Encore GX vs Taos
Buick brings the Encore GX; Volkswagen answers with the Taos. Both play in the subcompact suv class. On balance, the Taos is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Taos wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Taos wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.5
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
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The Taos has 37 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Taos makes its strongest case: 174 hp against 137 hp. The Taos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Taos has better highway fuel economy
The Taos clearly leads on fuel economy (highway), and 36 mpg versus 31 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Taos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The Taos has 22 lb-ft more torque
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Taos leads 184 lb-ft to 162 lb-ft. The Taos’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Encore GX has better city fuel economy
The difference is minor (30 mpg against 28 mpg), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Encore GX wins it. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Taos leads
The Encore GX is outclassed on engine & performance; the Taos leads by a clear margin. Point to the Taos for 37 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Taos is the safer choice.
Total system output
Encore GX: 137 hp Taos: 174 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Encore GX: 162 lb-ft Taos: 184 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Taos leads
Slight edge to the Taos on fuel economy & range. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Taos has the edge with better highway fuel economy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point. The Encore GX makes its case with better city fuel economy. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Taos.
Fuel economy (highway)
Encore GX: 31 mpg Taos: 36 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Fuel economy (city)
Encore GX: 30 mpg Taos: 28 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Encore GX has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the Encore GX and the Taos barely differ. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Encore GX | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you trust Buick and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Taos if…
- you want more power (174 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Encore GX or the Taos?
The Taos wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d trade the rest for better city fuel economy.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Encore GX and the Taos purely on what they offer. The Taos earns my vote first and foremost with 37 hp more power. I also like that the Taos brings better highway fuel economy. The Encore GX isn’t without merit: better city fuel economy is a real advantage.
Choose by what you’d use most: fuel economy (city) leads to the Encore GX, engine & performance leads to the Taos.
My pick: the Taos, and I’d only look at the Encore GX if you need better city fuel economy, which only the Encore GX offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.