2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$27,390 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage enters the ring with a commanding 187 horsepower, promising a more spirited drive than the nimble 2026 Buick Encore GX, which offers a conservative but efficient 137 horsepower. The Sportage feels substantial at 183.5 inches long, whereas the more compact Encore GX, measuring just 171.2 inches, prioritizes maneuverability. Fuel economy presents a trade-off: the Buick achieves 30 combined MPG, slightly edging out the Kia's 28 combined MPG, while utilizing E85 capability. However, Kia delivers substantially more hauling capability with 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Buick's 23.5 cubic feet. With an MSRP of $27,390 versus the Buick's $25,900, the Sportage demands a premium for its superior output and greater size, creating a clear divide between practicality/power and economy/entry-level pricing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the better commuter due to its superior 30 combined MPG and lower starting price of $25,900.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is superior for families as it offers significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage appeals to driving enthusiasts with a robust 187 hp engine, significantly more than the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers better inherent value with a $1,490 lower starting MSRP and better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize dynamic performance and need the extra power from the 187 hp engine.
Your family requires maximum hauling capability, leveraging the 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the assured feel and stability of a longer vehicle, measuring 183.5 inches in length.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the Encore GX starts at a compelling $25,900 MSRP.
Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to its class-leading 30 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly nimbler vehicle for city driving, reflected in its smaller 171.2-inch footprint.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Buick Encore GX
Length	183.5"	171.2"
Width	73.4"	71.4"
Height	65.4"	64.1"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 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	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/32 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
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	✓	✓
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	39.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 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	39.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/55R18

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 Sportage and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

How much more power does the Kia Sportage have over the Buick Encore GX?

The 2025 Kia Sportage boasts 187 horsepower, giving it a noticeable 50 hp advantage over the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which produces 137 horsepower.

Which crossover has better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is slightly more frugal, achieving 30 combined MPG, edging out the 2025 Kia Sportage's 28 combined MPG rating.

If I frequently haul cargo, which crossover is the better fit?

The Kia Sportage is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 39.6 cubic feet of space, substantially more than the Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet.

Is the Buick Encore GX significantly cheaper than the Kia Sportage?

Yes, the Buick Encore GX offers a lower entry point at $25,900 MSRP, compared to the Kia Sportage's starting price of $27,390, representing a price gap of $1,490.

Do either of these models require premium fuel?

Neither vehicle demands premium fuel; both the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Buick Encore GX can operate using regular unleaded gasoline.

What is the primary difference in size and maneuverability between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage is the larger vehicle at 183.5 inches long, while the Buick Encore GX is considerably shorter at 171.2 inches, making the Buick potentially easier to park in tight urban settings.