Encore GX vs Corolla Cross
Different logos, same mission. The Encore GX and the Corolla Cross both want to be your next car. Across 4 compared areas, the Corolla Cross takes 2. The widest gap shows up under engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corolla Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Corolla Cross wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.7
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 Corolla Cross has 32 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Corolla Cross brings 169 hp to the table; the Encore GX brings 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 Corolla Cross has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Corolla Cross (32 mpg versus 30 mpg). Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Encore GX has 12 lb-ft more torque
The Encore GX gets a small bonus on torque, with 162 lb-ft against the Corolla Cross’s 150 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Corolla Cross has better highway fuel economy
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Corolla Cross leads 33 mpg to 31 mpg. The Corolla Cross uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Corolla Cross leads
In this area the Corolla Cross has a lead the Encore GX can’t close. The Corolla Cross pulls ahead with 32 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The Encore GX scores with 12 lb-ft more torque. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Corolla Cross.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Corolla Cross: 169 hp The Corolla Cross’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Corolla Cross: 150 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Corolla Cross leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the Corolla Cross leads, and not by a little. The Corolla Cross stands out with better fuel economy. The Corolla Cross uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Corolla Cross is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Corolla Cross: 32 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 Corolla Cross: 33 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
In the space & practicality category, the Encore GX and the Corolla Cross land in almost the same place. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Encore GX and the Corolla Cross each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 169 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 150 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Buick and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Corolla Cross if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (169 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (32 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (33 mpg vs 31 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Encore GX or the Corolla Cross?
The Corolla Cross makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is 12 lb-ft more torque.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Encore GX and the Corolla Cross, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. The Corolla Cross wins me over with 32 hp more power. Beyond that, better fuel economy gives the Corolla Cross another edge. The Encore GX isn’t without merit: 12 lb-ft more torque is a real advantage.
If you’d rather have strength in pulling power, go with the Encore GX. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Corolla Cross.
My pick: if it were my money, the Corolla Cross, unless you value 12 lb-ft more torque above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.