2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Encore GX leaps out with its surprisingly spirited torque delivery, boasting 162 lb-ft available on its flex-fuel engine, aimed at providing immediate responsiveness despite its 137 hp rating. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross counters with a measurable power advantage, delivering a punchier 169 hp from its standard unleaded engine. Fuel efficiency slightly favors the Toyota, achieving 32 combined MPG versus the Buick's 30 combined MPG. Both vehicles hug a similar footprint, though the Corolla Cross stretches marginally longer at 176.1 inches compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. The Corolla Cross also offers a fraction more utility, holding 24 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Buick's 23.5 cubic feet. While the Buick starts just slightly higher at an MSRP of $25,940, the competition is tight, forcing buyers to weigh immediate punchiness (torque) against raw horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross is the winner for commuters due to its superior 32 combined MPG rating and slightly lower starting price of $24,935.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Families will appreciate the marginally larger 24 cu ft cargo capacity offered by the 2026 Corolla Cross.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Enthusiasts lean towards the Corolla Cross because it delivers 169 hp, a substantial 32 hp advantage over the Encore GX.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Corolla Cross provides more horsepower and better fuel economy for a lower starting MSRP of $24,935.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize accessible torque, as the 2025 Encore GX offers 162 lb-ft, which feels responsive in city driving.
- You wish to utilize E85 fuel, as the Encore GX is designated as a flex-fuel vehicle.
- You prefer a slightly more compact exterior length of 171.2 inches for easier urban maneuvering.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You need the most output, as the 2026 Corolla Cross boasts 169 hp.
- You seek maximum miles per gallon, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
- You need maximum utility, as the Corolla Cross offers 24 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 176.1" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 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 | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 52.6 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Which crossover handles highway merging better based on horsepower figures?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross has the clear advantage here, producing 169 hp compared to the 2025 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. This 32 hp difference means the Corolla Cross will accelerate more confidently onto high-speed roadways.
Is the fuel economy significantly different between the two FWD models?
Yes, there is a noticeable difference in efficiency. The Corolla Cross achieves 32 combined MPG (31/33 City/Highway), slightly edging out the Encore GX, which records 30 combined MPG (30/31 City/Highway).
Which vehicle offers a lower entry point for purchasing?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is the more budget-friendly option, starting with an MSRP of $24,935. The 2025 Buick Encore GX begins its pricing slightly higher at $25,940.
Does the torque rating suggest better immediate low-speed acceleration?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX boasts 162 lb-ft of torque, which is higher than the Corolla Cross’s 151 lb-ft. This superior torque figure suggests the Buick might feel perkier during immediate starts from a stop.
How do these two small crossovers compare in overall size and hauling room?
They are very similar in size, but the Corolla Cross is slightly longer at 176.1 inches versus the Encore GX’s 171.2 inches. Furthermore, the Corolla Cross offers marginally more standard cargo space at 24 cubic feet compared to 23.5 cubic feet in the Buick.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these vehicles?
Only the 2025 Buick Encore GX is listed as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it supports E85 use. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross requires regular unleaded fuel.
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