2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$23,100 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer bursts onto the scene with an accessible starting MSRP of $23,100, pitching it as the pragmatic choice for the budget-conscious urban explorer. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Encore GX arrives slightly upscale at $25,900, aiming for a quieter, more refined experience despite sharing identical core power figures: 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Both crossovers achieve a commendable 30 MPG combined, offering similar running costs. The Trailblazer offers slightly more hauling prowess with 25.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft, while the Encore GX is marginally shorter in length at 171.2 inches, making it nimbler in tight parking structures. While performance metrics are a statistical tie, the pricing and cargo utility create the primary battlefield between these FWD siblings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The lower MSRP of $23,100 for the Trailblazer makes it the immediate winner for daily, cost-conscious commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer accommodates more gear with 25.3 cu ft of cargo space, beneficial for family outings, exceeding the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Encore GX

Although power is identical (137 hp), the Encore GX’s marginally narrower width (71.4 inches vs 71.2 inches) suggests a slightly tighter, more premium road feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Receiving the same 30 MPG combined rating but costing $2,800 less upfront, the Trailblazer delivers superior initial value.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

You prioritize saving money, as the 2025 Trailblazer starts $2,800 lower at $23,100.
Maximum utility is essential, given its superior 25.3 cu ft maximum cargo capacity.
You prefer the slightly longer wheelbase implied by its 174.1-inch overall length for potentially straighter highway stability.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You are willing to pay a premium for the perceived refinement that comes with the Buick badge.
Maneuvering in tight city spots is crucial, as the Encore GX is 2.9 inches shorter overall.
You appreciate the marginally broader stance at 71.4 inches wide, which can contribute to a wider feel from the driver's seat.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trailblazer	Buick Encore GX
Length	174.1"	171.2"
Width	71.2"	71.4"
Height	64.2"	64.1"
Wheelbase	104.0"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	12	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	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

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	55.4 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	52.3 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
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.8 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.4 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	225/60R17	225/55R18
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Buick
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Trailblazer and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

Are there any significant performance differences between the 2025 Trailblazer and the 2026 Encore GX?

No, the performance specifications listed are identical: both produce 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, utilizing the same Continuously Variable Transmission and FWD configuration. Any real-world difference will come down to specific tuning variations not detailed in these base specs.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for my daily commute?

Both crossovers offer the exact same EPA ratings, achieving 30 MPG combined (30 city/31 highway). Since both support flex-fuel, your true efficiency will depend on whether you opt for unleaded or E85.

How much space do I lose by choosing the Encore GX over the Trailblazer?

The 2025 Trailblazer provides 25.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2026 Encore GX offers slightly less at 23.5 cubic feet. This 1.8 cu ft difference might matter when loading larger grocery trips or weekend luggage.

Is the lower price of the Trailblazer reflected in other aspects like size?

The Trailblazer is slightly larger overall, measuring 174.1 inches long compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. However, the Encore GX is marginally wider at 71.4 inches, versus 71.2 inches for the Chevy.

Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling passengers given the identical power?

Since both share 137 hp and FWD, neither has a raw power advantage. However, the Trailblazer’s larger cargo volume suggests it can better accommodate gear for family trips without infringing on passenger room.

Since both use a CVT, how do they compare in terms of entry price?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at a more budget-friendly $23,100, significantly undercutting the 2026 Buick Encore GX which begins at $25,900, making the Trailblazer the clear value leader.