Baker Buick Coopersville - Which is better for winter driving around Comstock Park, MI — the 2026 Buick Encore GX or the 2026 Kia Seltos?
When winter weather rolls in across West Michigan, shoppers often ask whether the 2026 Buick Encore GX or the 2026 Kia Seltos inspires more confidence in snow and slush. Both crossovers offer available All-Wheel Drive and smart driver-assistance features, yet the way each SUV integrates traction, lighting, and driver information can meaningfully change your day-to-day experience. The Encore GX focuses on calm control—its available AWD works quietly in the background, the Ultrawide 11" diagonal HD color touchscreen pairs with a reconfigurable 8" Driver Information Center to keep key data in view, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams help you see the road ahead without fumbling for switches when conditions deteriorate. The Seltos counters with an available All-Wheel Drive system with Lock Mode that can split power 50/50 for tricky launches, plus available Highway Driving Assist to ease longer highway stretches.
For drivers who value winter visibility and streamlined control surfaces, the Encore GX stands out. With wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™, you can keep your gloves on and your cables at home, and the available hands-free power liftgate makes life easier in icy parking lots. Seltos adds useful tools like an available Smart Power Liftgate and available LED headlights, and its available 1.6L turbocharged engine offers 190 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque for confident passes on dry days. The deciding factor often comes down to how a vehicle feels during the messy 90 percent of winter—pulling out of a sloped driveway, inching through unplowed side streets, or navigating a late-night return after a long shift. The Encore GX’s composed dynamics and lighting intelligence tend to shine in those moments.
- Traction behavior: Both offer AWD; Seltos includes an available Lock Mode, while Encore GX emphasizes smooth, automatic engagement that feels seamless in everyday driving.
- Winter visibility: Encore GX includes IntelliBeam Auto High Beams to simplify nighttime driving; Seltos offers available LED headlights for crisp illumination.
- Cold-weather convenience: Encore GX offers an available hands-free power liftgate; Seltos offers an available Smart Power Liftgate—both helpful when your hands are full.
- Driver information: Encore GX pairs an Ultrawide 11" touchscreen with a reconfigurable 8" Driver Information Center to keep critical info clear in poor conditions.
Thinking about longer trips once roads clear? The Seltos’ available Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go can reduce fatigue during extended highway runs. Around town, the Encore GX’s refined ride and tidy dimensions make it easy to place in plow berms and narrow streets. And while both SUVs include modern smartphone integration, the Encore GX’s interface feels particularly cohesive when you are juggling navigation, weather alerts, and a favorite playlist as a snow storm rolls through.
- Ask about AWD calibration: Understanding how each system engages helps you anticipate behavior on mixed surfaces.
- Pay attention to lighting: Try IntelliBeam Auto High Beams on a test drive and compare with Seltos’ available LED lighting after dark.
- Load the cargo area: Simulate winter runs—groceries, hockey bags, or pet gear—and use the available hands-free liftgate to see which layout is easier with gloves.
- Test cabin controls with gloves: Evaluate screen responsiveness, steering wheel buttons, and stalks when your hands are bundled up.
If winter confidence is your priority, start with the Encore GX’s blend of poised traction, thoughtful lighting, and a driver display that keeps snow-day essentials front and center. The Seltos remains a capable alternative with robust available driver-assist and an optional turbo for those who frequently travel highways. As you compare, focus on how each SUV simplifies the moments when traction is patchy and visibility is compromised—those are the scenarios that define a winter-ready crossover in West Michigan.
Baker Chevrolet Buick Coopersville is ready to help you map these features to your specific routine, from school drop-offs to weekend trips up the lakefront. Our team is serving Comstock Park, Holland, and Muskegon, supporting you with product walkarounds, technology demos, and test drives that highlight how each AWD system, lighting feature, and display layout performs when the forecast turns.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need All-Wheel Drive for winter driving if I already run quality snow tires?
Dedicated winter tires are the single biggest upgrade for snow and ice. AWD complements those tires by helping you launch on slick surfaces and maintain traction as conditions change. The Encore GX’s available AWD engages smoothly, while the Seltos offers an available Lock Mode for extra traction at low speeds.
Which SUV provides better nighttime visibility in snow showers?
The Encore GX includes IntelliBeam Auto High Beams that automatically switch between high and low beams based on traffic, a big help in variable visibility. The Seltos offers available LED headlights that deliver a crisp light signature and strong forward lighting.
How do the infotainment systems help during winter commutes?
Both support wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The Encore GX’s Ultrawide 11" touchscreen and reconfigurable 8" Driver Information Center keep maps, alerts, and vehicle info clear at a glance, reducing distraction when conditions are busy.