Starting at
Starting at
31 | Fuel Economy (mpg combined) | 30 |
36 | Rear Legroom (in) | 34.6 |
50.2 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 45.8 |
Crossover SUVs are all the rage these days. Not only do they provide incredible versatility, convenience, and features, there's a great demand for these vehicles. Because of this high demand, car brands are stepping up their game, and the competition is fierce in the crossover SUV segment. Each model year, we see improved technology, more standard safety features, and better use of every cubic foot in the vehicle. Two top performers in this category are the Buick Encore GX and the Hyundai Kona. They both have similar attributes, but when you put the 2021 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Hyundai Kona, who wins?
The 2021 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Hyundai Kona are small crossover SUVs that seat five passengers and have flexible cargo storage. They both have their own set of technology features and a solid suite of standard safety features. At first glance, it appears these two SUVs are essentially the same in their offerings. But when you compare the facts of the 2021 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Hyundai Kona in performance, interior features, technology, and safety, you'll see the 2021 Encore GX begins to take a slight edge. Don't just take our word for it; let's look at the facts that can't be missed about these two top crossover SUVs.
You may not think of high performance when you see a small crossover SUV, but the 2021 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Hyundai Kona deliver impressively in this category. This matters for all the different driving conditions you may encounter and for those times you need, or want, an extra boost to your drive.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX gives you two engine options. Both of these engines are turbocharged, so there's no shortage of power in your drive. You can get a maximum of 155 horsepower with 174 lb-ft of torque. There's an available intelligent all-wheel drive option in the 2021 Encore GX that comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving you more traction and control on any road condition. To increase your peace of mind, the 2021 Buick Encore GX is equipped with StabiliTrak, which automatically intervenes on slippery, icy, or uneven roads when it senses a loss of traction.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona also offers two engine options, but only one is turbocharged. You still have the option of all-wheel drive, but it comes with the same 6-speed or 7-speed automatic transmissions offered with the front-wheel drive versions. The 2021 Kona's all-wheel drive certainly helps with improved traction and control, especially on icy and snowy road conditions. The 2021 Buick Encore GX is the winner in the performance category, though, with two turbocharged engine options and increased traction control with StabiliTrak. For those who live in diverse weather climates, this is great news to find a small SUV that gives you confidence in any road condition.
The interiors of crossover SUVs are consistently upgrading to more premium and practical options. If an SUV can provide comfort to all passengers, increase cargo capacity, and help you stay connected and entertained on the drive, then you've truly succeeded in your car choice. The 2021 Buick Encore GX and the 2021 Hyundai Kona both have unique and premium interior features that provide convenience for everyone.
The 2021 Encore GX seats five passengers quite comfortably. It can even seat adults in the back seat with plenty of room. This gives you more flexibility as your plans and responsibilities constantly evolve. The cargo area is where the Encore GX really shines. There is a maximum cargo volume of 50.2 cu.ft. Even with the rear seats in use, you have ample cargo storage. For those extra-large items, you can reconfigure the cargo floor to gain an additional 2.7 inches of cargo height.
Premium luxury quality is the foundation of Buick vehicles, and the 2021 Encore GX provides that in the interior cabin. It has an available heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. The 2021 Buick Encore GX even has an in-vehicle air ionizer that leaves the air incredibly fresh at all times.
Inside the 2021 Hyundai Kona, five passengers can fit, but it's not as comfortable for an adult to sit in the rear seats. The rear legroom for the 2021 Kona is 34.6 inches, whereas the 2021 Encore GX has 36 inches of rear legroom. This can make a big difference on a long road trip with a car full of passengers. The 2021 Kona also has a smaller maximum cargo volume of 45.8 cu.ft. You also have the option for heated seats, automatic climate control, and heated seats.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has a more versatile and premium interior than the 2021 Hyundai Kona. With the increased comfort, convenience features, and cargo volume, the 2021 Encore GX can do anything you need it to.
Technology is absolutely crucial in today's crossover SUVs. Advanced technology allows drivers to stay connected and entertained and allows for more efficiency while driving. The 2021 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Hyundai Kona each have their fair share of standard technology, along with optional add-ons. But you'll see when compared side-by-side just how much more the Encore GX offers.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has a beautiful standard 8-inch color touchscreen that is the gateway to an endless amount of features and vehicle information. Buick's infotainment system gives you access to apps and allows for hands-free calling, texting, and navigation. It even has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The available heads-up display helps you keep your eyes on the road while keeping you informed on your Encore GX's stats. While you drive, you can charge your smartphone on the available wireless charging pad. This technology works to keep your life connected even when you're on the road.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona has a smaller 7-inch touchscreen standard that also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. However, using the available heads-up display gives you the necessary vehicle information while keeping your eyes on the road, just like the 2021 Encore GX. The 2021 Kona also offers wireless charging as well as an infotainment system with navigation on their higher trim levels.
While the technology features are very similar in both SUVs, the 2021 Buick Encore GX offers more technology standard, such as the larger touchscreen and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. More premium technology at the standard level makes a big difference and can impact your overall driving experience. But the 2021 Encore GX not only gives a wider variety of standard technology, it has a premium feel to it as well.
Advanced safety features are more popular than ever in crossover SUVs. The best news is that many of these necessary features are standard in both the 2021 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Hyundai Kona. Each vehicle also has additional safety and driver-assist features that are optional or standard in higher-level trims.
In the 2021 Buick Encore GX, the suite of standard safety features is known as Buick Drive Confidence. It consists of Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high beams, and a Following Distance Indicator. You have the option for Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, HD Surround Vision, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Whether you only want the standard features or opt for the whole advanced suite, you will feel more confident on the road with this extra layer of defense.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona has Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist as standard. Higher trim levels of the 2021 Kona have Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, and Smart Cruise Control. While the list isn't quite as long as the Encore GX safety features, you can rest assured the 2021 Kona is a safe vehicle.
Between the two crossover SUVs, the 2021 Buick Encore GX offers more standard safety features and more advanced options. Both the Encore GX and Kona do their part to offer high-quality safety features, but having more standard availability can make a big difference in overall driving.