rated at 29 MPG in the city. The 2026 Buick Encore GX manages 30 MPG in the city, meaning the difference is minimal, but the Kona holds the edge overall with 31 MPG combined.

Is the torque difference between the two crossovers significant for daily driving?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX has a significant advantage in torque, offering 162 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft. This means the Buick should feel punchier when accelerating from a stop or merging, even though it has less horsepower (137 hp vs. 147 hp).

How do the starting prices compare for these two new models?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the more budget-conscious choice with an MSRP of $24,550. The 2026 Buick Encore GX is priced slightly higher at $25,900, meaning the Kona saves you $1,350 right off the bat.

If I frequently carry passengers, which car is physically larger?

They are almost identical in length (171.3 inches for Kona vs. 171.2 inches for Encore GX). However, the Encore GX is notably taller at 64.1 inches, which might translate to easier entry and exit for passengers.

Can I use E85 gas in either of these crossovers?

Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX is designed to run on flex-fuel, meaning it can use E85 gasoline in addition to regular unleaded. The 2025 Hyundai Kona requires regular unleaded fuel only.

Which vehicle provides more space behind the rear seats?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers superior cargo capacity for hauling bulk items, measuring 25.5 cubic feet. The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making the Kona the winner by 2.0 cubic feet.