2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2026 Buick Encore GX is the $3,615 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Encore GX starting at $25,900 versus the Escape's $29,515. This price gap correlates with substantial performance discrepancies; the Escape delivers 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Fuel economy is effectively a tie, with both models achieving a combined 30 MPG, although the Escape boasts a superior highway rating of 34 MPG compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG. Dimensionally, the Escape is larger, measuring 180.1 inches in length against the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, which aids in cargo space, where the Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet versus 23.5 cubic feet for the Buick. Both utilize FWD with an 8-speed automatic in the Escape and a CVT in the Encore GX.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape provides a slightly better highway MPG rating of 34 MPG compared to the Buick's 31 MPG, offering better long-haul efficiency.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape offers substantially more utility with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape is clearly superior for performance drivers, generating 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque versus the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX provides a lower entry price point at $25,900 while matching the Ford Escape's 30 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You require 43 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque for better acceleration.
- You need maximum hauling capability, utilizing the 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- You prioritize a dedicated 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You aim for the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $25,900.
- You wish to use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel capabilities.
- You prefer the slightly better fuel economy in city driving (30 MPG vs. Escape's 27 MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 171.2" |
| Width | 74.1" | 71.4" |
| Height | 66.0" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 51.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium 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: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 225/55R18 |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Escape and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
Both vehicles achieve an identical 30 MPG combined rating. However, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is marginally better in city conditions at 30 MPG versus the 2025 Ford Escape's 27 MPG, though the Escape wins on the highway with 34 MPG.
How much more power does the Ford Escape have over the Encore GX?
The 2025 Ford Escape produces 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 43 hp and 37 lb-ft advantage over the 2026 Buick Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft.
Is the difference in size between these two vehicles significant for cargo?
Yes, the difference is notable: the larger Ford Escape offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 14 cubic feet more than the 23.5 cubic feet provided by the more compact Encore GX.
What is the starting price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX has an MSRP of $25,900, undercutting the 2025 Ford Escape’s starting price of $29,515 by $3,615.
Do both models use the same type of transmission?
No, the 2025 Ford Escape utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 2026 Buick Encore GX features a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Can the Encore GX use E85 fuel?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is specified to run on flex-fuel, meaning it can use unleaded gasoline or E85 blends. The 2025 Ford Escape requires only regular unleaded gasoline.
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