Encore GX vs HR-V
If you’re shopping for a car in the subcompact suv class, the Encore GX and the HR-V are likely both on your shortlist. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Encore GX is ahead in 1 of 4, led by a clear margin in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality HR-V wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- Space & Practicality5.9
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 HR-V has 21 hp more power
The Encore GX lists 137 hp; the HR-V comes in at 158 hp. That’s not a rounding error. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Encore GX has 24 lb-ft more torque
At 162 lb-ft versus 138 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Encore GX, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Encore GX has better fuel economy
It’s a small lead (30 mpg versus 28 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the Encore GX. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
If fuel economy (city) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Encore GX leads clearly with 30 mpg to the HR-V’s 26 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline.
-
The HR-V has 9.8% more maximum cargo space
The Encore GX isn’t far behind at 50.2 cu ft, but the HR-V’s 55.1 cu ft still comes out ahead. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 104.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Give the Encore GX credit for 24 lb-ft more torque, and the HR-V credit for 21 hp more power. Neither gets an outright win on engine & performance; your habits break the tie.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp HR-V: 158 hp The HR-V’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft HR-V: 138 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Encore GX leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Encore GX isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. Choose the Encore GX and you get better fuel economy. The Encore GX uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Encore GX.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg HR-V: 28 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg HR-V: 26 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
HR-V leads
On space & practicality, the difference is modest, and it favors the HR-V. On the HR-V, you get 9.8% more maximum cargo space. The HR-V can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads. Net result: the HR-V leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft HR-V: 55.1 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 158 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 24.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 55.1 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 104.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the HR-V if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (158 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (55.1 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft)
- you prefer staying with Honda
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the HR-V?
The Encore GX makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you value 21 hp more power above everything else.
Executive Summary
Buick makes the Encore GX, Honda makes the HR-V, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. Start with the headline difference (the Encore GX has 24 lb-ft more torque), and a lot of the decision falls into place. Another thing in the Encore GX’s favor is better fuel economy. Don’t write off the HR-V entirely: it has 21 hp more power.
The Encore GX is for you if fuel economy & range tops your list; the HR-V is for you if space & practicality does.
My pick: the Encore GX, though I’d happily point you to the HR-V if having 21 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.