Buick Encore vs Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus NX leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Buick Encore

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations

31mpg combined (best)
All Buick Encore specs

2015–2026

Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations

40mpg combined (best)
All Lexus NX specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBuick EncoreLexus NX
Best combined MPG31 mpg40 mpg
Best city MPG30 mpg42 mpg
Best highway MPG33 mpg38 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,000$1,900
Lowest CO2 output288 g/mi87 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-StartSIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5
TransmissionsAutomatic 9-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S6)Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Gasoline or E85Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20262015–2026
Configurations on record4758

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Encore vs NX: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Buick Encore or the Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 40 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Lexus NX runs about $1,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,000 for the Buick Encore — a difference of roughly $100 per year.

What engines do the Encore and NX offer?

Buick Encore: SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start. Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Buick Encore as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Lexus NX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Encore comparisons

Comparison id: buick-encore-vs-lexus-nx