2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross often boils down to balancing efficiency against power and capability. If stretching every gallon is your top priority, the Encore GX starts with a notable advantage, delivering 30 MPG combined from its 137 hp engine. Contrast this with the Eclipse Cross, which offers a more spirited 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, albeit settling for 26 MPG combined. Price is another factor; the Buick rings in at $25,900 MSRP, undercutting the Mitsubishi's $27,695 sticker price. While both are small crossovers with similar footprints—the Buick measuring 171.2 inches long versus the Eclipse Cross at 179.0 inches—the Buick's superior fuel economy of 30/31 MPG highway/city makes it the clear choice for daily drivers counting costs, whereas the Eclipse Cross brings standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability to the table.
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 combined fuel economy of 30 MPG, saving money on daily travel.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross is better for families needing more stability, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and is slightly taller at 66.5 inches.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Enthusiasts will prefer the Eclipse Cross for its higher output, boasting 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to Car 1's 137 hp.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX offers better overall value with a lower starting MSRP of $25,900 and significantly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prioritize fuel economy above all else, as the Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined.
- You want the lowest entry price point, starting at just $25,900 MSRP.
- You value the flexibility of a flex-fuel system, allowing usage of E85.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need the enhanced traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer slightly more output for merging and acceleration, given its 152 horsepower.
- You need a slightly larger physical footprint, as the Eclipse Cross is 179.0 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 179.0" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.1" |
| Height | 64.1" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 152 hp @ 5500 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 | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 53.0 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much better is the fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial for regular driving; the 2026 Buick Encore GX achieves 30 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG better than the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined rating.
Does the Eclipse Cross's extra power translate to significantly more driving engagement?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross offers 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Encore GX’s 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, which should result in quicker acceleration.
Which vehicle offers better standard capability for rough weather or unpaved roads?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it a distinct advantage in adverse conditions over the front-wheel-drive setup of the Encore GX.
Are the cargo capacities very different between these two small crossovers?
Not really; they are virtually identical for packing gear, with the Encore GX offering 23.5 cubic feet and the Eclipse Cross offering 23.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Is the lower price of the Buick worth sacrificing horsepower and AWD?
The Buick is $1,795 cheaper at its base MSRP ($25,900 vs $27,695) and saves on gas, making it a stronger value proposition unless you specifically require the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp or AWD.
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