Compare the2026 GMC TerrainVS 2026 Buick Encore GX

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Terrain has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore GX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Terrain AWD’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Encore GX doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Terrain and Encore GX have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Terrain has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Encore GX’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Terrain and the Encore GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

There are over 78 percent more GMC dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Terrain’s warranty.

The Terrain FWD’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 38 more horsepower (175 vs. 137) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 162) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The Terrain FWD’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (175 vs. 155) and 10 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder. The Terrain AWD’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (175 vs. 155) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Terrain AWD is faster than the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder:

The Terrain FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (14.8 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Terrain AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (15.6 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The Terrain stops shorter than the Encore GX:

For better traction, the Terrain has larger tires than the Encore GX (235/65R17 vs. 225/55R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Terrain Denali offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Encore GX’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For superior ride and handling, the GMC Terrain has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore GX has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Terrain’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the Encore GX (107.5 inches vs. 102 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Terrain is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore GX.

The Terrain has .9 inches more front headroom, 3.1 inches more front legroom, 3.4 inches more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 3.7 inches more rear legroom, .3 inches more rear hip room and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore GX.

The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore GX with its rear seat up (29.8 vs. 23.5 cubic feet). The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore GX with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 50.2 cubic feet).

The Terrain’s cargo area is larger than the Encore GX’s in every dimension:

Maximum trailer towing in the Buick Encore GX is limited to 1000 pounds. The Terrain AWD offers up to a 1500 lbs. towing capacity.

On a hot day the Terrain’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore GX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Terrain has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Encore GX. The Terrain also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Encore GX.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Terrain keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Terrain has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Encore GX.

Both the Terrain and the Encore GX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Terrain has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore GX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The GMC Terrain outsold the Buick Encore GX by 48% during 2024.