Encore GX vs Kicks Play
The Encore GX and the Kicks Play are two different answers to the same subcompact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. It’s a balanced fight with different weapons. The Encore GX relies on engine & performance, the Kicks Play on fuel economy & range. Price is part of the story too: the Kicks Play launched at $4,420 less than the Encore GX.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Encore GX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Kicks Play wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Price Kicks Play wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
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 48 lb-ft more torque
Among all the differences on this page, 162 lb-ft against 114 lb-ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Encore GX. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Encore GX has 15 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Encore GX leads with 137 hp to 122 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Kicks Play has better fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 33 mpg on the Kicks Play, 30 mpg on the Encore GX. The Kicks Play uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Kicks Play has better highway fuel economy
The Encore GX gives up a lot on fuel economy (highway): 31 mpg, compared with 36 mpg on the Kicks Play. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The Encore GX has available all-wheel drive
If you’ve come to rely on available all-wheel drive, note that the Kicks Play leaves it out. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Encore GX leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Encore GX leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The Encore GX comes with 48 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. In short, the Encore GX is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Kicks Play: 114 lb-ft The Encore GX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Kicks Play: 122 hp The Encore GX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Kicks Play leads
The Kicks Play clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. The Kicks Play takes this one with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Kicks Play.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Kicks Play: 33 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Encore GX: 31 mpg Kicks Play: 36 mpg The Kicks Play uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
In the off-road & towing category, the Encore GX is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Encore GX adds available all-wheel drive. The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Kicks Play doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Encore GX.
AWD / 4WD available
Encore GX: yes Kicks Play: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Encore GX and the Kicks Play row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 122 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 114 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 7 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Kicks Play |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,940 | $21,520 (winner) |
“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
You pay $4,420 extra for the Encore GX at launch prices, a difference of 21%. The spec sheets don’t crown a clear winner, so the $4,420 gap may do it instead.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Encore GX if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (162 lb-ft vs 114 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (137 hp vs 122 hp)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the Kicks Play if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (33 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($4,420 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Kicks Play?
The Kicks Play offers better value, saving $4,420 compared with the Encore GX.
Which costs less, the Encore GX or the Kicks Play?
The Kicks Play is the cheaper option, launching at $4,420 less than the Encore GX (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
The Encore GX from Buick and the Kicks Play from Nissan go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. It’s hard to argue with better fuel economy, which is exactly what the Kicks Play brings. To be fair, the Encore GX has 48 lb-ft more torque, and that’s not nothing.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Encore GX. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the Kicks Play.
My pick: the Kicks Play for most people, because the Encore GX’s premium of $4,420 is hard to justify.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.