2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the compact, efficient 2025 Buick Encore GX and the versatile 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz often comes down to prioritizing fuel economy versus capability. If your commute is long, the Encore GX pulls ahead significantly, offering 30 combined MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG, potentially saving money over the long haul. However, the Santa Cruz offers substantially more pep, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Despite the Santa Cruz being larger—measuring 195.7 inches long versus the Buick's 171.2 inches—it still struggles slightly on mileage. With an MSRP difference of only $2,910, buyers must weigh daily driving thriftiness against the boost in on-road passing power offered by the Hyundai.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better for families because its longer body (195.7 inches) likely translates to more practical interior space, despite its slightly lower cargo rating listed here.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering a significant 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Buick's output.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers better value by providing excellent fuel economy at a lower initial price point of $25,940.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize stretching your fuel budget, given its 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a smaller footprint, as the Encore GX is significantly shorter at 171.2 inches long.
- You want the lowest barrier to entry with an MSRP starting at $25,940.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need more dynamic performance, thanks to its 191 hp engine.
- You need the extra space provided by its larger dimensions (195.7 inches long).
- You prefer the shifting control provided by its 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.4" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.5 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How big is the difference in power between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The difference in power is quite noticeable. The Santa Cruz boasts 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Encore GX is rated at 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This 54 hp advantage means the Santa Cruz will feel much punchier when accelerating or passing on the highway.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz significantly larger than the 2025 Buick Encore GX?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is considerably larger; it measures 195.7 inches in length compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. Both are categorized as crossovers, but the Santa Cruz leans toward the larger side of the segment, reflected in its greater width (75.0 inches vs. 71.4 inches).
Which vehicle is the better choice for reducing trips to the gas station?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the clear winner for minimizing fuel stops, achieving 30 combined MPG. The Santa Cruz trails slightly with a combined rating of 25 MPG, meaning the Buick saves roughly 5 miles for every gallon used.
What is the price difference, and does the more expensive car offer more features?
The 2025 Santa Cruz has a higher MSRP at $28,750 compared to the Encore GX's $25,940, showing a $2,910 gap. While the Santa Cruz offers superior power, the Encore GX focuses on efficiency and lower ownership costs.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
No, the fuel requirements differ significantly. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses regular unleaded fuel for its 191 hp engine. Conversely, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on either unleaded or E85.
How does the transmission type impact driving feel between these two crossovers?
The driving feel will vary because the Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration. The Santa Cruz utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering distinct gear changes that many driving enthusiasts prefer.
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