If you have been on the road recently Compact or small SUVs are becoming more popular amongst drivers, and it’s clear to see why. With stylish and affordable options that go neck-in-neck with what they have to offer car shoppers have many options to choose from when it comes to getting a vehicle that will best meet their transportation needs. When looking at the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Hyundai Kona side-by-side, drivers will notice that these SUVs have similar styles and features. There are differences between them that can help drivers determine which option is better suited to them, though. Some important comparisons that potential buyers should take note of included safety ratings and features, how fiscally friendly these SUVs are both on the lot and for everyday use, overall performance and capabilities, and how road trip friendly they are.
Safety Features
Buyers of the 2019 Buick Encore and the 2019 Hyundai Kona will be hard pressed to find differences in the safety features and technologies that come in each of these vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave each of these SUVs a five-star overall rating. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did give better ratings for the 2019 Hyundai Kona, and even named it a 2019 Top Safety Pick. The biggest differences between the two SUVs is the Buick received an “acceptable” rating for passenger-side crashworthiness and a “basic” rating for front crash prevention, while the Hyundai received a “good” and “superior” rating, respectively.
When comparing the different trim-levels of the 2019 Buick Encore and the 2019 Hyundai Kona, drivers will find that each of these SUVs offer many of the same hi-tech safety features. For instance, the new Hyundai offers Hyundai SmartSense, which provides a set of features that deliver convenience as well as safety. This package technology such as rear cross-traffic collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, and high beam assist. The new Buick offers many of these features as well, along with a side blind zone alert and an Onstar Safety and Security system. Not all of these features are standard across each trim-level in either the Encore or Kona, so drivers have many options and customizations to choose from so they get the exact hi-tech safety features they want.
Which is More Fiscally Friendly?
Getting the vehicle you want for the right price only adds to the enjoyment of getting a new ride. Getting a new vehicle is a fairly important and most often a practical decision, you want to make sure you are getting the best deal for you. The pricing between the Buick Encore and the Hyundai Kona isn’t drastically different, but knowing what the starting MSRPs are and how many trim-levels are available can help drivers choose which make and model is the best fit for them.
At first glance, the Buick Encore may seem like the more expensive choice. After all, it has a starting MSRP of $23,300 while the Hyundai’s starting MSRP is only $19,240. That being said, depending on the features the driver wants and which trim-level is chosen, the Buick Encore may end up being the more budget-friendly choice for some. After all, the Buick SUV only comes in four trim-levels and its most expensive starting MSRP is $29,300. However, the Hyundai SUV is available in five trim-levels and its most expensive starting MSRP is $30,550. Regardless of which option is chosen, potential buyers of either vehicle can be confident that their vehicle will deliver a budget-friendly experience at the gas pump. On average, the Buick gets about 26/31 mpg while Hyundai achieves around 28/32 mpg.
Performance and Capabilities
The new Buick Encore and Hyundai Kona have very similar engines. This means that drivers won’t notice a huge difference between them where engine performance is concerned. The Hyundai does offer different driving modes, though (normal and sport), which enables the driver to further customize their experience behind the wheel. Drivers of the Buick Encore may not be able to enjoy driving modes, but the Buick is able to tow around 1,000 pounds while the Hyundai is not equipped or designed to tow at all. These vehicles may offer different capabilities in these areas, but when it comes to cargo space they’re practically identical. The Buick offers about 48 cubic feet while the Hyundai features around 45.8 cubic feet. With such similar space options, owners of either of these vehicles have the ability to easily transport cargo.
Determine Which One is More Road Trip Friendly
When it comes to comfort and style, each of these SUVs have some eye-catching features. However, the level of comfort that a vehicle can offer for everyday errands versus long road trips may not be the same. Seeing how the SUVs compare with each other for both everyday driving versus longer ventures can help with purchase decisions since these SUVs are both supposed to be family-friendly.
As far as seating capacity goes, there’s no standoff between the Buick Encore and the Hyundai Kona since each can fit up to five people. However, the Buick offers a little bit more interior room so it’s slightly easier for passengers to stretch out on longer trips. However, what often makes the difference between a successful day trip versus a successful road trip, especially for families, are the technological features that a vehicle provides. The Buick comes with some unique features that make any trip feel more luxurious. Its quiet tuning technology helps minimize and absorb outside noises, while in its in-vehicle air ionizer helps keep the air inside the SUV clean and fresh. The new Hyundai may not have some of this cutting edge technology, but like the Buick, it can come with leather and heated seats are another feature that can be incorporated.
There aren’t drastic differences between the Buick Encore and the Hyundai Kona when it comes to entertainment options, though. Each of these new SUVs are equipped with Bluetooth technology and a touch-screen display audio system. Both of these SUVs are also set up to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so the majority of smartphone devices can also seamless connect to the audio system. Between these options, and the ability to charge on-the-go with multiple USB ports situated throughout each vehicle, both the 2019 Buick Encore and the 2019 Hyundai Kona provide the means for drivers and passengers alike to enjoy trips of any length.
These SUVs are so similar that drivers may be hard-pressed to determine which one is best for them. If luxury and style coupled with the ability to move heavy items on a regular basis is important, then the 2019 Buick Encore is the clear winner. However, if drivers are interested in obtaining a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on fuel-efficiency and is praised for its safety ratings, then the new Hyundai Kona is the stand-out option.
