2026 Buick Encore GX vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos

$25,900 · Crossover

$26,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference between the 2026 Buick Encore GX and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos lies in performance, with the Taos generating a robust 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque—a 37 hp deficit for Buick. While the Taos is marginally more fuel-efficient overall with a 31 MPG combined rating versus the Encore GX's 30 MPG, the Buick excels slightly in city driving (30 MPG vs. 28 MPG). Dimensionally, the Taos offers superior utility, boasting 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick's 23.5 cu ft, although the Taos is slightly longer at 175.9 inches. Price is close, with the Encore GX starting at $25,900 against the Taos's $26,500, positioning the Buick as the marginally lower initial investment in this FWD crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior highway MPG rating of 36 MPG and a more capable 8-speed automatic transmission versus the Buick's CVT.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos provides better utility for families, offering 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Buick Encore GX's 23.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos is the definitive choice for driving enthusiasts, producing 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Encore GX's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX offers a better initial entry point at $25,900 MSRP, making it $600 cheaper than the Volkswagen Taos.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

Your priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $25,900.
You prefer utilizing E85 fuel when available, given the flex-fuel compatibility.
Consistent city driving efficiency (30 MPG) is more crucial than superior highway figures.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

Maximum performance is required, evidenced by 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Greater interior storage is needed, supplied by 27.9 cu ft of cargo space.
The best overall fuel economy (31 MPG combined) and highest highway range (36 MPG) are desired.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Encore GX	Volkswagen Taos
Length	171.2"	175.9"
Width	71.4"	72.5"
Height	64.1"	64.5"
Wheelbase	102.0"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	Volkswagen
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	174 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/31 MPG	28/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.0/409.2 mi.	369.6/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	51.9 in.	53.9 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	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.7 in.	45.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Buick	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Buick Encore GX and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.

How much greater is the power output in the 2026 Taos compared to the Encore GX?

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is substantially more than the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover provides better efficiency for highway commuting?

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is superior for highway commuting, achieving an EPA estimate of 36 MPG on the highway compared to the 2026 Buick Encore GX's 31 MPG highway rating.

Is there a notable difference in cargo capacity between these two vehicles?

Yes, the Volkswagen Taos offers 27.9 cu ft of cargo volume, providing 4.4 cubic feet more space than the Buick Encore GX, which has 23.5 cu ft.

How do the transmissions differ between the 2026 Encore GX and Taos?

The Buick Encore GX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Volkswagen Taos is equipped with a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.