Encore GX vs Leaf
Different logos, same mission. The Encore GX and the Leaf both want to be your next car. This one has a front-runner. The Encore GX wins 2 of 3 compared areas, and space & practicality is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Leaf wins
- Space & Practicality Encore GX wins
- Off-road & Towing Encore GX wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Space & Practicality3.7
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 Leaf has 37 hp more power
Here the Leaf pulls well ahead of the Encore GX, with 174 hp compared to 137 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Encore GX has 18% more cargo space
The Encore GX doesn’t just edge this one; 23.5 cu ft against 20 cu ft is a lead you’ll feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Leaf has 92 lb-ft more torque
Big gap, real consequences. The Leaf’s 254 lb-ft versus the Encore GX’s 162 lb-ft changes how the two compare in daily use. The Leaf’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Leaf has 11% more maximum cargo space
Close, but not identical: the Leaf lists 55.5 cu ft and the Encore GX lists 50.2 cu ft. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The Encore GX has available all-wheel drive
Not every buyer will care, but the Encore GX gives you available all-wheel drive and the Leaf doesn’t. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.9 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,187 lb |
Engine & Performance
Leaf leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Leaf. The Leaf adds 37 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Leaf is the one to beat.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Leaf: 174 hp The Leaf’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Leaf: 254 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Encore GX leads
The space & practicality numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Encore GX. The Encore GX makes its case with 18% more cargo space. The Encore GX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. The Leaf scores with 11% more maximum cargo space. In short, the Encore GX is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Encore GX: 23.5 cu ft Leaf: 20 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 Leaf: 55.5 cu ft The Leaf can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Encore GX leads
The off-road & towing comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Encore GX marginally ahead. The Encore GX steps ahead thanks to available all-wheel drive. The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive; the Leaf 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 Leaf: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Encore GX and the Leaf differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 130 kW electric motor, 75 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 254 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 303 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cu ft (winner) | 20 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.2 cu ft | 55.5 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 31.80 in Least rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 5.30 in Lowest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14.3 in Biggest 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 | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | 173.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.3 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 105.9 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,187 lb |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Leaf |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23.5 cu ft vs 20 cu ft)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you already use other Buick products
Choose the Leaf if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (174 hp vs 137 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (254 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (55.5 cu ft vs 50.2 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Leaf?
We’d point most buyers to the Encore GX. The main exception is if you specifically want 37 hp more power, where the Leaf has the edge.
Is the Encore GX bigger than the Leaf?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Encore GX and the Leaf differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Encore GX from Buick and the Leaf from Nissan. The Encore GX wins me over with 18% more cargo space. Add available all-wheel drive to the list, and the Encore GX looks even better. On the other side, the Leaf brings 37 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Who should get which? The Encore GX for space & practicality, the Leaf for engine & performance.
My pick: the Encore GX; the one scenario where I’d reach for the Leaf is if your top priority is 37 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.