2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

$25,940 · Crossover

$29,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Buick Encore GX dazzles with its efficiency and lower entry cost, boasting a $25,940 MSRP and delivering 30 combined MPG. It prioritizes nimble city driving with its compact 171.2-inch length and uses an E85 flexible-fuel engine. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson immediately excites with a robust 187 hp, significantly outpacing the Encore GX’s 137 hp, suggesting a more spirited drive. The Tucson, priced at $29,200, compensates for its higher cost with superior utility, offering a massive 38.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Buick’s 23.5 cu ft. While the Buick focuses on stretching every gallon, the Tucson leans into power and passenger space, making the choice contingent on whether utility or frugality is paramount for the driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its higher 30 combined MPG rating, saving money on fuel for daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson offers vastly superior practicality with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, comfortably accommodating family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the enthusiast's choice, offering 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX provides superior monetary value starting at $25,940, which is $3,260 less than the Tucson.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your priority is stretching your budget, given the $25,940 MSRP.
You drive extensively and value efficiency, highlighted by its 30 combined MPG.
You prefer the compact maneuverability of a smaller vehicle, measuring only 171.2 inches long.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as evidenced by the massive 38.7 cu ft cargo area.
You want significantly more power, benefiting from the 187 hp engine.
You prefer the driving precision of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Hyundai Tucson
Length	171.2"	182.7"
Width	71.4"	73.4"
Height	64.1"	-
Wheelbase	102.0"	108.5"

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	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	178 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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.3 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Extended Cabin 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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.6 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	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 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 Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

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 Tucson.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson than the 2025 Buick Encore GX?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson holds a decisive advantage in power, producing 187 hp, which is exactly 50 hp more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX’s 137 hp output.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for highway travel?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX slightly leads in overall efficiency, achieving 31 highway MPG compared to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson’s 33 highway MPG, though the Buick has lower city MPG.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?

Yes, there is a notable $3,260 price disparity, with the 2025 Buick Encore GX starting at $25,940 and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson starting higher at $29,200.

If cargo space is the top priority, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 38.7 cu ft, significantly more than the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft.

Does the fuel type difference matter between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX supports E85 flex-fuel use, offering versatility, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Tucson exclusively runs on regular unleaded gasoline.

How do the transmissions compare in these FWD models?

The Encore GX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) focused on smooth efficiency, while the Tucson employs a more engaging 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.