Encore GX vs Eclipse Cross
Both the Encore GX and the Eclipse Cross sit in the subcompact suv class, and Buick and Mitsubishi are clearly watching each other. Each has a clear strength: the Encore GX leads on fuel economy & range, and the Eclipse Cross answers with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Eclipse Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Encore GX wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance2.9
- Fuel Economy & Range0.3
- Space & Practicality4.8
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 better fuel economy
If fuel economy (combined) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Encore GX leads clearly with 30 mpg to the Eclipse Cross’s 26 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Eclipse Cross has 15 hp more power
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 152 hp for the Eclipse Cross, 137 hp for the Encore GX. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The Encore GX lists 30 mpg for fuel economy (city), while the Eclipse Cross lists 25 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline.
-
The Eclipse Cross has 22 lb-ft more torque
On paper, the Eclipse Cross is a touch ahead here, listing 184 lb-ft against 162 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Encore GX has better highway fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Encore GX: 31 mpg compared with 28 mpg. The Encore GX uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
A larger body can leave more room inside, while a smaller one is easier to live with in tight spaces. Here, the Eclipse Cross is the larger car.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 179 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 66.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Eclipse Cross leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Eclipse Cross leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The Eclipse Cross delivers 15 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If this section decides it for you, choose the Eclipse Cross.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Eclipse Cross: 152 hp The Eclipse Cross’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Eclipse Cross: 184 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Encore GX leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The Encore GX leads where it counts. The Encore GX has the edge with better fuel economy. The Encore GX uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Net result: the Encore GX leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Eclipse Cross: 26 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Eclipse Cross: 25 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the Encore GX and the Eclipse Cross are effectively level. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the Encore GX nor the Eclipse Cross has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
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 | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (S-AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 15.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | 23.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 50.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 179 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 66.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 (winner) | $27,695 |
“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
Launch prices sit $1,755 apart, so budget is unlikely to be the deciding factor. On value, it’s close: the Eclipse Cross leads in places, and the Encore GX answers with $1,755 less to pay.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 25 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (31 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you’d put the $1,755 saving toward something else
Choose the Eclipse Cross if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Eclipse Cross?
The Encore GX and the Eclipse Cross split the comparison (fuel economy & range for the Encore GX, engine & performance for the Eclipse Cross), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Which is larger, the Encore GX or the Eclipse Cross?
The Eclipse Cross takes that one. With dimensions of 179 × 71.1 × 66.5 in, it is larger than the Encore GX (171.4 in).
Which costs less, the Encore GX or the Eclipse Cross?
Going by launch prices, the Encore GX costs $1,755 less than the Eclipse Cross. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
The Encore GX against the Eclipse Cross: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. What I like most about the Encore GX here is better fuel economy. Less flashy, but still real: the Encore GX brings better highway fuel economy. I’ll admit the Eclipse Cross has a point with 15 hp more power.
I’d match them like this: fuel economy & range to the Encore GX, engine & performance to the Eclipse Cross.
My pick: it genuinely depends, with the Encore GX ahead on fuel economy & range and the Eclipse Cross ahead on engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.