2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$24,690 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos explodes onto the scene with a spirited 146 horsepower, immediately appealing to drivers who crave a bit more pep from their compact crossover, even though it trails slightly in efficiency at 29 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Encore GX projects refined efficiency, boasting a superior 30 combined MPG and significantly higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. Seltos' 132 lb-ft), though it yields 137 horsepower and comes with standard Front-Wheel Drive. The Seltos, measuring 172.6 inches long, offers a more generous 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft capacity. While the Buick is pricier at $25,900 versus the Seltos’ $24,690 entry point, the performance disparity—especially the Seltos' AWD standard configuration—defines their core appeal to different drivers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers superior utility with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, ideal for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos provides a more engaging drive with 146 horsepower compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is the better value proposition, starting at $24,690 while providing standard AWD.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize on-demand traction via standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need maximum cargo utility, boasting 26.6 cu ft in the rear.
You want the higher peak output of 146 horsepower for spirited acceleration.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, delivering 30 combined MPG.
You prefer low-speed responsiveness thanks to 162 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate a slightly taller stance, as the Encore GX is 64.1 inches high.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Buick Encore GX
Length	172.6"	171.2"
Width	70.9"	71.4"
Height	63.4"	64.1"
Wheelbase	103.5"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 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	Kia	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: 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: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Buick
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Buick
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 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 Kia Seltos and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

Which crossover handles adverse weather better, the Seltos or the Encore GX?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is better equipped for slippery conditions as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Buick Encore GX comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, which is generally less capable in snow or heavy rain.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two models?

Yes, the Seltos has a clear edge with 146 horsepower compared to the Encore GX’s 137 horsepower. While both use CVTs, the Seltos should feel noticeably punchier on the highway.

How much space difference is there for luggage?

The Kia Seltos provides substantially more room for gear, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Buick Encore GX is tighter back there, providing only 23.5 cubic feet.

Which car is more economical on fuel for daily driving?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is technically the more efficient choice, achieving 30 combined MPG, slightly better than the Seltos' 29 combined MPG rating. Additionally, the Encore GX can use E85 fuel, offering potential savings if available.

Why is the Buick Encore GX's torque rating higher despite having less horsepower?

The Encore GX generates a superior 162 lb-ft of torque, beating the Seltos' 132 lb-ft, even with lower horsepower. This means the Buick might feel stronger initially when accelerating from a stop, even though the Kia has more top-end power.

Which crossover has the lower starting price?

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers immediate savings with an MSRP of $24,690. The 2026 Buick Encore GX is priced higher, beginning at $25,900 for the base model.