2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$25,900 · Crossover

$28,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the nimble 2026 Buick Encore GX (car1) and the slightly larger 2026 Chevrolet Equinox (car2) often comes down to size versus outright efficiency for city driving. The Equinox starts at a higher MSRP of $28,600 compared to the Encore GX's $25,900, making the Buick the immediate value leader. However, the Equinox flexes its muscle with 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. For practical hauling, the Equinox offers significantly more space, boasting 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Buick's 23.5 cu ft, a difference noticeable on family road trips. Conversely, the smaller Encore GX shines in fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG, two ticks better than the Equinox's 27 combined MPG. The dimensions also differ, with the Equinox being over 2 inches longer overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is better for families because it offers substantially more cargo space at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Enthusiasts will prefer the Equinox as it provides 175 hp, a 38 hp advantage over the Encore GX.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX provides better entry-level value with a lower starting MSRP of $25,900.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize lower ownership costs, starting with an MSRP of only $25,900.
Your daily drive involves heavy stop-and-go traffic, where its 30 combined MPG will save on fuel.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 171.2 inches in length, for easier urban parking.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You need genuine power for merging, appreciating the 175 hp the Equinox offers.
Maximum utility is essential, benefiting from the segment-leading 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You plan to use E85 occasionally, though the Equinox offers slightly better torque for its size.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Chevrolet Equinox
Length	171.2"	183.2"
Width	71.4"	74.9"
Height	64.1"	65.6"
Wheelbase	102.0"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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 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	2	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	11.0 in	11.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	54.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/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: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/65R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.

What is the main difference in performance between the 2026 Encore GX and the 2026 Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is significantly more powerful, generating 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Buick Encore GX trails with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Equinox has a notable 38 hp advantage for quicker acceleration.

If I drive mostly city miles, which crossover offers better efficiency?

The smaller 2026 Buick Encore GX is the more fuel-efficient choice for city driving. It is rated at 30 MPG in the city, whereas the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox achieves 26 MPG in city driving conditions.

How much more space do I get if I opt for the larger Equinox?

Choosing the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox nets you significantly more storage room for gear or groceries. It provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is over 6 cubic feet more than the Encore GX’s 23.5 cubic feet.

Is the price difference between the two models substantial?

Yes, the MSRP is different enough to influence budget-minded buyers. The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,900, while the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has a higher entry price point of $28,600.

Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?

Both the 2026 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. This type of transmission is common in modern FWD crossovers for smooth power delivery.

Are there any differences in the fuel they can use?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel options, meaning it can run on either unleaded gasoline or E85. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is restricted to using only regular unleaded gasoline.