2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Instead, it presented a modern but somewhat awkward exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance that failed to capture the high-riding SUV appeal. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added unique bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable unless compared side-by-side with a standard model. Inside, the top-trim Essence model featured leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but the abundance of plastic materials reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a blob-like design reminiscent of the 1990s, though the instrument cluster with its two round binnacles was a standout feature.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona showcased a design that emphasized its electric vehicle (EV) roots. The front grille resembled the Ioniq 5, and the "seamless horizon" styling with a single skinny LED headlight gave it a futuristic look. Despite being nearly six inches longer than its predecessor, the new Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette. The creased "parametric surface" of the doors and substantial black body cladding on lower trims added to its modern appeal. The rear featured a single taillight spanning the vehicle's width, and wheel sizes ranged from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a gear shift moved to the steering column, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our 1.3-liter AWD test car provided decent acceleration, but power delivery was not smooth, and the nine-speed automatic could be slow to respond. 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 in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder for SE and SEL trims and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, while the turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on N-Line and Limited trims. During our test drive, the turbo engine's pickup felt slow, but the Kona's intuitive steering and nimble handling impressed us. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $1,500, though opting for AWD reduced fuel economy estimates slightly.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Subaru provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. The Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Kona and CX-30. The front seats were placed close together, reducing the feeling of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was clear and well-placed, though we wished for a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, providing 38.2 inches of rear-seat legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom with the sunroof. Cargo capacity increased to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded, nearly 20 cubic feet more than the previous model. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Inside, a handy shelf on the passenger side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad enhanced storage. The center console, however, had limited covered storage space. The Kona offered cloth seats on SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim, with heated front seats available starting with the N-Line trim.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was user-friendly, with clear graphics and menu layouts. The 8-inch touchscreen was adequate, though larger screens were becoming more common in competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced several technological upgrades. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was now standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available via an upcoming over-the-air (OTA) update. N-Line and Limited trims featured wireless device charging and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The upgraded stereo system was now provided by Bose. The Kona also included two USB-C ports in the front and two at the back for rear-seat passengers. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a panoramic view in higher trims, and OTA update capability was standard. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included for the life of the vehicle.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was now standard, and adaptive cruise control was included on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed us with its smooth lane-keep assist. The system was user-friendly, with a clear inventory of driver-assistance features accessible via the screen.