2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Buick Encore GX (Car 1) and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (Car 2) is the 12 MPG advantage held by the Corolla Cross Hybrid's 42 combined MPG versus the Encore GX's 30 combined MPG. Furthermore, Car 2 generates substantially more power, delivering 196 hp compared to Car 1's 137 hp, a 59 hp delta. Despite the increased performance, Car 2 commands a higher MSRP of $29,295 versus $25,940 for the Encore GX. Conversely, the Encore GX offers slightly more interior volume with 23.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to Car 2's 21.5 cu ft. The Buick manages this with a marginally smaller footprint, measuring 171.2 inches in length against Car 2's 176.1 inches. The choice hinges on prioritizing fuel economy and power (Car 2) or achieving a lower entry price and maximizing cargo capacity (Car 1).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid is the superior commuter due to its class-leading 42 combined MPG rating.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Encore GX provides 2.0 cubic feet more cargo capacity (23.5 vs 21.5 cu ft) beneficial for family hauling.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The 196 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive system in Car 2 provide a definitive performance edge over Car 1's 137 hp.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX achieves its respectable 30 combined MPG rating at a $3,355 lower entry MSRP.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- The absolute lowest possible purchase price is the primary financial constraint ($25,940 MSRP).
- Maximizing measurable cargo volume is essential, as it offers 23.5 cu ft versus Car 2's 21.5 cu ft.
- The driver prioritizes utilizing E85/flex-fuel capability over superior hybrid fuel economy.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by the 42 combined MPG versus Car 1's 30 combined MPG.
- A 59 hp increase in power (196 hp vs 137 hp) and standard AWD are required specifications.
- The driver needs marginally more interior room in terms of overall exterior size (176.1 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 196 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 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 | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 46/39 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 487.6/413.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 10.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 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 Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid than the 2025 Buick Encore GX?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid generates 196 horsepower, significantly outpacing the Buick Encore GX, which is rated at 137 horsepower. This 59 hp difference suggests a much quicker acceleration profile for the Toyota, despite both utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission.
Is the higher price of the Corolla Cross Hybrid justified by its fuel economy savings?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid costs $3,355 more upfront ($29,295 vs $25,940) but returns 42 combined MPG compared to the Encore GX's 30 combined MPG. This fuel advantage can lead to substantial long-term savings, depending on annual mileage driven.
Which vehicle offers better practicality for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX technically offers more usable space, featuring 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid trails slightly with 21.5 cubic feet of storage volume.
Does the drivetrain difference affect daily driving?
Yes; the Corolla Cross Hybrid includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the Encore GX comes only in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). This configuration difference impacts traction, especially in adverse weather conditions.
What are the fuel type requirements for each crossover?
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on unleaded gasoline or E85. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid requires only regular unleaded gasoline for its hybrid powertrain operation.
How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two models?
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 176.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 64.9 inches tall. The Encore GX is slightly more compact across all dimensions, measuring 171.2 inches in length and 64.1 inches in height.
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