2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$25,940 · Crossover

$28,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most substantial numerical variance between the 2025 Buick Encore GX (Car 1) and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox (Car 2) lies in power output, with the Equinox delivering 175 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp, a difference of 38 hp. This increased output in Car 2 is balanced against lower fuel economy; the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Equinox’s 27 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Equinox is significantly larger, boasting a 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity, surpassing the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft, while also being 12 inches longer overall. Conversely, the Buick undercuts the Chevrolet on price, starting at an MSRP of $25,940 compared to $28,600. Torque metrics also favor the larger vehicle, with the Equinox generating 184 lb-ft to the Buick's 162 lb-ft, illustrating a clear performance-to-efficiency tradeoff.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers substantially more utility with a 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity, exceeding the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox provides enthusiast appeal with 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX provides better entry-level value with a starting MSRP of $25,940, saving $2,660 over the Chevrolet Equinox.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Prioritizing running costs by maximizing fuel efficiency (30 MPG combined).
Seeking the lowest acquisition cost with an MSRP of $25,940.
Preferring a more compact footprint at 171.2 inches in length for urban parking.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

Requiring maximum space, as indicated by 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Needing higher performance metrics (175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque).
Preferring regular unleaded fuel over the Encore GX's flex-fuel capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Chevrolet Equinox
Length	171.2"	183.2"
Width	71.4"	74.9"
Height	64.1"	65.6"
Wheelbase	102.0"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
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	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
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	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	11.3 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	Chevrolet
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	54.2 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: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.

How much larger is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox than the 2025 Buick Encore GX?

The Equinox is physically larger across all dimensions, notably in length where it measures 183.2 inches compared to the Encore GX’s 171.2 inches. This 12-inch difference contributes directly to the Equinox's greater 29.8 cu ft cargo volume versus the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.

Which vehicle is more economical for fuel?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers better efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined (30 City/31 Highway). The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is rated lower at 27 MPG combined (26 City/28 Highway).

What is the primary performance gap between the two crossovers?

The key performance differentiator is the 38 horsepower gap favoring the Equinox, which produces 175 hp, compared to the Encore GX’s 137 hp. Torque also favors the Chevy at 184 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft.

Can I use E85 fuel in either of these vehicles?

Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on unleaded gasoline or E85. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox specifies regular unleaded fuel only.

How do the starting MSRPs compare?

The Buick Encore GX has a lower entry price point at $25,940. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is priced higher, starting at $28,600, reflecting its larger size and increased power output.

Are the transmissions different between the two models?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.