Encore GX vs Envista
A single brand, two separate lines: Buick covers this space with both the Encore GX and the Envista. Look at the scorecard and the Encore GX stands out, ahead in 3 of 4 areas. The space & practicality numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality Encore GX wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Price Envista wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Encore GX has 20% more maximum cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Encore GX makes its strongest case: 50.2 cu ft against 42 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
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The Encore GX has 14% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Encore GX edges out the Envista, 23.5 cu ft to 20.7 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Envista has an 11.2 in longer body
This one isn’t a win or a loss. The Envista is larger here (182.6 in versus 171.4 in), which suits some people and not others. Length matters most in tight garages and city parking spaces.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 30 mpg against 28 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the Encore GX. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline.
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The Encore GX has available all-wheel drive
Not every buyer will care, but the Encore GX gives you available all-wheel drive and the Envista doesn’t. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
The Encore GX is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 182.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 106.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the engine & performance section; the two are too close to separate. In short, engine & performance is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Fuel Economy & Range
Encore GX leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the Encore GX. The Encore GX pulls ahead with better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Encore GX is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Envista: 28 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Encore GX has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Encore GX leads
On space & practicality, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Encore GX. The Encore GX takes this one with 20% more maximum cargo space. The Encore GX can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Encore GX.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft Envista: 42 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Envista: 20.7 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
The Encore GX takes off-road & towing by a nose. Choose the Encore GX and you get available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Encore GX comes out ahead.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Envista: no The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Envista doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.2L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 137 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft (winner) | 20.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft (winner) | 42 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Buick Driver Confidence |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 182.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 106.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | $23,800 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Encore GX carried a slight premium of $2,140 at launch. The Encore GX’s premium of $2,140 isn’t just for the name; it brings 20% more maximum cargo space and 14% more cargo space.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you move bulky items now and then (50.2 cu ft vs 42 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23.5 cu ft vs 20.7 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the Envista if…
- you don’t need the extras that cost $2,140 more
- you prefer a larger car and have the room for it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Envista?
We’d point most buyers to the Encore GX. The main exception is if the extra $2,140 would stretch your budget.
Is the Encore GX bigger than the Envista?
The Envista is the larger of the two. It measures 182.6 in, compared with 171.4 in for the Encore GX.
Which costs less, the Encore GX or the Envista?
The Encore GX launched at $2,140 more than the Envista, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
Let’s talk about the Encore GX and the Envista. Same family, but I don’t think they’re made for exactly the same person. The Encore GX wins me over with 20% more maximum cargo space. Add better city fuel economy to the list, and the Encore GX looks even better.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Encore GX suits buyers focused on fuel economy & range; the Envista suits those focused on price.
My pick: the Encore GX, unless you’d rather keep $2,140 for something else, in which case the Envista earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.