2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$25,900 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Buick Encore GX thrills with an accessible premium feel, leveraging 162 lb-ft of torque from its flex-fuel engine, while the 2026 Hyundai Kona counters with sharper efficiency and power figures for spirited urban runs. The Kona boasts a slightly higher base output with 147 hp, although the Encore GX leads in torque delivery at 162 lb-ft, suggesting a bit more pulling power off the line despite its lower 137 hp rating. Efficiency battles are tight: the Kona achieves 34 MPG highway compared to the Buick’s 31 MPG highway, while the Kona edges out the Buick in usable space, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. Both offer comparable dimensions, though the Kona is 2.0 inches lower in height (62.2 inches). With an MSRP difference of only $550, buyers must weigh Buick's torque feel against Kona's overall cargo volume and highway mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is the slightly superior choice for daily commuting due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers better practicality for families with a maximum cargo capacity of 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides superior low-end grunt with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is cheaper, starting at $25,350, while delivering better highway fuel economy.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize immediate pulling power, as the Encore GX delivers 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the flexibility of using E85 fuel if available, given its flex-fuel compatibility.
You appreciate a slightly taller stance for better visibility, as the Encore GX is 64.1 inches tall.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Maximizing fuel stops is critical, as the Kona offers up to 34 MPG on the highway.
You need slightly more room for gear, benefiting from the Kona's 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the absolute lowest entry price point at $25,350.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
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	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
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	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	54.3 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	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
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.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which vehicle is faster based on the published specifications?

Neither vehicle is explicitly fast, but the Hyundai Kona holds a slight edge in peak power with 147 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp. However, the Encore GX's higher torque figure (162 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft) might make it feel more responsive in city driving below highway speeds.

How much more space does the Kona offer over the Encore GX?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers 2.0 cubic feet more cargo volume, boasting 25.5 cu ft compared to the Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. This extra space can be significant for weekly shopping or larger luggage.

Can I use E85 fuel in either of these crossovers?

Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX is compatible with E85 fuel, as it is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle. The 2026 Hyundai Kona strictly requires regular unleaded gasoline.

Is there a noticeable difference in size between the two FWD crossovers?

The vehicles are nearly identical in length (171.2 vs 171.3 inches) and width. The main physical difference is height; the Encore GX is nearly two inches taller at 64.1 inches, which may offer a different feeling behind the wheel than the Kona’s 62.2 inches.

Which vehicle offers better overall fuel economy for long trips?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is slightly more efficient on longer highway drives, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the Encore GX’s 31 MPG highway. The Kona also wins on combined MPG, rated at 31 versus the Buick’s 30.