Encore GX vs Trax
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Encore GX from Buick or the Trax from Chevrolet. This isn’t a case of one being simply better. The Encore GX leads in fuel economy & range, the Trax in space & practicality, and both leads are real. The Trax launched $5,440 lower than the Encore GX, so every advantage on the pricier side has to earn its keep.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality Trax wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Price Trax wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
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 Trax has 8.9% more cargo space
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Trax leads 25.6 cu ft to 23.5 cu ft. The Trax’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Trax has 7.8% more maximum cargo space
The difference is minor (54.1 cu ft against 50.2 cu ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Trax wins it. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
The Trax comes close with 28 mpg; the Encore GX does slightly better with 30 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Encore GX has available all-wheel drive
Some features are nice extras; for some people, available all-wheel drive is a deal-breaker. Only the Encore GX has it. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Going by the official dimensions, the Trax is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 179.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 106.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Both the Encore GX and the Trax cover engine & performance equally well on paper. If engine & performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Fuel Economy & Range
Encore GX leads
On fuel economy & range, the Encore GX comes out slightly ahead. The Encore GX answers with better city fuel economy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline. On fuel economy & range alone, the Encore GX gets the nod.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Trax: 28 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Encore GX has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Trax leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Trax. The Trax scores with 8.9% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. For space & practicality, the Trax is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Trax: 25.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft Trax: 54.1 cu ft The Trax can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
Slight edge to the Encore GX on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Encore GX has the edge with available all-wheel drive. The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Encore GX comes out ahead.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Trax: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Encore GX and the Trax each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 25.6 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 54.1 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 38.70 in Most rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 11 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 179.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 106.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | $20,500 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“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
A launch price gap of 27% is hard to ignore, and in this case it amounts to $5,440 in favor of the Trax. On value, it’s close: the Encore GX leads in places, and the Trax answers with $5,440 less to pay.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you like a car that takes up less room
Choose the Trax if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (25.6 cu ft vs 23.5 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.1 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you’d rather keep $5,440 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Trax?
The Trax offers better value, saving $5,440 compared with the Encore GX.
Which is larger, the Encore GX or the Trax?
Going by the official dimensions, the Trax is the larger one: 179.1 in against the Encore GX’s 171.4 in.
Which costs less, the Encore GX or the Trax?
The Trax is the cheaper option, launching at $5,440 less than the Encore GX (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Encore GX and the Trax. I just have opinions about the numbers. The biggest reason I lean toward the Trax is simple: it has 8.9% more cargo space. Don’t write off the Encore GX entirely: it has better city fuel economy.
A quick self-test: do you care more about fuel economy & range or space & practicality? The first answer means the Encore GX, the second means the Trax.
My pick: the Trax, because value matters and $5,440 is real money.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.