What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Kona has a slight advantage, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the base engine.
- The Kona has a slight advantage in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the base engine.
- The Kona starts at a slightly lower price than the Encore and offers a wider range of trim levels and options, making it a better value for money.
The compact SUV segment is bursting with options, and two of the most popular contenders are the Hyundai Kona and the Buick Encore. Both vehicles offer a compelling combination of practicality, style, and affordability. But which one is right for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the Hyundai Kona vs Buick Encore in detail.
Exterior Design
The Kona sports a bold and edgy design with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille. The Encore, in contrast, exudes a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic with its curved lines and chrome accents. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Kona offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its compact size. The front seats provide ample legroom and headroom, while the rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults. The Encore’s interior is also roomy, with a well-designed dashboard and plenty of storage compartments. Overall, the Kona has a slight edge in terms of interior space.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Kona is available with a variety of engine options, ranging from a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder to a 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The Encore, on the other hand, comes with a single 155-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In terms of fuel economy, the Kona has a slight advantage, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the base engine. The Encore gets 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Technology and Features
Both the Kona and the Encore come standard with a range of technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the Kona offers a few more advanced features, such as a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.
Safety and Reliability
The Kona and the Encore have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In terms of reliability, the Kona has a slightly better track record than the Encore, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
Price and Value
The Kona starts at a slightly lower price than the Encore, with an MSRP of $22,050 for the base SE trim. The Encore starts at $25,100 for the Preferred trim. However, the Kona offers a wider range of trim levels and options, allowing you to customize your vehicle to your specific needs and budget.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Kona and the Buick Encore are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Kona offers a bolder design, more interior space, and a wider range of engine options. The Encore, on the other hand, has a more refined exterior, a comfortable interior, and a strong safety record. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
FAQ
1. Which SUV has the best fuel economy?
The Kona has a slight advantage in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the base engine.
2. Which SUV has the most interior space?
The Kona has a slightly more spacious cabin than the Encore, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
3. Which SUV has the most advanced technology features?
The Kona offers a few more advanced technology features than the Encore, such as a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.
4. Which SUV is more reliable?
According to J.D. Power and Associates, the Kona has a slightly better reliability record than the Encore.
5. Which SUV is the best value for money?
The Kona starts at a slightly lower price than the Encore and offers a wider range of trim levels and options, making it a better value for money.