2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers approachable luxury in a compact form, distinguished by its standard 137 hp and impressive 30 MPG combined efficiency, even when running on E85 flex-fuel. In stark contrast, the 2026 Ford Maverick packs a punch with 191 hp, making it the performance choice, while delivering phenomenal fuel economy at 38 MPG combined. The Maverick’s substantial 199.8-inch length provides superior space compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, although the Buick maintains a lower entry price point at $25,940 versus the Maverick’s $28,145. Drivers seeking efficiency will note the Maverick's 42 MPG highway rating, outpacing the Buick’s 31 MPG highway, bridging the significant 54 hp gap favoring the trucklet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick’s superior 38 MPG combined fuel economy offers better daily running costs for the average commuter.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick offers greater physical presence with a length of 199.8 inches and increased height (68.8 inches) suitable for hauling passengers and gear.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick delivers a significantly higher 191 hp output, vastly outperforming the 137 hp offered by the 2025 Buick Encore GX.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX presents a compelling entry point with an MSRP of $25,940, undercutting the Ford by over two thousand dollars.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $25,940.
- You prefer the maneuverability of a smaller 171.2-inch length and tight turning radius.
- You plan to utilize E85 fuel or want the option to run on flex-fuel.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You demand spirited acceleration derived from the 191 hp engine.
- Maximum efficiency is crucial, highlighted by the 42 MPG highway rating.
- You need the extra utility and cargo space afforded by its larger 68.8-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 199.8" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 64.1" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 155 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 13.2 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 55.4 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Ford Maverick.
How significant is the performance difference between the two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Ford Maverick offers 191 hp, which is 54 hp more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. This makes the Maverick significantly quicker in acceleration and passing situations.
Which vehicle saves more money at the pump annually?
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the clear winner here, boasting a combined 38 MPG compared to the Buick's 30 MPG combined. The Maverick’s 42 MPG highway rating outpaces the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway by a noticeable margin.
Does the Buick Encore GX support alternative fuels?
Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is specified as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can operate on either unleaded gasoline or E85, offering flexibility that the regular unleaded-only Maverick lacks.
How does the overall size affect interior space?
The Maverick is physically larger, measuring 199.8 inches long versus the Encore GX’s 171.2 inches, which typically translates to greater overall passenger and cargo volume, despite the Buick having 23.5 cu ft of cargo space behind the first row.
If budget is the primary concern, which vehicle should I select?
For immediate savings, the 2025 Buick Encore GX wins with an MSRP starting at $25,940, directly undercutting the 2026 Ford Maverick's $28,145 starting price.
Are either of these vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, neither the 2025 Buick Encore GX nor the 2026 Ford Maverick are listed with All-Wheel Drive, as both default to a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration.
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