2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

$25,940 · Crossover

$23,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX bursts onto the scene emphasizing refinement, while the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer focuses on maximizing usable space right from its slightly lower $23,000 MSRP. Both compact crossovers present a compelling, near-identical powertrain package, each churning out 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, achieving a respectable 30 combined MPG. However, the Trailblazer pulls ahead slightly in practicality, offering 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. The Trailblazer also nudges out its sibling in length by exactly 3 inches (174.1 inches vs. 171.2 inches), hinting at a potentially roomier feel inside, though both are dimensionally very close in width (71.4 in vs 71.2 in). For drivers prioritizing a slightly more upscale badge and compact maneuverability, the Buick is appealing; for the budget-conscious seeking maximum utility, the Chevy makes a strong case with its accessible starting price and slightly larger trunk.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX might offer a marginally more premium feel to ease the daily grind despite identical MPG ratings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2026 Trailblazer wins for families due to its superior 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

While both lack high performance with only 137 hp, the Encore GX carries the slightly more aspirational badge for driving image.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is the clear value leader, offering nearly identical performance specs for a starting MSRP that undercuts the Encore GX by $2,940.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You want the slightly more premium exterior styling associated with the Buick brand.
You prefer the more compact overall length of 171.2 inches for easier city parking.
You appreciate the marginally wider stance at 71.4 inches for a potentially broader footprint.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

You need maximum utility, as the Trailblazer provides 25.3 cu ft of cargo space.
Sticking closely to a budget is critical, given its significantly lower $23,000 starting MSRP.
You value the slightly extended length of 174.1 inches for presumed passenger comfort.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Chevrolet Trailblazer
Length	171.2"	174.1"
Width	71.4"	71.2"
Height	64.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	102.0"	104.0"

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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	12	12
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)	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 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	✓	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

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.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	52.3 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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	53.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	50.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

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	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Trailblazer.

Do the 2025 Encore GX and 2026 Trailblazer have different performance capabilities?

No, both vehicles are effectively clones in terms of power output, both generating 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. They also share the same continuously variable transmission and front-wheel-drive layout.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for my commute?

Neither vehicle offers a measurable advantage in fuel consumption, as both the Encore GX and the Trailblazer are rated identically at 30 combined MPG, achieving 30 city and 31 highway miles per gallon.

Is there a significant difference in interior space between these two crossovers?

The primary measurable difference is cargo volume; the Trailblazer offers 25.3 cubic feet, slightly beating the Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet, suggesting a minor advantage for family hauling in the Chevy.

How much more expensive is the Buick Encore GX compared to the Chevy Trailblazer?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX starts at an MSRP of $25,940, making it $2,940 more expensive than the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which begins at $23,000.

Can either vehicle use E85 fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer are rated as flex-fuel vehicles, meaning they can operate using unleaded gasoline or E85.

Are the physical dimensions drastically different between the two models?

They are extremely close, with the Trailblazer being 3 inches longer (174.1 in vs 171.2 in) and marginally taller (64.2 in vs 64.1 in), but their widths are nearly identical.