Encore GX vs Crosstrek
The Encore GX and the Crosstrek land in the same subcompact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
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 Crosstrek has 15 hp more power
Slight advantage to the Crosstrek: 152 hp compared with 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 17 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Encore GX edges out the Crosstrek, 162 lb-ft to 145 lb-ft. The Encore GX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 30 mpg against 27 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the Encore GX. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Encore GX starts from a better baseline.
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The Crosstrek has better highway fuel economy
The Crosstrek nudges ahead with 34 mpg, while the Encore GX lists 31 mpg. The Crosstrek uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Here the two take different paths. The Encore GX goes for 17 lb-ft more torque, the Crosstrek for 15 hp more power. In short, engine & performance splits the vote, and your use case casts the deciding one.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Crosstrek: 152 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Crosstrek: 145 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trade-off
This area is a trade-off. Choose the Encore GX for better city fuel economy, or the Crosstrek for better highway fuel economy. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: decide which advantage matters more to you.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Crosstrek: 27 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Fuel economy (highway)
Encore GX: 31 mpg Crosstrek: 34 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the Encore GX and the Crosstrek cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Encore GX’s and the Crosstrek’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 152 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in Highest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 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 pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you trust Buick and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Crosstrek if…
- you want more power (152 hp vs 137 hp)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
- you already use other Subaru products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Crosstrek?
It depends on your priorities: the Encore GX is stronger on pulling power, while the Crosstrek leads on performance.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Encore GX’s and the Crosstrek’s) so you don’t have to. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Encore GX brings 17 lb-ft more torque. Beyond that, better city fuel economy gives the Encore GX another edge. On the other side, the Crosstrek brings 15 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
The Encore GX is built for people who weigh pulling power heavily, and the Crosstrek for people who weigh performance.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since pulling power means the Encore GX and performance means the Crosstrek.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.