2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Ford Escape

$25,940 · Crossover

$29,515 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the nimble 2025 Buick Encore GX and the slightly larger 2025 Ford Escape often comes down to budget versus power. The Encore GX leads with a tempting MSRP of $25,940, undercutting the Escape by a notable $3,575. However, the Escape packs a punch with 180 hp compared to the Buick's 137 hp, providing a clear performance edge. In terms of efficiency, both hit a 30 MPG combined rating, though the Escape manages slightly better highway numbers at 34 MPG versus the Buick's 31 MPG. The main divergence appears in size; the Escape is nearly 9 inches longer and boasts a superior 37.5 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft. For buyers prioritizing low upfront cost and sufficient city driving capability, the Encore GX shines, while those needing more towing and highway grunt might justify the Escape's higher entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX is significantly less expensive upfront at $25,940 and offers the same 30 MPG combined rating, making it the smarter daily driver purchase.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Escape

The 2025 Ford Escape offers substantially more utility with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Escape

The Escape clearly wins on performance metrics, delivering 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque against the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

Given the $3,575 lower MSRP, the Encore GX offers a better entry price point for a new crossover.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You are strictly focused on minimizing the initial purchase price, as the Encore GX starts at $25,940.
You prefer a slightly more compact exterior, with the Encore GX measuring 171.2 inches long.
You plan to use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel, unlike the Escape.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You want significantly more passing power, benefiting from the Escape's 180 hp engine.
You prioritize highway cruising efficiency, where the Escape achieves 34 MPG versus the Buick's 31 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Ford Escape
Length	171.2"	180.1"
Width	71.4"	74.1"
Height	64.1"	66.0"
Wheelbase	102.0"	106.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Ford
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Buick	Ford
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Ford
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	399.6/503.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Ford
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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Steering Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Ford
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	8.0 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	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Ford
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Ford
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	55.2 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	4-way
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Ford
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Ford
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 Ford Escape.

Is the extra cost of the Ford Escape worth the boost in horsepower?

The Escape costs $3,575 more, but it offers 43 more horsepower (180 hp vs 137 hp) and more torque (199 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft). If you often drive loaded or on hilly terrain, that power difference is noticeable.

How much more usable space does the Ford Escape offer over the Buick Encore GX?

The Escape provides 14 cubic feet more cargo capacity, offering 37.5 cu ft compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. This is a substantial difference for family gear or large grocery runs.

Do both vehicles offer the same combined fuel economy?

Yes, both the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2025 Ford Escape achieve a 30 MPG combined rating. The Escape gains a slight edge in highway driving, rating at 34 MPG.

Which vehicle is better for city driving regarding size?

The Buick Encore GX is physically smaller; it's about 9 inches shorter in length (171.2 inches) and slightly narrower and shorter than the Escape, which can make parking easier.

Does the transmission type affect driving experience significantly?

The Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Escape uses a traditional 8-speed automatic. Enthusiasts often prefer the more defined shifts of the Escape's 8-speed unit.