2025 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos

$25,940 · Crossover

$26,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Volkswagen Taos and the 2025 Buick Encore GX lies in performance metrics, with the Taos delivering 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, a 37 hp advantage for the VW. While the Taos is fractionally more efficient on the highway at 36 MPG versus the Buick's 31 Highway MPG, the Encore GX achieves superior overall economy with a 30 MPG combined rating against the Taos's 31 combined rating (noting the Taos uses regular unleaded while the Buick is flex-fuel). The Taos offers substantially more utility, boasting 27.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. However, the Buick undercuts the Taos on entry price, starting at $25,940 versus $26,500, making the base price difference $560.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 36 Highway MPG rating and the smoother 8-speed automatic transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The 2026 Taos provides superior utility with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is the definitive choice for driving engagement, offering 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers a lower entry MSRP at $25,940, slightly undercutting the $26,500 price of the Taos.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

The primary concern is the initial purchase price, as the $25,940 MSRP is $560 less than the Taos.
The driver prioritizes the listed 30 MPG Combined rating while utilizing the E85 flex-fuel capability.
A slightly more compact footprint is desired, evidenced by the 171.2-inch length versus the Taos's 175.9 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

Maximum usable space is required, as the Taos leads significantly with 27.9 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.
The driver seeks greater dynamic capability through higher output specifications of 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Highway driving efficiency is key, as the Taos achieves a higher 36 Highway MPG rating using regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Volkswagen Taos
Length	171.2"	175.9"
Width	71.4"	72.5"
Height	64.1"	64.5"
Wheelbase	102.0"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	174 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	28/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	369.6/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	53.9 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	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	45.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.

Which vehicle has better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos technically offers better highway mileage at 36 MPG, though the 2025 Buick Encore GX maintains a higher combined rating of 30 MPG when considering its flex-fuel consumption averages. Buyers need to weigh the Buick's superior combined rating against the Taos's superior highway range.

How significant is the power difference in real-world driving?

The 37 horsepower deficit for the Buick Encore GX (137 hp vs. 174 hp) will be noticeable, especially during highway merging or acceleration, as the Taos offers a significant 14% increase in torque (184 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft).

Is the Buick Encore GX significantly smaller than the Taos?

The dimensional differences are minor; the Taos is 4.7 inches longer (175.9 vs. 171.2 inches) and 1.1 inches wider (72.5 vs. 71.4 inches). These small differences translate directly to the 4.4 cu ft advantage the Taos holds in cargo capacity.

What transmission differences affect performance?

The Encore GX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smooth acceleration and efficiency, whereas the Taos employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers more definitive shifts desirable for enthusiasts.

Does the difference in fuel requirement affect long-term operating costs?

Yes; the Taos runs on less expensive regular unleaded fuel, while the Encore GX requires E85 or unleaded, which may result in higher per-mile costs depending on local E85 pricing relative to regular gasoline.

Which vehicle provides better value immediately after purchase?

Based purely on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), the Buick Encore GX offers immediate value by being $560 cheaper at the base level ($25,940 vs. $26,500).