2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2026 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the 4 MPG advantage held by the Buick, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. The Buick also offers superior torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft, though the Outlander Sport slightly leads in peak power with 148 hp compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp. Financially, the Outlander Sport undercuts the Buick by $905, starting at an MSRP of $24,995 compared to $25,900. In terms of utility, the Encore GX provides more room, boasting 23.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. However, the Mitsubishi offers the mechanical advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive, while the Buick is FWD only, presenting a clear trade-off between efficiency and drivetrain capability across their nearly identical exterior lengths of approximately 171 inches.
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 fuel economy, offering 30 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG.
2026 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX is favored for families because it provides an extra 1.8 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity (23.5 cu ft vs. 21.7 cu ft).
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts by standardizing All-Wheel Drive and offering 148 horsepower.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport presents better initial value by offering AWD and higher horsepower for a $905 lower base MSRP.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing stops at the pump, evidenced by the 30/31 City/Highway MPG rating.
- You prioritize maximum accessible storage in a subcompact form factor, with 23.5 cu ft of cargo space available.
- You value higher low-end pulling power, as the Encore GX produces 162 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 145 lb-ft.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You require All-Wheel Drive capability, as the Outlander Sport includes this drivetrain standard.
- You seek the lowest possible entry price, with the Outlander Sport starting at $24,995, which is $905 less than Car 1.
- You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel over the flex-fuel requirement of the Buick Encore GX.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.3" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 363.4/458.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 52.1 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. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P215/70R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Which vehicle offers better power output, the 2026 Encore GX or the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a slight edge in peak power, delivering 148 horsepower compared to the Buick Encore GX's 137 horsepower. However, the Buick counters this with 162 lb-ft of torque, besting the Mitsubishi's 145 lb-ft.
How does the standard drivetrain affect fuel economy between these two crossovers?
The FWD-only 2026 Buick Encore GX achieves 30 combined MPG, directly benefiting from its drivetrain configuration. Conversely, the AWD-equipped 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sees a reduction to 26 combined MPG.
What is the price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the more affordable option with an MSRP of $24,995. The 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,900, resulting in a $905 price premium for the Buick.
Does the increased efficiency of the Buick impact cargo volume?
No, the 2026 Buick Encore GX actually offers more physical storage capacity despite its efficiency lead. It provides 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
Are there differences in the fuel requirements for these two vehicles?
Yes, the 2026 Buick Encore GX is noted as a flex-fuel vehicle capable of running on E85, whereas the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport requires only regular unleaded fuel.
How similar are the exterior footprints of the 2026 Encore GX and Outlander Sport?
The two vehicles are extremely similar in external dimensions; the Outlander Sport is slightly longer at 171.9 inches versus the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, and their widths are nearly identical at 71.3 and 71.4 inches, respectively.
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