2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$28,600 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox bursts onto the scene with a commanding 175 horsepower, making it the clear choice for drivers craving sharper responsiveness from their crossover. In contrast, the 2026 Buick Encore GX leans into efficiency and accessible luxury, sporting a modest 137 horsepower but delivering a stellar 30 combined MPG. While the Chevy is physically larger, measuring 183.2 inches long, the Buick remains nimble at 171.2 inches. Performance enthusiasts will note the Equinox's advantage of 184 lb-ft of torque over the Buick's 162 lb-ft, translating to quicker merges. However, budget-conscious buyers will applaud the Encore GX's lower entry point at an MSRP of $25,900 compared to the Equinox's $28,600. This comparison pits accessible power against superior fuel economy for the daily grind.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers substantially more utility with 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is favored by enthusiasts because it produces 38 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $25,900, making it the better value proposition.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You prioritize performance, benefiting from the Equinox's 175 horsepower engine.
You need maximum space, as its 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the competition.
You frequently use regular unleaded fuel, which is the only option for the Equinox.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Saving on fuel is paramount, evidenced by the Encore GX’s 31 Highway MPG.
You are sensitive to initial purchase price, with the Encore GX starting at $2,700 less.
You appreciate the option to utilize E85 fuel due to its flex-fuel capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox	Buick Encore GX
Length	183.2"	171.2"
Width	74.9"	71.4"
Height	65.6"	64.1"
Wheelbase	107.5"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
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	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5600 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Infotainment Display	11.3 in	11.0 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.2 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: 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
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.7 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

How much larger is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox than the 2026 Buick Encore GX?

The Equinox is physically larger in every dimension, notably being 12 inches longer, measuring 183.2 inches compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. This added length translates directly to greater interior space, particularly the cargo area.

Which vehicle offers better daily driving engagement?

For spirited driving, the 2025 Equinox is superior, boasting 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Encore GX trails significantly with only 137 horsepower, suggesting a more relaxed driving profile.

Can the 2026 Buick Encore GX use E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is designed as a flex-fuel vehicle, allowing the use of either regular unleaded or E85 gasoline. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox only accepts regular unleaded fuel.

What is the cost difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at an MSRP of $25,900, offering a $2,700 savings over the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's starting price of $28,600.

Which crossover has better highway fuel economy?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX delivers slightly better highway efficiency at 31 MPG compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's 28 MPG highway rating. This difference narrows in city driving where both achieve 26 or 30 MPG, respectively.

Do either of these models come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided data, neither the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox nor the 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes All-Wheel Drive, as both are listed with a front-wheel drive configuration.