2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

$25,940 · Crossover

$21,830 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 contenders, the Buick Encore GX and the Nissan Kicks, offer distinct flavor in the compact crossover segment. The Encore GX boasts a slightly more substantial presence and better low-end grunt with 162 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those seeking refined torque delivery, despite its $25,940 MSRP being $4,110 higher than the Kicks. The Kicks punches above its weight class, offering superior efficiency with a 35 MPG highway rating compared to the Buick's 31 MPG highway, making its $21,830 entry price exceptionally compelling. While the Buick provides 137 hp, the Kicks squeezes out 141 hp, leading in raw power output, though both rely on FWD and CVTs. For sheer utility, the Kicks dominates the cargo war, offering a cavernous 30 cu ft versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. The choice boils down to prioritizing budget efficiency and utility (Kicks) or a slight step up in torque and refinement (Encore GX).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks is the better commuter due to its significantly better highway fuel economy of 35 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

Families will strongly favor the Nissan Kicks for its superior cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Buick Encore GX's torque advantage, delivering 162 lb-ft versus the Kicks' 140 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks delivers higher efficiency and far more cargo space for $4,110 less than the Buick Encore GX.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You desire slightly better torque management from the 162 lb-ft output for easier city driving.
You prefer the Buick's slightly wider and more planted stance (71.4 inches wide).
You are seeking the entry-level luxury feel often associated with the Buick brand, even at the base level.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, with the Kicks hitting 35 MPG on the highway.
You need maximum practical utility, thanks to the Kicks' leading 30 cubic feet of cargo space.
Keeping the purchase price low is a priority, as the Kicks starts at an attractive $21,830.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Nissan Kicks
Length	171.2"	171.9"
Width	71.4"	70.9"
Height	64.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	102.0"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	140 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	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	52.4 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	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Nissan Kicks.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway travel?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks takes the efficiency crown, boasting an impressive 35 MPG highway rating, easily beating the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 31 MPG highway.

How significant is the price difference between these two models?

There is a substantial $4,110 difference in the starting MSRPs, with the Nissan Kicks starting at $21,830 while the Buick Encore GX begins at $25,940.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?

The Nissan Kicks is the clear winner in utility, providing 30 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.

Does the extra cost of the Buick provide better performance metrics?

The Encore GX has higher torque (162 lb-ft vs. 140 lb-ft), but the Kicks technically has slightly higher peak horsepower at 141 hp versus 137 hp; however, both use FWD and CVTs.

Are there differences in available fuel types for these crossovers?

Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), while the 2025 Nissan Kicks is restricted to regular unleaded gasoline.

How do the overall dimensions compare?

The two crossovers are very similar in size, though the Kicks is slightly longer at 171.9 inches compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, and both are quite narrow, around 71 inches wide.