Encore GX vs Outlander Sport
If you’re shopping for a car in the subcompact suv class, the Encore GX and the Outlander Sport are likely both on your shortlist. On balance, the Encore GX is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 4 areas, most clearly in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Encore GX wins
- Space & Practicality Encore GX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.1
- Space & Practicality3.8
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
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The Encore GX has better fuel economy
The Encore GX doesn’t just edge this one; 30 mpg against 26 mpg is a lead you’ll feel. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Encore GX has 8.3% more cargo space
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft against 21.7 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Outlander Sport has 11 hp more power
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Outlander Sport’s 148 hp beats the Encore GX’s 137 hp. The Outlander Sport’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Encore GX’s 30 mpg versus the Outlander Sport’s 23 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Encore GX has 17 lb-ft more torque
The Encore GX wins this narrowly, 162 lb-ft against 145 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
No clean winner on engine & performance. The Encore GX has 17 lb-ft more torque; the Outlander Sport has 11 hp more power. Which car wins on engine & performance depends on which of those strengths you’ll actually use.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Outlander Sport: 148 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Outlander Sport: 145 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
No contest in fuel economy & range: the Encore GX is the stronger of the two. Here the Encore GX offers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Encore GX is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Outlander Sport: 26 mpg The Encore GX uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Outlander Sport: 23 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Encore GX has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Encore GX leads
If you’re keeping score, the space & practicality point goes narrowly to the Encore GX. The Encore GX answers with 8.3% more cargo space. The Encore GX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. That makes the Encore GX the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Outlander Sport: 21.7 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 148 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 15.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft (winner) | 21.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 49.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 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 drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23.5 cu ft vs 21.7 cu ft)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 23 mpg in the city)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Outlander Sport if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (148 hp vs 137 hp)
- you’re loyal to Mitsubishi and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Outlander Sport?
The Encore GX makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having 11 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Is the Encore GX bigger than the Outlander Sport?
The Encore GX and the Outlander Sport are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
The Encore GX against the Outlander Sport: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. The Encore GX wins me over with better fuel economy. Beyond that, 8.3% more cargo space gives the Encore GX another edge. On the other side, the Outlander Sport brings 11 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
For fuel economy & range, the Encore GX fits better. For performance, the Outlander Sport is the better match.
My pick: the Encore GX, unless you’d rather have 11 hp more power on the Outlander Sport.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.