2025 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$25,400 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to choose between the 2025 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Buick Encore GX often comes down to prioritizing driving engagement versus city efficiency. The common dilemma centers on whether a bit more power is worth slightly lower fuel economy. The HR-V packs 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably quicker than the Encore GX's 137 horsepower. However, the Buick counters with superior fuel efficiency, netting 30 combined MPG compared to the Honda's 28 combined MPG, and it can run on E85 fuel. Dimensions are also key: the HR-V is slightly longer at 179.8 inches, while the Buick is taller at 64.1 inches, impacting garage fitment or headroom. With a starting MSRP of $25,400 for the HR-V versus $25,900 for the GX, pricing is nearly identical, shifting the final decision toward performance feel or running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the better choice for daily commuters due to its slightly better 30 combined MPG efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda HR-V

The 2025 Honda HR-V offers a slightly larger cargo hold at 24.4 cu ft compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda HR-V

Enthusiasts will prefer the HR-V for its higher output of 158 horsepower versus the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda HR-V

The 2025 Honda HR-V is the value winner by offering $100 less in MSRP and a significant 21 hp advantage.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prioritize acceleration and want the 158 hp provided by the Honda HR-V.
You need the maximum available utility with 24.4 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer a slightly larger overall vehicle, measuring 179.8 inches in length.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your top priority is fuel economy, leveraging the Encore GX's 30 combined MPG.
You want the flexibility of using E85 fuel, as the HR-V only accepts regular unleaded.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance (64.1 inches) over maximum length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Buick Encore GX
Length	179.8"	171.2"
Width	72.4"	71.4"
Height	63.4"	64.1"
Wheelbase	104.5"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Buick
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 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	Honda	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Buick
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Buick
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 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	Honda	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

Which crossover is quicker off the line, the 2025 HR-V or the 2026 Encore GX?

The 2025 Honda HR-V is significantly quicker, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2026 Buick Encore GX manages only 137 horsepower, giving the Honda the distinct edge in straight-line acceleration.

How much more cargo space does the HR-V offer over the Encore GX?

The Honda HR-V provides slightly more room for hauling gear, offering 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Buick Encore GX has 23.5 cubic feet, which is a difference of 0.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX better on gas for highway driving?

Yes, the Encore GX is rated slightly better on the highway, achieving 31 MPG compared to the HR-V's 32 MPG highway rating; however, the Buick has a better combined rating of 30 MPG versus 28 MPG.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2025 Honda HR-V starts at an MSRP of $25,400, making it $500 cheaper than the 2026 Buick Encore GX's starting MSRP of $25,900.

Can the Buick Encore GX use E85 fuel?

Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is advertised as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on either unleaded gasoline or E85. The Honda HR-V requires only regular unleaded fuel.

Are these vehicles large enough for easy city parking?

Both are compact crossovers, but the Encore GX is noticeably shorter in length at 171.2 inches, potentially making it slightly easier to squeeze into tight city spots compared to the HR-V's 179.8 inches.