2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The battle for compact crossover supremacy pits the rugged capability of the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross against the refined efficiency of the 2026 Buick Encore GX. The Eclipse Cross distinguishes itself immediately with a punchier powertrain, offering 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, backed by standard All-Wheel Drive, hinting at more spirited weekend adventures. Conversely, the Encore GX captivates with sophisticated economy, achieving an impressive 30 combined MPG on regular unleaded (or E85) from its 137 hp engine. Priced slightly higher at $27,345 versus the Encore GX's $25,900 MSRP, the Mitsubishi brings more power to the forefront. However, the Buick counters with a marginally larger cargo area at 23.5 cu ft compared to the Mitsubishi's 23.4 cu ft, demonstrating that every cubic inch is fiercely contested in this segment, with a significant 4 MPG advantage favoring the Buick.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, ensuring lower running costs for daily travel.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX offers marginally more utility with 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft, making it slightly more accommodating.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross appeals more to driving enthusiasts by delivering significantly more power with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX presents better fundamental value with a lower starting MSRP of $25,900 and superior fuel economy.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize accessible power, as the Eclipse Cross provides 152 hp, notably more than the Encore GX's 137 hp.
- You need consistent traction assurance, as the Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a more commanding physical presence with a length of 179.0 inches.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Maximizing fuel budget is paramount, given the Encore GX achieves 30 combined MPG.
- You want the lowest entry price point, starting at just $25,900 MSRP.
- You value the flexibility of using E85 fuel in addition to regular unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 171.2" |
| Width | 71.1" | 71.4" |
| Height | 66.5" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| 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 | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 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 | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | 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./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
Which crossover offers better efficiency for my drive to work?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the clear efficiency champion here, delivering 30 combined MPG. This significantly outpaces the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which is rated for only 26 combined MPG, resulting in fewer stops at the pump.
Is the extra cost of the Eclipse Cross justified by its performance bump?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross costs $1,445 more than the Buick but compensates with 15 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque. If spirited acceleration matters more than saving money initially, the extra output might be worthwhile.
How do these two small crossovers compare for hauling cargo?
The difference is negligible, with the 2026 Buick Encore GX offering 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet. Both offer similar utility for weekend errands or fitting necessary luggage.
Does the drivetrain make a difference between these two models?
Yes, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, suitable for slippery conditions, while the Buick Encore GX uses Front Wheel Drive in this configuration, which prioritizes on-road economy.
What is the primary fueling difference between the two models?
The Encore GX is advertised as a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on E85 or regular unleaded gasoline. The Eclipse Cross strictly requires regular unleaded fuel to achieve its 26 MPG rating.
How much smaller is the Buick in physical footprint compared to the Mitsubishi?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is noticeably more compact, measuring 171.2 inches long compared to the Eclipse Cross's 179.0 inches, making the Buick 7.8 inches shorter overall.
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