2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Buick Encore GX often boils down to budget versus perceived polish. The Soul immediately jumps ahead with a lower starting MSRP of $20,490, saving you $5,410 compared to the Encore GX's $25,900 entry point. Performance metrics show the Soul offering a slightly punchier experience with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, versus the Encore GX's 137 hp and higher 162 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles match on efficiency, achieving a shared 30 combined MPG. In terms of size, the Encore GX is longer at 171.2 inches compared to the Soul's 165.2 inches, but the Soul manages to offer marginally more space, boasting 24.2 cubic feet of cargo volume versus the Buick's 23.5 cubic feet. For pragmatic buyers focused on maximizing savings while getting solid daily utility, the math strongly favors the more affordable Kia.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The lower $20,490 MSRP of the Kia Soul makes it the superior choice for budget-conscious commuters who prioritize initial savings.
2025 Kia Soul
Despite being shorter, the Kia Soul provides a slightly larger cargo capacity at 24.2 cu ft compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul wins this category based on its superior power output of 147 hp versus the Buick's 137 hp.
2025 Kia Soul
With a significant $5,410 initial price gap and identical 30 combined MPG, the Kia Soul represents better overall monetary value.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- You need to save nearly $5,500 upfront, as the Kia Soul starts at $20,490.
- You prefer slightly more horsepower (147 hp) for quick city bursts over torque.
- You need maximum available cargo room, as the Soul offers 24.2 cu ft versus 23.5 cu ft.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize low-end grunt for acceleration, evidenced by the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the marginally larger footprint of the Encore GX, measuring 171.2 inches long.
- You plan on using E85 fuel, as the Buick supports flex-fuel options while the Kia only takes regular unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 171.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.4" |
| Height | 63.0" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.9 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 55.4 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 |
| Front Hip Room | — | 51.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.7 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | 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 Soul and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How significant is the performance difference between the Kia Soul and the Buick Encore GX?
The 2025 Kia Soul delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, making it technically quicker than the 2026 Encore GX, which offers 137 hp but slightly more torque at 162 lb-ft. Both use a CVT transmission.
Is the fuel economy noticeably different between these two vehicles?
No, fuel economy is a near tie; both the Soul and the Encore GX achieve an identical 30 combined MPG rating. The Soul is rated 27/33 MPG city/highway, while the Buick is slightly better in city driving at 30 MPG city.
Why is the Buick Encore GX so much more expensive than the Kia Soul?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX carries an MSRP of $25,900, which is $5,410 more than the Kia Soul's $20,490 starting price. This price difference usually reflects variations in standard feature packaging or brand positioning.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for hauling gear?
The 2025 Kia Soul has a slight edge in documented cargo volume, offering 24.2 cubic feet versus the 2026 Buick Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Are these cars similar in exterior dimensions?
They are close, but the Buick Encore GX is physically larger overall, being 171.2 inches long and 64.1 inches tall. The Kia Soul is shorter at 165.2 inches and slightly lower at 63.0 inches.
Can I use E85 fuel in either the Kia Soul or the Buick Encore GX?
Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX is compatible with flex-fuel, meaning it can run on either regular unleaded or E85 gasoline. The 2025 Kia Soul strictly requires regular unleaded fuel.
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