2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$25,900 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial difference lies in cargo capacity, where the 2026 Kia Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet. Power output is also noteworthy; the Seltos generates 147 horsepower, surpassing the Encore GX's 137 hp, though the Buick counters with higher torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Seltos' 132 lb-ft. Priced at $25,900, the Encore GX is $2,210 more expensive than the Seltos' $23,690 MSRP. Fuel economy favors the Seltos slightly with a 31 MPG combined rating against the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined, although the Seltos achieves superior highway mileage at 34 MPG compared to the Buick's 31 MPG. The dimensions are closely matched, with the Seltos being 1.4 inches longer (172.6 in vs 171.2 in) but marginally shorter in height.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers superior fuel efficiency on the highway at 34 MPG compared to the Buick Encore GX's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is greater than the 23.5 cubic feet offered by the Encore GX.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX appeals more to performance-minded drivers by producing 162 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the Seltos' 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,690, undercutting the Buick Encore GX by $2,210.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your priority is maximizing torque delivery for responsive acceleration, as it produces 162 lb-ft.
You require the flexibility of E85/flex-fuel capability, as the Seltos only takes regular unleaded.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Encore GX measures 64.1 inches in height compared to 63.6 inches for the Seltos.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Maximizing cargo volume is essential, given its 26.6 cubic feet capacity versus 23.5 cu ft in Car 1.
Your budget requires the lowest entry price point at $23,690.
You prioritize higher potential highway fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG versus the Buick's 31 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Kia Seltos
Length	171.2"	172.6"
Width	71.4"	70.9"
Height	64.1"	63.6"
Wheelbase	102.0"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Kia
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	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

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

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Kia
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Kia
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	✓	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Kia
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	8.0 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	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Kia
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	53.0 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	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Kia
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.	5 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 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Kia Seltos.

Which crossover has more practical interior storage space?

The 2026 Kia Seltos is the winner in sheer volume, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides 23.5 cubic feet, a difference of 3.1 cubic feet.

Does the difference in horsepower translate to a better driving experience?

While the Seltos leads in horsepower (147 hp vs. 137 hp), the Encore GX generates significantly more pulling power with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos' 132 lb-ft, suggesting the Buick might feel stronger in mid-range acceleration.

What is the exact price difference between the base models?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at an MSRP of $25,900, making it $2,210 more expensive than the 2026 Kia Seltos, which is priced at $23,690.

How do the fuel types and economy ratings compare?

The Seltos runs on regular unleaded and achieves 31 MPG combined (28 city/34 highway), whereas the Encore GX uses flex-fuel and is rated at 30 MPG combined (30 city/31 highway).

Are there significant differences in overall exterior size?

The vehicles are very similar in footprint, but the Kia Seltos is marginally longer at 172.6 inches versus the Buick's 171.2 inches, and the Buick is slightly taller at 64.1 inches versus 63.6 inches.