Buick Encore vs Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 89 mpg advantage and costs about $1,400 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Kona leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Buick Encore
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
2018–2027
Hyundai Kona
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 58 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Buick Encore | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 120 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 30 mpg | 134 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 108 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,000 | $600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi | 281 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start | 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Regular, Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2018–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 58 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Encore vs Kona: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Buick Encore or the Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 89 mpg advantage and costs about $1,400 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Kona runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,000 for the Buick Encore — a difference of roughly $1,400 per year.
What engines do the Encore and Kona offer?
Buick Encore: SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start. Hyundai Kona: 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Buick Encore and the Hyundai Kona as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: buick-encore-vs-hyundai-kona