2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax

$25,940 · Crossover

$21,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the initial MSRP, with the Trax starting at $21,600, undercutting the Buick by $4,340. Performance metrics are identical, as both crossovers produce 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, achieving a shared 30 combined MPG rating. The Trax offers superior utility, boasting 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet, though the Trax is notably shorter in height at 61.4 inches versus the Buick's 64.1 inches. Conversely, the Encore GX is slightly longer at 171.2 inches versus the Trax's 178.6 inches, which seems contradictory but reflects overall dimensional balance. The Buick uses a continuously variable automatic transmission while the Chevy utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, a key mechanical difference affecting driver feel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $21,600, offering better short-term cost efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The 2026 Trax provides 2.1 cubic feet more cargo space (25.6 cu ft vs. 23.5 cu ft), which benefits family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

Although power output is identical (137 hp), the Buick Encore GX's use of a CVT might appeal slightly more to drivers prioritizing smoothness over responsiveness compared to the Trax's 6-speed automatic.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax offers superior cargo volume and fuel economy in highway driving (32 MPG vs 31 MPG) while costing $4,340 less.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prefer the slightly taller stature (64.1 inches) of the Buick Encore GX for perceived road presence.
You require flex-fuel capability, as the Encore GX can run on E85.
You prefer the expected smoother acceleration characteristics associated with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

Budget is paramount, given the Trax's $21,600 base MSRP compared to $25,940 for the Buick.
Maximizing storage is key, as the Trax offers 25.6 cu ft of cargo room.
You prioritize better highway efficiency, as the Trax achieves 32 MPG highway versus the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Chevrolet Trax
Length	171.2"	178.6"
Width	71.4"	71.8"
Height	64.1"	61.4"
Wheelbase	102.0"	106.0"

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	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	flex-fuel (FFV)
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	6-speed shiftable 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	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	369.6/422.4 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	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	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.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.7 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	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	45.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
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 Trax.

What is the primary difference in fuel economy between the two crossovers?

Both vehicles share an identical 30 combined MPG rating. However, the Chevrolet Trax edges out the Buick slightly on the highway, achieving 32 MPG compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway rating.

How does the drivetrain and transmission choice affect the driving experience?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically provides seamless acceleration. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more distinct gear shifts for a potentially more engaging feel.

Are the horsepower and torque ratings identical across both models?

Yes, the specifications confirm both vehicles utilize the same powertrain setup, both producing exactly 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers more passenger/cargo volume?

The Chevrolet Trax offers greater stated utility with 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.

What is the financial advantage of choosing the Trax over the Encore GX?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax has a substantial starting price advantage, costing $21,600 compared to the 2025 Buick Encore GX's $25,940 MSRP, resulting in a $4,340 cost savings.