2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson

$25,900 · Crossover

$29,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Buick Encore GX captivates with its accessible entry point at $25,900 and excellent efficiency, delivering a respectable 30 MPG combined from its 137 hp engine. It’s the sophisticated choice for the budget-conscious urbanite. Contrastingly, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson unleashes a punchier performance profile, boasting 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, making highway merges decidedly more engaging than the Buick's continuously variable transmission setup. The Tucson is the clear champion in raw utility, offering a cavernous 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. While the Tucson costs $3,300 more, its 50 hp advantage suggests a more spirited drive, even if its combined fuel economy dips slightly to 28 MPG. Both are FWD compact crossovers, but their philosophies diverge sharply on power delivery versus upfront savings and space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX wins for commuters due to its slightly better overall fuel economy at 30 MPG combined and lower starting price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is the better family choice, offering significantly more utility with 38.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Enthusiasts will prefer the Tucson's superior output of 187 horsepower, a massive 50 hp advantage over the Encore GX.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX provides unbeatable entry value, starting $3,300 lower than the Tucson while still offering efficient FWD capability.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $25,900.
Maximizing fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic is key, given its 30 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly smaller, more maneuverable footprint with a width of 71.4 inches.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...

You need substantial hauling capability, evidenced by its segment-leading 38.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire significantly more immediate power, backed by 187 hp.
You prefer the assured shifting feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Hyundai Tucson
Length	171.2"	182.7"
Width	71.4"	73.4"
Height	64.1"	-
Wheelbase	102.0"	108.5"

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	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	178 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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	357.5/471.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.3 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Extended Cabin 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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	57.6 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	6-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	235/65R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

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 Tucson.

How significant is the power difference between the 2026 Encore GX and the 2026 Tucson?

The difference is substantial; the Hyundai Tucson produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a full 50 horsepower more than the Buick Encore GX's 137 hp output. This translates directly to quicker acceleration and passing power in the Tucson.

Is the Buick Encore GX significantly more fuel-efficient than the Tucson?

Yes, the Buick holds a slight advantage in overall economy, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Tucson's 28 MPG combined. However, the Tucson offers better highway mileage at 33 MPG compared to the Buick’s 31 MPG highway.

Which crossover offers more interior space for cargo?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the undisputed cargo king, offering 38.7 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Buick Encore GX is considerably smaller in this regard, offering only 23.5 cu ft.

What is the price difference impacting the value proposition?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,900, making it $3,300 cheaper than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson's base MSRP of $29,200. This upfront saving is the primary driver for the Encore GX's value win.

Are there differences in their transmissions and fuel types?

The Buick uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) and can run on flex-fuel (E85), while the Tucson utilizes a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic paired with regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Tucson is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 182.7 inches long compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, and it is also wider at 73.4 inches versus the Buick's 71.4 inches.