2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport often comes down to balancing running costs against a slight performance edge. The main dilemma is prioritizing fuel economy versus drivetrain capability. The Encore GX pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, boasting 30 MPG combined, easily beating the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Buick starts slightly higher at an MSRP of $25,940 compared to the Mitsubishi's $24,445. However, the Outlander Sport offers 148 hp, exceeding the Encore GX's 137 hp, even though the Buick has more torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft. The Encore GX is also marginally smaller in length at 171.2 inches, while offering slightly more utility with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. This comparison pits efficiency and torque against AWD potential and immediate power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX's superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy makes it the more economical choice for daily driving.
2025 Buick Encore GX
With 23.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Encore GX offers slightly better hauling capacity than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport provides a 148 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing more to spirited drivers.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins on upfront cost, starting at $24,445 while still offering AWD capability.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops, thanks to its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer higher torque for easier city merging, featuring 162 lb-ft.
- You need the maximum accessible utility with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You regularly drive in inclement weather and require the security of All-Wheel Drive.
- You want the vehicle with the highest horsepower rating at 148 hp.
- You are looking for the lowest entry price point at $24,445.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.3" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 52.1 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: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial for long-term ownership; the 2025 Buick Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined, whereas the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is rated at 26 MPG combined, giving the Buick a 4 MPG advantage.
Does the Outlander Sport offer an advantage in handling or bad weather driving?
Yes, the Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, a significant advantage over the Encore GX's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.
Which car is more powerful based on the engine specifications?
The Outlander Sport technically has a higher peak horsepower rating at 148 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp, although the Buick counters with more torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft.
What is the starting price gap between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $24,445, while the 2025 Buick Encore GX begins at $25,940, creating a difference of $1,495.
Are these crossovers similar in overall size and shape?
They are very close in footprint; the Outlander Sport is slightly longer at 171.9 inches versus 171.2 inches, but the Encore GX is slightly taller at 64.1 inches versus 64.8 inches, though the Buick is slightly wider.
What type of fuel should I expect to use in each vehicle?
The Buick Encore GX is a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on either unleaded or E85 fuel, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport requires regular unleaded gasoline.
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