2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander lies in fuel economy, where the Encore GX achieves a combined 30 MPG compared to the Outlander's unspecified rating, though the Outlander boasts substantially greater output. The Outlander delivers 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. This performance gap is supported by the Outlander's larger exterior dimensions, measuring 185.8 inches long versus the Buick's 171.2 inches. However, the Encore GX commands a $4,095 MSRP advantage, starting at $25,900 versus the Outlander's $29,995. Interestingly, despite its smaller footprint, the Encore GX offers superior accessible utility with 23.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft, a critical factor often overlooked.
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 potential fuel efficiency (30 MPG combined) and lower entry price of $25,900.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is better suited for families due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions, resulting in a taller stance at 68.7 inches.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is the clear enthusiast choice, offering 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Encore GX's output.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The 2026 Buick Encore GX presents better initial value by undercutting the Outlander's MSRP by $4,095.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Budget constraints prioritize the lowest initial cost, with an MSRP of $25,900.
- Fuel economy is a critical metric, aiming for the 30 MPG combined rating.
- The buyer values compact maneuverability over sheer size, reflected in its 171.2-inch length.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- Higher power figures are required, evidenced by 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum overall vehicle presence is desired, given its 185.8-inch length and 68.7-inch height.
- The vehicle needs to handle E85 fuel, as the Encore GX lists flex-fuel capability while the Outlander uses regular unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.4" | 74.7" |
| Height | 64.1" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 106.5" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
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. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 54.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P235/60R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
What is the key difference in power output between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander produces 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This significantly exceeds the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which is rated at only 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
How do the cargo capacities compare for utility?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers substantially more accessible space with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander lags considerably behind in this specific measurement, offering only 10.9 cubic feet.
Which vehicle has the lower starting price?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is the more affordable option, starting at an MSRP of $25,900. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting MSRP of $29,995, creating a $4,095 price disparity.
Are there differences in the type of fuel used?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX supports flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) operation. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander specifies usage of only regular unleaded fuel.
How much larger is the Outlander dimensionally than the Encore GX?
The Outlander is longer by 14.6 inches (185.8 vs 171.2 inches) and taller by 4.6 inches (68.7 vs 64.1 inches), indicating a much larger overall exterior package.
Do either of these FWD crossovers offer a fuel economy advantage?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX explicitly states a 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating. The Mitsubishi Outlander's MPG is not provided, but the Encore GX's 30 MPG suggests better efficiency for city driving based on its published numbers.
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