DecodedCarsBuick Encore vs Kia Seltos
2026 Buick Encore vs 2026 Kia Seltos — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Buick Encore is more fuel-efficient: 30 vs 29 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $50 a year less in fuel for the Buick Encore (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia Seltos has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 17).
The two cars
The 2026 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.2L 3-cyl turbo and 1.3L 3-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 171 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,256 lb (Gx 4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2023 Encore and the 2023 Seltos have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Encore and the 2021 Seltos.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Buick Encore if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Kia Seltos on any measure we track.
Choose the Kia Seltos if…
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 17 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Buick Encore
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Kia Seltos
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Buick Encore specs →Full 2026 Kia Seltos specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →