2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Buick Encore GX lies in fuel economy, where the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined—a 4 MPG advantage. Financially, the Outlander Sport holds a $1,455 MSRP advantage at $24,445 compared to the Encore GX's $25,900. Power delivery differs significantly: the Outlander Sport leads in output with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, substantially eclipsing the Encore GX's 137 hp, although the Buick compensates with greater torque at 162 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Encore GX offers slightly more utility, boasting 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cu ft. The Outlander Sport includes standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Encore GX's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration, creating a fundamental performance split despite similar exterior footprints.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is superior for daily commuting due to its significantly better fuel efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX provides more usable space with 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers superior peak power with 148 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport undercuts the Buick by $1,455 MSRP while providing a higher horsepower rating.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- A lower initial purchase price is a priority, as the MSRP is $24,445.
- Maximum engine output is desired, with 148 horsepower available.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required for traction management.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Fuel economy is critical, given the 30 MPG combined rating.
- Higher torque figures are preferred for initial acceleration, rated at 162 lb-ft.
- More usable storage volume is necessary, with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 171.2" |
| Width | 71.3" | 71.4" |
| Height | 64.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 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 | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
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 | 39.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 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 | 37.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| 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 Outlander Sport and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
Which crossover is more economical to run based on the provided data?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is projected to be more economical, achieving 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded or E85 fuel. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport trails with a combined rating of 26 MPG.
How do the engine performances compare between the two vehicles?
The Outlander Sport generates more peak power with 148 hp, while the Encore GX produces less power at 137 hp but achieves higher peak torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft.
Is the drivetrain standard on both models different?
Yes, the Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction potential. Conversely, the Encore GX configuration specified utilizes Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the base price difference between the 2025 Outlander Sport and the 2026 Encore GX?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $24,445, which is $1,455 less expensive than the 2026 Buick Encore GX MSRP of $25,900.
Which crossover offers better capacity for hauling gear?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX holds a slight edge in cargo capability, offering 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
Are the physical dimensions of these crossovers vastly different?
The exterior dimensions are very similar; the Outlander Sport is negligibly longer by 0.7 inches, while the Encore GX is slightly wider by 0.1 inches.
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