Hyundai Kona vs Buick Encore
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.
2018–2027
Hyundai Kona
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 58 configurations
2015–2026
Buick Encore
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Kona | Buick Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 120 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 134 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 108 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $600 ✓ | $2,000 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 281 g/mi ✓ | 288 g/mi |
| Engines offered | 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start | SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Electricity, Premium | Regular, Gasoline or E85 |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2018–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 58 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Kona vs Encore: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Kona or the Buick Encore?
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 Kona and Encore offer?
Hyundai Kona: 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start. Buick Encore: SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Kona and the Buick Encore as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they compete directly.
More Kona comparisons
Comparison id: hyundai-kona-vs-buick-encore