2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Buick Encore GX
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander (car1) and the 2026 Buick Encore GX (car2) is output: car1 delivers a substantial 44-horsepower advantage (181 hp vs. 137 hp) and 19 lb-ft more torque (181 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft). Conversely, car2 starts $4,095 lower with an MSRP of $25,900 compared to the Outlander's $29,995. Fuel economy slightly favors the Encore GX, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Outlander’s 27 MPG combined, though both share an identical 31 MPG highway rating. Space is a major differentiator: the Outlander is significantly larger at 185.8 inches long, offering 10.9 cu ft of cargo room, while the shorter Encore GX (171.2 inches) nearly doubles usable storage capacity with 23.5 cu ft. Both utilize FWD and a CVT, making power and size the critical trade-offs against initial cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel efficiency of 30 MPG and lower entry price of $25,900.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is better for families because its larger physical footprint provides a more substantial structure and better interior volume, despite having less stated cargo space in this comparison (10.9 cu ft vs 23.5 cu ft might imply 3rd row vs no 3rd row consideration, but Outlander's larger external dimensions are key).
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is the clear choice for performance metrics, delivering 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers better initial value, costing $4,095 less while providing better combined fuel economy.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require the maximum available powertrain output, indicated by 181 horsepower.
- A larger exterior dimension, measured at 185.8 inches in length, is a priority for presence or perceived safety.
- Your primary fuel is strictly standard unleaded gasoline, as the Outlander does not support E85.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Minimizing upfront cost is critical, given the $25,900 MSRP.
- Maximum usable cargo volume is required, as the Encore GX provides 23.5 cu ft.
- You intend to use E85 fuel occasionally, benefiting from the flex-fuel capability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 171.2" |
| Width | 74.7" | 71.4" |
| Height | 68.7" | 64.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 102.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 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 | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 225/55R18 |
| 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 | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Buick Encore GX.
How significantly different is the cargo capacity between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Buick Encore GX offers 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than double the 10.9 cubic feet provided by the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander in this configuration.
Does the Outlander's higher horsepower translate to better highway MPG?
No, despite having 181 hp versus the Encore GX's 137 hp, both vehicles achieve an identical 31 MPG on the highway, with the Encore GX leading overall at 30 combined MPG to the Outlander's 27 combined MPG.
What is the total price difference between the two base models listed?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has an MSRP of $29,995, establishing a $4,095 premium over the 2026 Buick Encore GX's base price of $25,900.
Are the drivetrains substantially different in these FWD models?
No, both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, offering similar day-to-day driving mechanics.
Can the Buick Encore GX use E85 fuel, and does the Outlander have this option?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is equipped with flex-fuel capability, allowing it to use E85, while the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander only runs on regular unleaded gasoline.
How much larger is the Outlander physically than the Encore GX?
The Outlander is dimensionally larger, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, resulting in a 14.6-inch difference in overall length.
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