2025 Hyundai Tucson vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Buick Encore GX lies in engine performance, with the Tucson delivering 187 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp—a 50 hp advantage. While the Tucson offers superior output, the Encore GX leads in fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Tucson's 28 combined MPG. Pricing establishes the Encore GX as the lower entry point at $25,900 MSRP, significantly undercutting the Tucson's $28,705 starting price. Dimensionally, the Tucson is the larger vehicle, measuring 182.7 inches in length against the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, which correlates directly to cargo space: the Tucson boasts 38.7 cu ft versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. Power delivery differs structurally, with the Tucson using an 8-speed automatic while the Encore GX utilizes a CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX secures the commuter win due to its superior fuel economy of 30 combined MPG.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is better suited for families, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 38.7 cu ft compared to 23.5 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson offers 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft output.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides a lower entry price of $25,900 MSRP while also achieving better mileage.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Maximum interior utility is required, as the Tucson provides 38.7 cu ft of cargo space.
- More dynamic acceleration is desired, evidenced by its 187 hp output.
- A traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Minimizing the initial purchase price is critical, with an MSRP of $25,900.
- The highest possible fuel efficiency is the primary concern, rated at 30 combined MPG.
- The ability to utilize E85 fuel (flex-fuel capability) is an important operational factor.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Tucson | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.7" | 171.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 71.4" |
| Height | 65.6" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 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) | 25/33 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/471.9 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Tucson and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Tucson and the 2026 Encore GX?
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson produces 187 horsepower, which is exactly 50 more than the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 horsepower. This difference suggests the Tucson will offer stronger acceleration capabilities.
How do the dimensions and utility compare between these two crossovers?
The Tucson is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 182.7 inches in length compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches. This size advantage translates directly to cargo volume, where the Tucson offers 38.7 cu ft versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better mileage efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is superior in fuel efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG (30 city/31 highway). The 2025 Hyundai Tucson trails slightly with 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway).
Is there a significant difference in starting price between the two models?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $25,900. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson starts $2,805 higher at $28,705 MSRP.
Do these models use different types of automatic transmissions?
They utilize distinct automatic transmissions; the Tucson is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Encore GX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Which vehicle supports flex-fuel options?
Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel, allowing it to run on unleaded gasoline or E85, a feature not supported by the standard gasoline-only Tucson.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool