2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Encore GX excites with its efficiency and compact maneuverability, starting at an accessible $25,940 MSRP and achieving a commendable 30 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz leaps ahead with raw capability, boasting 191 horsepower, a substantial 54 hp advantage over the Buick. This power difference, combined with its larger footprint (195.7 inches long versus the Encore GX's 171.2 inches), defines the Santa Cruz as the more robust option. However, the trade-off is clear: the Santa Cruz returns only 25 MPG combined, lagging behind the Encore GX by 5 MPG. While the Santa Cruz demands a $3,560 premium, its performance figures suggest a vehicle built for capability, whereas the Buick prioritizes economical urban travel with its lighter curb weight and focus on fuel savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting price of $25,940.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better suited for families needing more space, offering greater overall dimensions and significantly more horsepower (191 hp vs 137 hp).
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Santa Cruz's exhilarating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque output compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX delivers better baseline value by costing $3,560 less and offering 5 more miles per gallon combined.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize long-term fuel savings, benefiting from 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
- Your budget is firm, as the $25,940 MSRP undercuts the Santa Cruz by $3,560.
- You prefer navigating tight city streets, evidenced by its smaller 171.2-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require significantly more power, leveraging the 191 horsepower engine.
- You need a larger overall vehicle structure, as the Santa Cruz is 195.7 inches long.
- You plan to utilize the slightly more robust torque rating of 181 lb-ft for hauling or towing duties.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.4" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.5 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Encore GX and the 2026 Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is significantly more powerful, delivering 191 horsepower, which is 54 hp more than the Buick Encore GX’s 137 hp. This power jump means the Santa Cruz is built for quicker acceleration and capability.
How much more will it cost to run the Santa Cruz compared to the Encore GX annually?
The Buick Encore GX is substantially more efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. This 5 MPG difference will result in noticeable savings on fuel over the course of a year, especially with the Encore GX's flex-fuel capability.
Is the higher price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz ($29,500) justified by its feature set?
The $3,560 price increase for the Santa Cruz is justified by its greater horsepower and torque outputs, aligning it toward performance, whereas the Encore GX appeals strictly on its lower entry price and efficiency.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and how does this impact usability?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide. This increased size translates to potentially greater interior and cargo volume compared to the more compact 171.2-inch Buick Encore GX.
Do the transmissions in these two crossovers operate similarly?
No, they are different; the Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) optimized for efficiency, while the Santa Cruz employs a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, usually preferred by drivers seeking more engaging shifts.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these new models?
Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX lists flex-fuel compatibility, meaning it can utilize E85 gasoline. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz requires regular unleaded gasoline.
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