2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$24,135 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross explodes onto the scene as the performance leader, boasting 169 hp from its efficient 2.0L engine, significantly outpacing the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp. While the Corolla Cross stretches slightly longer at 176.1 inches, offering a minimal edge in cargo space with 24 cu ft, the Buick counters with a more torque-dense experience (162 lb-ft vs. 151 lb-ft) despite its lower horsepower figure. Efficiency enthusiasts will favor the Corolla Cross, delivering an impressive 32 combined MPG compared to the Encore GX's 30 combined MPG, making the Toyota the better choice for minimizing fuel stops. However, the Encore GX utilizes E85 capability, providing fuel flexibility. The Corolla Cross champions raw power and fuel economy, while the Encore GX aims for a premium feel supported by its slightly higher $25,900 MSRP compared to the Corolla Cross's $24,135 starting price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross is the superior commuter choice due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

With 24 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Corolla Cross offers slightly more room for family gear than the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The enthusiast will clearly prefer the Corolla Cross's 169 hp output, a substantial 32 hp advantage over the Encore GX.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross starts at a lower MSRP of $24,135 while offering superior fuel economy.

Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...

You prioritize driving dynamics and need the highest power output available (169 hp).
Maximizing fuel savings is key, as the Corolla Cross achieves 32 combined MPG.
You seek the lowest entry price point, starting at $24,135.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You value greater low-end pulling power, demonstrated by the Encore GX's 162 lb-ft of torque.
You utilize E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel capability.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with the Encore GX being 171.2 inches long versus the Corolla Cross's 176.1 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Corolla Cross	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
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	gas	gas
Horsepower	169 hp @ 6600 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	151 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Toyota	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	31/33 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.4/409.2 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
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
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
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
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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.
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 and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

What is the major performance difference between the 2025 Corolla Cross and the 2026 Encore GX?

The most significant mechanical difference lies in horsepower; the Corolla Cross packs 169 hp, which is 32 hp more than the Encore GX's 137 hp. However, the Encore GX counters with slightly higher torque at 162 lb-ft.

Which crossover offers better long-term fuel economy?

The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the winner for longevity between fill-ups, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX’s 30 combined MPG.

Does the difference in MSRP reflect a difference in feature desirability?

The Corolla Cross has a lower starting MSRP of $24,135 versus the Encore GX’s $25,900, but the Encore GX offers the capability to use E85 fuel, which adds flexibility for certain owners.

How do the cargo capacities compare for hauling gear?

The Toyota Corolla Cross holds a marginal lead in utility, offering 24 cubic feet of cargo space. The Buick Encore GX is extremely close, providing 23.5 cubic feet.

Are the driving characteristics similar since both use CVTs?

Both vehicles utilize continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions, but the power delivery will feel vastly different; the Corolla Cross will feel stronger during highway merging due to its higher horsepower rating.