2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$28,750 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz leaps into action, bringing a lively 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, embodying an adventurous spirit with its larger 195.7-inch frame. It prioritizes raw capability over ultimate thrift. Conversely, the 2026 Buick Encore GX presents a sharper focus on urban efficiency, achieving an impressive 30 MPG combined rating while maintaining a lower $25,900 MSRP. The difference in philosophy is stark: the Santa Cruz offers nearly 54 more horsepower than the Encore GX's base 137 hp. While the Santa Cruz dominates in sheer performance, its fuel economy dips to 22 MPG city compared to the Buick's stellar 30 MPG city. The physical disparity is clear, too, with the Santa Cruz stretching over 4 inches longer than the compact Encore GX, hinting at more utility tucked within its structure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the better commuter due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a larger physical footprint (195.7 inches long) suggesting better passenger and cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz delivers significantly more spirited performance with 191 hp versus the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX secures the value win by offering lower starting cost at $25,900 and better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You demand genuine power, leveraging the 191 hp engine for more engaging drives.
You frequently need to tow or haul, as suggested by its higher power output (181 lb-ft of torque).
You prefer a larger vehicle stature, noted by its 195.7-inch length.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Saving money at the pump is critical, benefiting from 30 MPG combined efficiency.
You need the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $25,900.
Your primary use is city driving where its 30 MPG city rating outshines the competition.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Buick Encore GX
Length	195.7"	171.2"
Width	75.0"	71.4"
Height	66.7"	64.1"
Wheelbase	118.3"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	181 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	Hyundai	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Infotainment Display	12.3 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
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Buick
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 Santa Cruz?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is vastly more powerful, boasting 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Encore GX's 137 hp.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Encore GX compared to the Santa Cruz?

The Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined, which is a 5 MPG advantage over the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined rating.

Which vehicle has a higher base MSRP?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $28,750, making it more expensive than the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which begins at $25,900.

Are these vehicles dimensionally similar?

No, the Santa Cruz is notably larger, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Encore GX's 171.2-inch length.

Does the fuel type offer a distinction between these crossovers?

Yes, the Santa Cruz uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Encore GX is flex-fuel capable, meaning it can run on E85.

What type of transmission is used in the Encore GX?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), contrasting with the Santa Cruz's 8-speed shiftable automatic.