2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical pickup profile of the 2025 Ford Maverick and the compact SUV manners of the 2026 Buick Encore GX can be tricky when both slot near the $28,000 mark. If supreme fuel economy matters most, the Maverick pulls ahead easily, boasting an outstanding 38 combined MPG versus the Encore GX's 30 combined MPG—an 8 MPG advantage that adds up quickly. However, power delivery splits them; the Maverick offers 191 horsepower, dwarfing the Encore GX’s 137 horsepower, which is a noticeable 54 hp difference for highway merging. The Encore GX is significantly smaller, measuring 171.2 inches long compared to the Maverick's 199.8 inches, making parking easier, but the Maverick offers a different kind of utility in its open bed. For buyers needing the absolute lowest running costs tied to fuel, the Maverick's 42 city MPG makes a strong case.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG, significantly reducing regular fuel stops.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The significantly smaller dimensions and potentially easier maneuverability of the 171.2-inch long Buick Encore GX make it better suited for tight family errands.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick provides substantially more punch with 191 horsepower compared to the Encore GX's 137 horsepower.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX starts at a lower MSRP of $25,900, offering better entry-level value than the Maverick's $28,145.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, as the Maverick achieves an 8 MPG advantage with 38 combined MPG.
- You require higher performance, benefiting from the 191 hp engine versus the 137 hp offered by the competition.
- You need the utility of an open bed, as the Maverick is defined by its truck-like functionality.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, with the Encore GX starting at $25,900.
- You need a more compact footprint, as the Encore GX is nearly 28.6 inches shorter in length (171.2 inches vs. 199.8 inches).
- You want the flexibility to use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 171.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.4" |
| Height | 68.8" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-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) | 42/35 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Maverick and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Encore GX?
The difference is quite notable; the Ford Maverick delivers 38 combined MPG, while the Buick Encore GX achieves 30 combined MPG. That 8 MPG advantage favors the Maverick for reducing trips to the pump using regular unleaded fuel.
Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX easier to park than the 2025 Ford Maverick?
Yes, based on size, the Encore GX should be easier to manage in tight spots. The Encore GX has a length of 171.2 inches, making it significantly shorter than the Maverick's 199.8-inch frame.
Which vehicle offers better acceleration capability?
The 2025 Ford Maverick offers considerably more power with 191 horsepower versus the Encore GX's 137 horsepower. This 54 hp difference means the Maverick will feel much quicker, even though both use FWD configurations.
What is the difference in starting price for these two vehicles?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX undercuts the Ford Maverick on MSRP, starting at $25,900 compared to the Maverick's $28,145 entry price.
Does one vehicle offer better utility, even though they are both crossovers?
The Maverick offers truck utility with its open bed, contrasting with the Encore GX's enclosed cargo area, which is listed at 23.5 cubic feet.
Can I use E85 fuel in either the Maverick or the Encore GX?
Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel, meaning it can run on unleaded or E85. The 2025 Ford Maverick specifically requires regular unleaded fuel.
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