Buick Encore vs GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 32 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Buick Encore leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Buick Encore
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
2015–2027
GMC Terrain
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Buick Encore | GMC Terrain |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 32 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,000 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi ✓ | 316 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S6) | Automatic 8-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 9-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Regular, Premium, Diesel |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 47 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Encore vs Terrain: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Buick Encore or the GMC Terrain?
The GMC Terrain is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 32 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $200 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Buick Encore runs about $2,000 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,200 for the GMC Terrain — a difference of roughly $200 per year.
What engines do the Encore and Terrain offer?
Buick Encore: SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start. GMC Terrain: SIDI, 1.6, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Buick Encore and the GMC Terrain as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they compete directly.
More Encore comparisons
Comparison id: buick-encore-vs-gmc-terrain