Encore GX vs Soul
The Encore GX and the Soul sit in the same subcompact suv class, but Buick and Kia don’t always agree on what matters most. If you only read one line, make it this: the Soul takes 1 of 3 compared areas, and the space & practicality gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Soul wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Space & Practicality6.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Soul has 24% more maximum cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Soul brings 62.1 cu ft to the table; the Encore GX brings 50.2 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Encore GX has 30 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Encore GX wins comfortably with 162 lb-ft against 132 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Soul has 10 hp more power
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Soul: 147 hp against 137 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Encore GX has available all-wheel drive
If you’ve come to rely on available all-wheel drive, note that the Soul leaves it out. The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Soul doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
The Encore GX is the larger car of the two, while the Soul is the more compact choice.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 102.4 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Neither sweeps engine & performance. You get 30 lb-ft more torque with the Encore GX, and 10 hp more power with the Soul. On engine & performance, each car makes a fair case, so let your priorities decide.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Soul: 132 lb-ft The Encore GX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Soul: 147 hp The Soul’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Soul leads
In the space & practicality category, the Soul isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Soul delivers 24% more maximum cargo space. The Soul can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. The space & practicality verdict goes to the Soul.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft Soul: 62.1 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
The Encore GX squeezes out a win in the off-road & towing section. The Encore GX wins here with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Encore GX has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Soul: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 147 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 24.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 62.1 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 165.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 63 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 102.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Soul |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
Choose the Soul if…
- you move bulky items now and then (62.1 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more power (147 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want the more compact car
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Soul?
The Soul wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 30 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the Encore GX or the Soul?
Size goes the other way: the Encore GX is larger (171.4 in), and the Soul is the smaller option (165.2 × 70.9 × 63 in).
Executive Summary
Buick makes the Encore GX, Kia makes the Soul, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. I think the Soul makes its strongest case with 24% more maximum cargo space. It also helps that the Soul has 10 hp more power. On the other side, the Encore GX brings 30 lb-ft more torque, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
I’d steer off-road & towing fans toward the Encore GX and space & practicality fans toward the Soul.
My pick: the Soul for most people, with the Encore GX as the smarter choice if what you want most is 30 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.