2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The age-old question when buying a small crossover boils down to power versus pennies. The 2025 Dodge Hornet commands attention with a muscular 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a genuinely spirited drive. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Encore GX prioritizes savings, boasting a lower MSRP of $25,900 compared to the Hornet's $29,995. Fuel economy is another major split; the Encore GX achieves an excellent 30 MPG combined, significantly outshining the Hornet's 24 MPG combined rating. While the Hornet uses AWD for all-weather confidence, the Buick offers better efficiency using FWD. The performance gap is substantial, with the Hornet packing 131 more horsepower, making the choice revolve entirely around whether you value accessible speed or saving approximately $4,095 upfront plus better long-term running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower running costs.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet provides greater peace of mind with its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet dominates performance metrics with 268 horsepower, more than doubling the Buick's output.
2026 Buick Encore GX
With an MSRP that is $4,095 cheaper and significantly better fuel economy, the Encore GX delivers better immediate and ongoing value.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You prioritize raw acceleration and power, given the Hornet's 268 hp output.
- You live in an area requiring all-weather confidence, as the Hornet includes standard AWD.
- You need a slightly larger overall footprint, with the Hornet measuring 178.0 inches long.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is essential, as the Encore GX starts at $25,900.
- Maximizing fuel stops is key, with the Encore GX achieving 30 MPG combined versus 24 MPG.
- You prefer using E85 fuel, as the Buick supports flex-fuel capabilities.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 171.2" |
| Width | - | 71.4" |
| Height | 63.8" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 51.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.7 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How much more powerful is the Dodge Hornet compared to the Buick Encore GX?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet is significantly more powerful, boasting 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a difference of 131 horsepower when stacked against the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp rating.
Is the difference in fuel economy between these two crossovers significant for daily driving?
Yes, the difference is noticeable; the Encore GX offers 30 MPG combined, while the Hornet achieves 24 MPG combined, meaning the Buick will save you more money on fuel over time.
Which crossover costs more upfront and what is the price gap?
The 2025 Dodge Hornet has a higher starting MSRP of $29,995. This makes it $4,095 more expensive than the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which starts at $25,900.
Do I lose much cargo space by choosing the more affordable Encore GX?
You sacrifice a small amount of space; the Hornet offers 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the Encore GX provides 23.5 cubic feet.
What is the major drivetrain difference affecting handling in different weather?
The Hornet comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which typically aids traction in slippery conditions, while the Encore GX utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in its base configuration.
If I want the fastest acceleration, which vehicle should I consider?
The Dodge Hornet is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts due to its robust 268 hp engine and 9-speed automatic transmission setup compared to the Buick's less powerful configuration.
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