2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the sleek 2025 Buick Encore GX and the slightly larger 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross often comes down to prioritizing efficiency over outright power and grip. Buyers grappling with rising fuel costs will notice the Encore GX offers a significant 30 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined, a full 4 MPG advantage. While the Buick starts cheaper at $25,940 compared to Mitsubishi's $27,695, the Eclipse Cross counters with a more robust 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, notably higher than the Encore GX's 137 hp. Interestingly, cargo space is nearly identical, with the Buick offering 23.5 cu ft and the Mitsubishi 23.4 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value the Buick's superior fuel economy and lower entry price or the Eclipse Cross's standard All-Wheel Drive and punchier engine figures for navigating diverse road conditions.
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 fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is slightly better for families as it is taller at 66.5 inches and features standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Enthusiasts will prefer the Eclipse Cross because it delivers significantly more power with 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers better foundational value with a lower starting MSRP of $25,940 and better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your priority is minimizing trips to the gas station, thanks to its 30 MPG combined fuel rating.
- You want the lowest initial cost, with an MSRP starting at $25,940.
- You appreciate the flexibility of using E85 fuel in its flex-fuel engine.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You frequently drive in inclement weather, as the Eclipse Cross includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need a bit more pulling power, evidenced by its 152 horsepower output.
- You prefer a slightly larger vehicle footprint, being 179.0 inches long compared to the Buick's 171.2 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 179.0" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.1" |
| Height | 64.1" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 53.0 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much better is the fuel economy on the 2025 Buick Encore GX compared to the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
The Buick Encore GX holds a noticeable edge, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined rating. This results in a 4 MPG advantage for the Buick on the open road.
Which crossover has more horsepower for merging onto highways?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the more spirited choice, offering 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Buick Encore GX is less powerful, rated at 137 hp and 162 lb-ft.
Does the difference in MSRP make one a better budget buy?
Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX has a lower starting price of $25,940 compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at $27,695. This makes the Buick less expensive upfront.
Is one of these vehicles better suited for snowy climates?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is generally better equipped due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Buick Encore GX comes standard only with Front Wheel Drive.
Are the cargo areas significantly different between these two crossovers?
Not really; the difference in storage capacity is negligible for everyday use. The Buick offers 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, narrowly beating the Mitsubishi's 23.4 cubic feet.
What is the main fuel type difference between the two models?
The Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on unleaded gasoline or E85, while the Eclipse Cross strictly requires regular unleaded gasoline.
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