Some matchups are like a clash of the cute. The 2019 Buick Encore and Hyundai Kona have that bubbly look common among subcompact SUVs that make them look like baby versions of their bigger siblings. And while they might be small, they are still mighty. In this comparison guide, we’ll pair the Encore and Kona and see which is a better buy.
Reliability: 2019 Buick Encore
JD Power and Associates polls new car owners in the first and third year of their ownership. And they discovered that drivers of the Encore are enthusiastically pleased with the Buick Encore and encountered minimal issues. The proof is in the rating. The 2019 Encore netted an overall 4.5 out of 5 rating, a near-perfect score and much higher than the industry average of 3. The 2019 Kona is a bit above average, with a 3.5 out of 5 rating, which is good but far short of the Encore’s stellar score. Who wouldn’t want to be this happy with their SUV?
Cargo Room: 2019 Buick Encore
If you’re not a regular driver of a subcompact SUV, you probably haven’t realized how much of a precious commodity storage space is. You don’t miss it until you don’t have it. The good news is that these subcompacts do pretty well for their class. The Buick Encore offers nearly 19 cubic feet of storage behind the back seat, or about a dozen full grocery bags. If you fold down the back seat, you’ll expand that space to 48 cubes.
By comparison, the Hyundai Kona has about the same storage behind the back row: 19.2 cubic feet. That’s enough for a win in this category, except that the only has 45.8 cubes with the seat folded down. So, a virtual tie in initial storage space and a clear win for the Encore in overall cargo capacity.
Ride and Handling: Tie
Good news for those who love getting behind the wheel. Thanks to agile handling and a composed ride, both the Encore and Kona are plenty fun on the road. The Encore feels comfortable even over rough roads, and the wind and engine noise are never too loud thanks to active noise cancellation technology that comes standard. What’s more, you’ll never feel the squeeze with the Encore’s maneuverability and precise steering.
The Hyundai Kona also drives well. Agile handling with a great suspension system soaking up bumps on the road make for fun driving. Like the Encore, the Kona has good control and minimal body roll around turns. Zipping through a crowded highway has never been easier than it is with these two.
Standard Features: 2019 Buick Encore
Both the Buick Encore and Hyundai Kona are handsomely equipped, but one offers a little more than the other. The 2019 Buick Encore comes standard with alloy wheels, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, flat-folding front passenger seat, push-button start, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, rearview camera, satellite radio, two USB ports, and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Meanwhile, the Kona gives you standard features like rearview camera, remote keyless entry, cloth seats, alloy wheels, two USB ports, Bluetooth, six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 7-inch touch screen. Active safety features forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and driver-attention monitor are standard too. Those are some nice features, but, like other things, the Buick offers a little more.