2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference is the 4 MPG advantage held by the 2025 Buick Encore GX (30 combined MPG) over the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (26 combined MPG). While the Encore GX posts superior efficiency, the Outlander Sport counters with 148 horsepower compared to the Buick's 137 hp, and it offers a standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system absent in the FWD-only Encore GX. Priced lower at $24,995 versus the Buick's $25,940 MSRP, the Outlander Sport presents a lower entry point, albeit with 145 lb-ft of torque against the Buick's 162 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Encore GX provides slightly more interior volume with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. The two crossovers are almost identical in footprint, with the Mitsubishi measuring 171.9 inches in length to the Buick's 171.2 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the better choice for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers greater utility with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 148 horsepower output and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins on initial outlay, priced $945 lower at $24,995 while offering AWD.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Fuel efficiency is the absolute top priority, evidenced by its 30 MPG combined rating.
- A higher torque figure of 162 lb-ft is preferred for driving responsiveness over peak horsepower.
- You require slightly more usable storage space, offering 23.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary, as the Outlander Sport includes it at its base price.
- A lower starting MSRP of $24,995 is essential for budget constraints.
- You prioritize higher peak engine output with 148 horsepower, despite lower efficiency.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.3" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 363.4/458.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 52.1 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. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
Which vehicle offers better all-weather performance between the 2025 Encore GX and 2026 Outlander Sport?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is superior for all-weather driving because it features standard All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Buick Encore GX is limited to Front Wheel Drive only based on the provided specifications.
How significant is the difference in horsepower and torque figures?
The Outlander Sport has 148 horsepower versus the Encore GX's 137 horsepower, giving it a 11 hp advantage. Conversely, the Encore GX leads significantly in torque, producing 162 lb-ft compared to the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft.
Is the extra cost of the Buick Encore GX justified by its fuel economy?
The Encore GX costs $945 more but saves fuel, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference will affect long-term running costs.
Which crossover is dimensionally larger, the Buick or the Mitsubishi?
The vehicles are nearly identical in size; the Outlander Sport is 0.7 inches longer (171.9 inches) and slightly taller (64.8 inches). The Encore GX is marginally wider at 71.4 inches.
Do both models use the same type of automatic transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
How do the fuel requirements differ between these two models?
The Buick Encore GX operates on flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), offering flexibility. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport specifically requires regular unleaded gasoline.
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