2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander lies in their physical footprint, with the Outlander measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. Power figures also show a substantial gap, as the Outlander delivers 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Despite its larger dimensions, the Outlander has less utility, offering only 10.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Buick’s more practical 23.5 cu ft. Priced at $25,940, the Encore GX undercuts the Outlander’s $29,995 MSRP by $4,055. Both vehicles utilize FWD and CVTs, but the Encore GX achieves a slightly better combined fuel economy rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG and a lower entry price point of $25,940.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides more usable space with 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is objectively more powerful, producing 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX delivers comparable efficiency and significantly better cargo capacity for a $4,055 lower initial MSRP.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing upfront expenditure, as the MSRP is $25,940.
- You need maximum cargo flexibility in a compact footprint, leveraging 23.5 cu ft of storage.
- You prioritize efficiency slightly over raw power, aiming for 30 combined MPG.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require superior engine output, specifically 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a physically larger vehicle, evidenced by its 185.8-inch length and 68.7-inch height.
- The use of regular unleaded fuel is preferred over the Encore GX's flex-fuel capability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.4" | 74.7" |
| Height | 64.1" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 106.5" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
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. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How does the performance gap between the 2025 Encore GX and the 2026 Outlander affect daily driving?
The Outlander offers a substantial 40 hp advantage (177 hp vs. 137 hp), resulting in quicker acceleration and better highway passing capability. The Encore GX is tuned more conservatively for economy, which is reflected in its lower 162 lb-ft torque rating compared to the Outlander's 207 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better utility, despite the difference in stated cargo capacity?
Quantitatively, the Buick Encore GX is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 23.5 cubic feet versus the Outlander’s 10.9 cubic feet. This suggests the Outlander prioritizes passenger volume or perhaps utilizes an optional third row not detailed in the core specifications provided.
What is the financial impact of choosing the larger 2026 Outlander over the Encore GX?
Choosing the Outlander requires an upfront investment that is $4,055 higher, starting at $29,995 compared to the Encore GX’s $25,940 MSRP. While both share the same FWD/CVT configuration, the price difference is significant for budget-conscious buyers.
Are there notable differences in fuel requirements for these two crossovers?
Yes, the Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel usage (unleaded/E85), providing driver flexibility. The Mitsubishi Outlander specifies use of regular unleaded fuel only.
Which vehicle offers a more substantial road presence based on exterior dimensions?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is larger in every dimension, being 14.6 inches longer (185.8 in vs 171.2 in) and significantly taller at 68.7 inches. This larger size contributes to its higher curb weight, which correlates with its increased power output.
Since both use a CVT, how do the MPG ratings compare?
The smaller Encore GX achieves 30 combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway), slightly edging out the larger Outlander. While the Outlander’s fuel type is regular unleaded, the specific MPG figures were not provided for a direct comparison, though the Encore GX has demonstrated better efficiency in this metric.
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