2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$28,495 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between efficiency and immediate cost savings is often the biggest hurdle when choosing a small crossover, and the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid versus the 2026 Buick Encore GX highlights this perfectly. The Toyota commands a higher starting MSRP at $28,495 compared to the Buick's $25,900, but that upfront cost quickly changes in the long run due to fuel savings. The Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers an excellent 42 MPG combined, dwarfing the Encore GX’s 30 MPG combined—a significant 12 MPG difference that adds up over thousands of miles. Power is another major split; the Toyota offers 196 hp, while the Buick provides 137 hp. Though the Encore GX boasts slightly more cargo space at 23.5 cu ft versus the Toyota's 21.5 cu ft, the Corolla Cross Hybrid's standard All-Wheel Drive and substantial fuel economy push it ahead for daily driving reliability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s superior 42 MPG combined efficiency makes it the cheaper option to run daily.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX offers 23.5 cu ft of cargo space, slightly beating the 21.5 cu ft available in the Toyota.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

With 196 hp, the Toyota offers a substantial 59 hp advantage over the Buick's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

While more expensive initially, the massive fuel economy savings likely overcome the $2,595 price difference quickly.

Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, thanks to its impressive 42 MPG combined rating.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varying weather conditions.
You want significantly better performance, boasting 196 horsepower.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is crucial, as it starts at $25,900.
You need every bit of storage, as its 23.5 cu ft of cargo space leads the comparison.
You plan to utilize E85 fuel capabilities, as it supports flex-fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid	Buick Encore GX
Length	176.1"	171.2"
Width	71.9"	71.4"
Height	64.9"	64.1"
Wheelbase	103.9"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	196 hp	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	45/38 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	42 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	477.0/402.8 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	52.7 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	52.6 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	Toyota	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.0 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.4 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.8 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/65R17	225/55R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 150000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

How much more will I save on gas annually by choosing the Corolla Cross Hybrid over the Encore GX?

Given the 12 MPG difference (42 MPG vs. 30 MPG), assuming 15,000 driven miles per year and $3.50/gallon fuel costs, you could save roughly $583 annually by choosing the Toyota hybrid.

Is the Buick Encore GX significantly smaller than the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid?

Yes, the Buick is noticeably more compact; it is 4.9 inches shorter in length (171.2 inches vs. 176.1 inches) and slightly narrower and shorter in height.

Which vehicle provides better acceleration or responsiveness?

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is the clear performance winner, producing 196 horsepower compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX’s 137 horsepower.

Does the lower-priced Buick offer AWD capability?

No, the provided specifications indicate the 2026 Buick Encore GX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid includes All Wheel Drive.

What are the fuel requirements for these two crossovers?

The Toyota uses standard regular unleaded fuel. The Buick Encore GX is compatible with regular unleaded but is listed as flex-fuel, meaning it can also run on E85.

Is the Buick's slightly larger cargo area worth the trade-off in power and MPG?

That depends on your priorities; the Buick offers 23.5 cu ft versus the Toyota's 21.5 cu ft, but the Toyota provides 59 more horsepower and significantly better fuel economy for daily commuting.