VS
At a Glance
Power
155hp @ 5600
174hp @ 5500
Torque
174lb-ft @ 1600
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
27 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
—
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Buick Encore Gx and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Buick Encore Gx delivers 155hp @ 5600 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Encore Gx returns 27 mpg est. while the Taos uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $26,200 for the Encore Gx and $29,260 for the Taos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Buick Encore GxAWD 4dr Avenir 2026 - From $26,200
Volkswagen TaosSE FWD 2026 - From $29,260
Performance
Power Output (hp)
155hp @ 5600
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
174lb-ft @ 1600
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
28mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
171.16in
175.8in
Width (in)
71.39in
72.5in
Height (in)
65.2in
64.4in
Wheelbase (in)
102in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3255lbs
3181lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Taos
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Taos
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Encore Gx
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Buick Encore Gx
Lower starting price ($26,200)
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Encore Gx or Taos?
The Encore Gx gets 27 mpg est. and the Taos gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Taos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Encore Gx or Taos?
The Encore Gx produces 155hp @ 5600 and 174lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Taos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Encore Gx and Taos?
The Encore Gx starts from $26,200 and the Taos from $29,260. The Encore Gx is cheaper by $3,060 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Encore Gx or the Taos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.