Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V
Overview | |
Years produced1999-2005 | Years produced2020-Present |
MSRP$26,500 | MSRP$25,600 |
Listings9281 | Listings9341 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews5.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryAvailable in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment. | |
Reviews SummaryVerdict: The latest from Buick is a smartly refreshed Encore GX subcompact crossover, available in Preferred, Sport Touring, and for the first time, Avenir trims. This is Buick’s best-selling model and it’s easy to see why. The Encore GX is economical but still looks great, and it offers a decent powertrain and a comfy ride. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 158 hp I4 | Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Torque138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower158 hp @ 6500 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space24.4 cu ft | Cargo Space23.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3159 lbs | Curb Weight3023 lbs |
Height63.4 in | Height64.1 in |
Length179.8 in | Length171.2 in |
Width72.4 in | Width71.4 in |
Wheelbase104.5 in | Wheelbase102.2 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1999-2005 | 2020-Present |
MSRP | $26,500 | $25,600 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 5.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Available in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment. | Verdict: The latest from Buick is a smartly refreshed Encore GX subcompact crossover, available in Preferred, Sport Touring, and for the first time, Avenir trims. This is Buick’s best-selling model and it’s easy to see why. The Encore GX is economical but still looks great, and it offers a decent powertrain and a comfy ride. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 158 hp I4 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 158 hp I4 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 24.4 cu ft | 23.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3159 lbs | 3023 lbs |
Height | 63.4 in | 64.1 in |
Length | 179.8 in | 171.2 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 71.4 in |
Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 102.2 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | |

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.






































