2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Dodge Hornet
Comparison Overview
Deciding between efficiency and exhilaration often defines the small crossover hunt. The 2025 Buick Encore GX, starting at a modest $25,940, appeals to budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability with 30 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2025 Dodge Hornet commands a $4,055 premium, checking in at $29,995, but it delivers a massive performance jump with 268 hp compared to the Buick's 137 hp. This power disparity is central to the comparison: the Hornet offers nearly double the torque (295 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft) and standard All-Wheel Drive, making it the choice for spirited driving. However, this comes at the cost of fuel economy, returning only 24 MPG combined. While the Hornet is slightly larger overall at 178.0 inches long and offers marginally more cargo space (27 cu ft vs. 23.5 cu ft), the Encore GX’s smaller footprint might appeal more to tight city parking scenarios.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel rating and lower starting price.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet edges out the win for families because it is longer (178.0 inches) and offers slightly more usable cargo space at 27 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet delivers thrilling performance with 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the 137 hp offered by the Buick.
2025 Buick Encore GX
With a $4,055 lower MSRP and significantly better fuel economy (30 MPG vs. 24 MPG), the Encore GX presents a better overall value proposition for daily driving.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your priority is saving money upfront, given the $25,940 MSRP compared to the Hornet's $29,995.
- You maximize fuel savings, benefiting from the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a more city-friendly vehicle due to its smaller 171.2-inch length.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You demand strong acceleration and handling, thanks to the Hornet's 268 hp engine.
- You need the assurance of All-Wheel Drive capability for varying road conditions.
- You prioritize outright cargo space, as the Hornet offers 27 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 178.0" |
| Width | 71.4" | - |
| Height | 64.1" | 63.8" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 103.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | — |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 295 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | — |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 283.5/391.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Dodge Hornet.
Is the performance difference between the two crossovers truly noticeable in real-world driving?
Absolutely; the difference is substantial. The Dodge Hornet produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the Buick Encore GX offers only 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Hornet will feel significantly quicker off the line and during highway passing maneuvers.
How much more will the Dodge Hornet cost me annually in fuel?
Based on the MPG ratings, the Hornet's 24 MPG combined versus the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined results in noticeably higher running costs, especially if you drive the typical 15,000 miles per year.
Does the higher price of the Dodge Hornet include any drivetrain advantages?
Yes, the $4,055 premium on the Hornet buys you standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Buick Encore GX is exclusively front-wheel drive.
Which vehicle is better suited for carrying passengers comfortably?
While the Hornet is physically longer (178.0 inches vs. 171.2 inches) and has 3.5 cubic feet more cargo room, both are compact crossovers; however, the Hornet’s slightly larger dimensions suggest better overall interior volume.
Are there any fuel flexibility differences between the two models?
The Buick Encore GX can run on flex-fuel, accepting E85, while the Dodge Hornet recommends premium unleaded gasoline, which generally carries a higher price per gallon.
What are the transmission characteristics that separate these two crossovers?
The Buick uses a traditional continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth efficiency, while the Hornet utilizes a more engaging 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, designed to handle its higher power output.
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