2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical differentiator between the 2026 Buick Encore GX (Car 1) and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (Car 2) is the 54 horsepower deficit in the Buick, with the Santa Cruz generating 191 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp. This power gap is accompanied by a $3,600 MSRP difference, positioning the Encore GX lower at $25,900 versus the Santa Cruz's $29,500. Fuel economy also varies considerably; the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined on flex-fuel, while the Santa Cruz manages 25 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Furthermore, the Santa Cruz is substantially larger, measuring 195.7 inches long compared to the Buick's 171.2 inches. Despite the size, the Encore GX offers competitive utility with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Santa Cruz compensates for its truck-like stance with less defined passenger/cargo measurements in this comparison setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined rating and lower entry price of $25,900.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is favored for families needing more physical space, evidenced by its 195.7-inch length and 66.7-inch height.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals to enthusiasts by offering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Encore GX's 137 hp.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX provides better value proposition with a $3,600 lower MSRP and 5 MPG better combined fuel efficiency.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Encore GX delivers 30 MPG combined versus 25 MPG for Car 2.
- Budget constraints dictate a lower entry cost, starting at $25,900 against the Santa Cruz's $29,500.
- A more maneuverable footprint is desired, given the Encore GX's compact 171.2-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- Higher performance is prioritized, given the Santa Cruz's 191 hp output compared to Car 1's 137 hp.
- More overall physical size and a commanding road presence are necessary (195.7 inches long).
- A transmission offering specific gear changes is preferred, as Car 2 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic over Car 1's CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.4" | 75.0" |
| Height | 64.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.5 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary difference in powertrain specification between the 2026 Encore GX and the 2026 Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz (Car 2) is significantly more powerful, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Encore GX (Car 1) offers less output at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 54 hp gap.
How do the MSRP and fuel efficiency ratings compare for daily use?
The Encore GX (Car 1) has a $3,600 lower MSRP at $25,900 and is more efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined. The Santa Cruz (Car 2) starts at $29,500 and is rated for 25 MPG combined.
Does the size difference impact utility, specifically cargo volume?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is considerably longer at 195.7 inches versus the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, suggesting more exterior bulk. However, the Encore GX explicitly states 23.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is higher than the base measurement provided for Car 2.
Are there differences in the type of gasoline or transmission used?
The Encore GX can utilize flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) and uses a Continuously Variable-speed Automatic transmission. The Santa Cruz requires regular unleaded fuel and features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
If I plan on heavy hauling or towing, which vehicle configuration seems more capable based on specs?
While specific tow ratings are absent, the Santa Cruz's higher torque rating (181 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft) and its truck-like body structure strongly suggest superior hauling capability over the Encore GX crossover.
Is the lower price of Car 1 justified by its performance metrics?
The Encore GX’s $3,600 lower price reflects its lower power output (137 hp). If acceleration is secondary to cost savings and fuel economy (30 MPG combined), Car 1 represents a stronger financial value.
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