2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. All trims except the LX included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a visually appealing small SUV, though the headlights were not particularly favoured. Inside, it showcased style with exposed stitching and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from its overall quality. The controls were logically arranged, with intuitive knobs and buttons, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's historical design excellence. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to convey the desired SUV look. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were barely noticeable. Inside, the top-trim Essence model featured leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the plastic interior elements reminded occupants of its position at the bottom of Buick's hierarchy. While fit and finish were commendable, the design lacked interest, with a dashboard reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster, however, was a highlight, with its well-framed digital display.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. Despite these issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments and easy to park, though highway driving revealed wind noise and road roar.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivered stronger acceleration than expected, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving approach. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll. The Encore GX's driving experience was less engaging, but it provided a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver’s seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. The Seltos provided ample storage space, including a smartphone shelf, and offered 752 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Seltos provided more rear legroom. The Encore GX had 665 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, the Encore GX offered practical small-item storage solutions, including large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose sound system in the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, though a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for primary functions, but lacked a native voice recognition system, relying on smartphone assistants for better results.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.