2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$25,940 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Nissan Kicks often comes down to balancing budget against premium features. The Kicks immediately grabs attention with its lower starting MSRP of $22,430, saving buyers a notable $3,510 compared to the Encore GX's $25,940. However, the Buick pulls ahead slightly in city driving efficiency, offering 30 MPG combined versus the Kicks' 28 MPG in the city, despite the Kicks boasting superior highway economy at 35 MPG. Power output is similar, with the Kicks producing 141 hp to the Encore GX's 137 hp, though the Buick counters with more muscle at 162 lb-ft of torque compared to Nissan's 140 lb-ft. Practicality favors the Kicks in sheer volume, offering 30 cu ft of cargo space against the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft, making the choice about prioritizing immediate savings and maximum space or opting for Buick's perceived refinement and slight low-speed grunt.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks offers better overall fuel economy (31 combined MPG) and a significantly lower entry price, making daily commuting cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

With 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Nissan Kicks provides substantially more usable space than the Buick Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX provides higher torque output at 162 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end acceleration feel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The $3,510 lower MSRP combined with superior highway MPG makes the Nissan Kicks the better overall financial proposition.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prefer higher torque for city driving (162 lb-ft vs 140 lb-ft).
You appreciate the option to run on E85 fuel since the Encore GX is flex-fuel capable.
You are prioritizing the premium branding associated with the Buick nameplate.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your budget is tight, as the Kicks undercuts the Buick by $3,510.
You frequently drive long distances, benefiting from the Kicks' 35 MPG highway rating.
Maximum hauling capability is essential, given its 30 cu ft cargo area.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Nissan Kicks
Length	171.2"	171.9"
Width	71.4"	70.9"
Height	64.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	102.0"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	140 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	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	12.3 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	52.4 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	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Nissan
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	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

How big is the difference in cargo capacity between these two crossovers?

The difference is quite significant; the 2026 Nissan Kicks offers 30 cu ft of storage space, which is nearly 6.5 cu ft more than the 2025 Buick Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft. This means the Kicks can easily swallow larger grocery trips or luggage for family vacations.

Is the power difference between the 137 hp Buick and the 141 hp Nissan noticeable?

While the Nissan Kicks technically has 4 more horsepower (141 hp), the Buick Encore GX offers much more pulling power at the low end with 162 lb-ft of torque compared to Nissan's 140 lb-ft. This torque difference might make the Buick feel slightly peppier around town initially.

Which car is better for long highway road trips based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for pure highway cruising efficiency, boasting an impressive 35 MPG highway rating. The Buick Encore GX trails slightly with a 31 MPG highway rating, though both share a 30 MPG combined estimate.

Does the fuel type offer any advantage for the Buick Encore GX?

Yes, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is rated as flex-fuel, meaning it can utilize regular unleaded gasoline or E85 ethanol blends. The Kicks only accepts regular unleaded gasoline.

How do these two small crossovers compare in exterior footprint?

They are nearly identical in size, but the Kicks is slightly longer, measuring 171.9 inches compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. The Encore GX is slightly wider at 71.4 inches versus the Kicks' 70.9 inches.

What is the primary reason to choose the more expensive Buick Encore GX?

The primary incentive for choosing the Encore GX is usually the torque advantage (162 lb-ft) and the premium feel associated with the Buick brand, despite the $3,510 higher starting MSRP.