2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$21,830 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the affordable 2025 Nissan Kicks and the slightly pricier 2026 Buick Encore GX often boils down to budget versus perceived refinement. If saving money is paramount, the Kicks offers immediate relief with an MSRP of $21,830, substantially undercutting the Encore GX's $25,900 price tag—a $4,070 spread. The Kicks also edges out slightly in fuel economy, boasting 31 MPG combined compared to the Encore GX's 30 MPG, although the Buick offers superior low-end pull with 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Nissan's 140 lb-ft. While the Kicks is slightly longer at 171.9 inches, the Encore GX surprises with less accessible storage, offering only 23.5 cu ft of cargo space against the Kicks' generous 30 cu ft. Ultimately, buyers need to weigh upfront cost and practicality against potential premium feel and torque.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial cost of $21,830.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks provides significantly more usable space for family gear, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Encore GX is preferred by enthusiasts because it delivers 162 lb-ft of torque, which is considerably more than the Kicks' 140 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

With a $4,070 lower MSRP and better gas mileage, the 2025 Kicks provides better overall baseline value.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

You need the absolute lowest purchase price, starting at $21,830.
Maximum cargo utility is critical, as it offers 30 cu ft for hauling.
You prioritize fuel savings, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to the Buick's 31 MPG.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You want stronger pulling power, evidenced by its 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer slightly better city driving figures with 30 MPG city.
You want the option to use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Buick Encore GX
Length	171.9"	171.2"
Width	70.9"	71.4"
Height	64.2"	64.1"
Wheelbase	104.6"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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 Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	141 hp @ 6000 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	140 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	Nissan	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 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	Nissan	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	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	215/60R16	225/55R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Buick
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

What is the major cost difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX has a higher starting MSRP of $25,900, while the 2025 Nissan Kicks comes in significantly lower at $21,830. This represents a $4,070 upfront savings if you opt for the Kicks.

Which vehicle offers better performance for passing on the highway?

The Buick Encore GX will likely feel peppier during acceleration thanks to its torque output. It generates 162 lb-ft of torque, beating the Kicks' 140 lb-ft, even though the Kicks has slightly more horsepower at 141 hp.

Is the difference in cargo space significant for daily use?

Yes, it's quite significant for hauling groceries or luggage. The Nissan Kicks provides 30 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Buick Encore GX trails behind with only 23.5 cu ft.

How do these two crossovers compare regarding fuel efficiency for an average driver?

The Nissan Kicks technically wins the overall efficiency battle with 31 MPG combined versus the Buick's 30 MPG combined. However, the Kicks shines brighter on the highway at 35 MPG, while the Encore GX gets 30 MPG in the city.

Are there differences in size that affect maneuverability?

Physically, they are very close in dimensions; the Kicks is slightly longer at 171.9 inches, but the Encore GX is slightly wider at 71.4 inches. Both are similarly sized front-wheel-drive crossovers.

What fuel considerations should I make when choosing between these two?

The Nissan Kicks strictly requires regular unleaded gasoline. Conversely, the 2026 Encore GX is compatible with flex-fuel, meaning it can run on either regular unleaded or E85, giving owners more fuel purchasing flexibility.