2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos often boils down to prioritizing refinement versus raw capability in this small crossover segment. Buyers are frequently torn between the Buick's premium badge appeal and the VW's slightly more energetic performance metrics. The Taos starts cheaper at $25,495 compared to the Encore GX's $25,940 MSRP and offers a noticeable power advantage with 174 hp versus the Buick's 137 hp. While the Taos edges out the competition in fuel economy, delivering 31 MPG combined (28 city/36 highway), the Encore GX manages a respectable 30 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Taos provides superior utility, boasting 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet, making it the more practical choice for hauling gear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy rating of 36 MPG compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Families will benefit more from the Volkswagen Taos, as it offers a larger 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts will prefer the Taos because it delivers significantly more power with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos provides better performance and utility metrics while holding a lower starting MSRP of $25,495.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prefer a vehicle with a slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
- You prefer the slightly shorter overall length of 171.2 inches for easier city parking.
- You are interested in running on E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel capability.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You need maximum storage, thanks to the 27.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want the stronger engine output, with 174 horsepower available.
- You prioritize highway driving economy, achieving up to 36 MPG on the highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 175.9" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.5" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 53.9 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 | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
Which crossover handles highway passing better, the Encore GX or the Taos?
The Volkswagen Taos is the clear winner for power, putting out 174 hp compared to the Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. This 37 hp difference means the Taos, with 184 lb-ft of torque, will feel noticeably peppier when merging or passing.
Is the fuel economy significantly different between the two models?
The difference is marginal but favors the Taos overall, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined. However, the Taos’s highway rating is notably better at 36 MPG versus the Buick's 31 MPG.
Which vehicle offers more practical space for families?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is superior for hauling gear, offering 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This is nearly 4.4 cubic feet more than the 23.5 cubic feet available in the 2025 Buick Encore GX.
What is the major powertrain difference between the two crossovers?
The Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and is flex-fuel capable, whereas the Taos uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and runs on regular unleaded fuel.
If I am highly budget-conscious, which one should I look at first?
The Volkswagen Taos is the more affordable entry point, starting at an MSRP of $25,495. The Buick Encore GX begins slightly higher at $25,940, so the VW saves you nearly $500 initially.
Are there any dimensions where the Encore GX is smaller or more advantageous?
Yes, the Buick Encore GX is slightly smaller in overall footprint; it is about 4.7 inches shorter in length (171.2 inches vs 175.9 inches) than the Taos, which might make parking easier for some drivers.
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