2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2026 showdown between the Buick Encore GX and the Toyota Corolla Cross pits refined comfort against spirited efficiency. The Encore GX excites with its unique 137 hp flex-fuel capability and a slightly premium feel starting at an MSRP of $25,900, though it trails in outright power. Conversely, the Corolla Cross grabs attention immediately with a more robust 169 hp engine, offering a decisive 32 more horsepower than the Buick, while retaining a better 32 combined MPG. The Corolla Cross also edges out the Buick in practicality, boasting 24 cu ft of cargo space versus the Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft. While the Buick is notably smaller, measuring 171.2 inches long, the Corolla Cross provides more road presence at 176.1 inches. This comparison boils down to whether buyers prioritize the slightly larger cabin and proven reliability of the Toyota or the Buick's distinct packaging and flex-fuel option.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 combined MPG compared to the Encore GX's 30.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Families will appreciate the Corolla Cross's marginally larger 24 cu ft of cargo capacity over the 23.5 cu ft offered by the Encore GX.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross delivers a significantly more engaging drive with its 169 hp, outperforming the Encore GX's 137 hp rating.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides more power and efficiency for a lower entry price of $24,935 compared to the Buick's $25,900 MSRP.
Choose the Buick Encore GX if...
- You prefer a vehicle capable of running on E85 fuel via its flex-fuel system.
- You are seeking a slightly more compact urban crossover with a length of only 171.2 inches.
- You are drawn to Buick's distinctive styling and interior refinement over pure horsepower numbers.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- Maximizing output is key, as the Corolla Cross provides 169 hp versus the Buick's 137 hp.
- You need the absolute best fuel efficiency, where the Corolla Cross achieves 33 highway MPG.
- You desire a lower starting cost, as the Corolla Cross is priced $965 less at $24,935.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Encore GX | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.2" | 176.1" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 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 | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 51.9 in. | 52.6 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.0 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.7 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | P215/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more powerful is the Corolla Cross than the Encore GX?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross boasts 169 hp, giving it a clear advantage of 32 more horsepower than the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which produces 137 hp.
Which vehicle is better for long highway drives regarding fuel consumption?
The Corolla Cross is the more economical choice for highway travel, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these crossovers?
Only the 2026 Buick Encore GX is specified as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can operate on unleaded or E85 gasoline, unlike the standard unleaded required by the Corolla Cross.
Is there a significant difference in cargo space between these two small SUVs?
The difference is marginal, but the 2026 Corolla Cross offers a slightly larger storage area at 24 cubic feet, barely edging out the Encore GX's 23.5 cubic feet.
Which vehicle offers better value considering performance versus price?
The Corolla Cross offers superior value by providing significantly more horsepower (169 hp vs 137 hp) while maintaining a lower starting MSRP of $24,935.
Are the transmissions very different since both use CVTs?
While both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, the pairing in the Corolla Cross is tuned to handle its higher 169 hp output, whereas the Encore GX’s CVT manages lower torque figures (162 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft).
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