Encore GX vs Niro
The Encore GX and the Niro are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Look at the scorecard and the Niro stands out, ahead in 3 of 4 areas. The fuel economy & range numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Niro wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Niro wins
- Space & Practicality Niro wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Space & Practicality6.2
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 Niro has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the Niro leads by a wide margin: 53 mpg versus 30 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Niro has 27% more maximum cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 63.7 cu ft to the Encore GX’s 50.2 cu ft, the Niro has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Niro can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The Niro has 33 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the Niro is far ahead here: 195 lb-ft compared with 162 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Niro has better city fuel economy
The Niro’s 53 mpg leaves the Encore GX’s 30 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Niro has better highway fuel economy
Not a close call. The Niro lists 54 mpg and the Encore GX lists 31 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. The Niro uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Size won’t decide this one: the Encore GX and the Niro have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 174 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 107.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Niro leads
The engine & performance comparison is one-sided. The Niro leads where it counts. The Niro gives you 33 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. If engine & performance is your priority, the Niro is the car to pick.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Niro: 195 lb-ft The Niro’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Niro leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Niro isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. Choose the Niro and you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Niro has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Niro: 53 mpg The Niro uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Niro: 53 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Niro has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Niro leads
The Niro is the clear pick if space & practicality is what you care about most. The Niro answers with 27% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Niro is the safer choice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Encore GX: 50.2 cu ft Niro: 63.7 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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 pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Encore GX.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Niro: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 139 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 54 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 22.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 174 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 107.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you already know your way around Buick’s products
Choose the Niro if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (53 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you move bulky items now and then (63.7 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (195 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better city fuel economy (53 mpg vs 30 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Niro?
We’d point most buyers to the Niro. The main exception is if you value available all-wheel drive above everything else.
Is the Encore GX bigger than the Niro?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Encore GX and the Niro differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Encore GX and the Niro purely on what they offer. Practically speaking, the Niro’s biggest advantage is better fuel economy. Nor should you ignore that the Niro has 27% more maximum cargo space. Still, if you care most about available all-wheel drive, the Encore GX deserves a look.
I’d match them like this: off-road & towing to the Encore GX, engine & performance to the Niro.
My pick: the Niro. I’d only go for the Encore GX if having available all-wheel drive matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.