Encore GX vs Venue
Both the Encore GX and the Venue sit in the subcompact suv class, and Buick and Hyundai are clearly watching each other. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Encore GX takes 3 of 4 areas against the Venue, starting with space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Encore GX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Encore GX wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range3.1
- Space & Practicality0.0
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
-
The Encore GX has 26% more cargo space
The numbers aren’t close. The Encore GX lists 23.5 cu ft for cargo (behind rear seats), while the Venue lists 18.7 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Encore GX has 57% more maximum cargo space
A clear win for the Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft against 31.9 cu ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Encore GX has 49 lb-ft more torque
Here the Encore GX pulls well ahead of the Venue, with 162 lb-ft compared to 113 lb-ft. The Encore GX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Encore GX has 16 hp more power
The Encore GX wins this narrowly, 137 hp against 121 hp, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Encore GX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Encore GX has a 12.3 in longer body
The Encore GX has the larger figure, 171.4 in to 159.1 in. Whether that helps depends entirely on you. A longer car usually means more room inside, while a shorter one is easier to park and maneuver in the city.
Design & Size
The Encore GX simply takes up more room than the Venue, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 99.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Encore GX leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Encore GX leads where it counts. On the Encore GX, you get 49 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. If engine & performance is your priority, the Encore GX is the car to pick.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Venue: 113 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Venue: 121 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On fuel economy & range, both deliver about the same. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
Encore GX leads
If space & practicality is high on your list, the Encore GX makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Encore GX scores with 26% more cargo space. The Encore GX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Prioritize space & practicality, and the Encore GX is where you should land.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Venue: 18.7 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 Venue: 31.9 cu ft The Encore GX can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
The Encore GX edges the off-road & towing section, though the Venue stays close. The Encore GX adds available all-wheel drive. The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Venue doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Encore GX is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Venue: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Encore GX and the Venue part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 121 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 113 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft (winner) | 18.7 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft (winner) | 31.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 99.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23.5 cu ft vs 18.7 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (50.2 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (137 hp vs 121 hp)
Choose the Venue if…
- you want the more compact car
- you trust Hyundai and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Venue?
On the specs compared here, the Encore GX makes more sense for most buyers; the Venue doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Encore GX or the Venue?
The larger model here is the Encore GX (171.4 in); the Venue is more compact at 159.1 × 69.7 × 61.4 in.
Executive Summary
The Encore GX against the Venue: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. I think the Encore GX makes its strongest case with 26% more cargo space. A second reason: the Encore GX comes with 49 lb-ft more torque.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the Encore GX, the second means the Venue.
My pick: the Encore GX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.