Small, affordable vehicles always field interest, whether it’s from young buyers or families looking to add a simple commuter vehicle to their fleet. However, what was once a group of bland econoboxes is now a competitive segment filled with style and technology supplementing fuel economy and practicality.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2025 Buick Encore GX are good examples of the better vehicles available in the segment.
Let’s take a closer look at these two subcompact SUVs.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota is often the best-selling automaker in the world each year for a reason: it makes quality products that last. The Toyota Corolla is an excellent example of one of their iconic vehicles that’s successfully been spun off into other variants.
The number of variants has grown to include the Toyota Corolla Cross. Launched for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is a popular choice in the segment as it borrows exterior styling from not only the Corolla compact car but also the RAV4 SUV. Powered by a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the Corolla Cross gets good fuel economy and can be had with all-wheel drive. It is also available as a hybrid, aptly named the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Inside, you’ll find a simple, uncluttered cabin with enough electronics to satisfy drivers of any age. The Corolla Cross also offers a higher driver’s seating position vs. its Corolla sedan and hatchback counterparts. Importantly, it does that while keeping prices around $25,000, which is critical to success in this segment.
Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights
Hybrid option: Toyota offers a hybrid option, something not available in the Buick. The hybrid model provides both more power, better fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive. Win-win-win!
Safety standard suite: All 2025 Corolla Cross models come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. The system includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more.
Power liftgate: Optional on the top trims, we love the convenience of a power opening and closing tailgate. This package also includes a moonroof, too.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models near you.
2025 Buick Encore GX
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is the smallest vehicle in the brand’s lineup. However, small doesn’t mean cheap or plain. Buick made its luxurious Avenir trim the top option of the three available for the Encore. Moving up gets you heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, hands-free power liftgate, and more.
Not only does the Encore GX offer many luxury appointments, but the cabin itself is also open and spacious. Even the back seat comfortably holds a couple of adults, and there is plenty of usable cargo space behind the second row of seats.
The Encore GX has two engine options: a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder or a 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder. Both offer better-than-expected performance in this small, lightweight vehicle. As with the Corolla Cross, all-wheel drive is optional. For 2025, the Encore GX’s 1.2-liter engine will accept E85 fuel.
Buick Encore GX Highlights
Plenty of space: The exterior footprint may not be huge, but the interior cabin is spacious, including room for average-sized adults in the second row.
Bigger technology: The Encore’s passenger cabin features an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. This is standard across the lineup.
All-wheel drive: Every version of the new Encore GX is eligible for all-wheel drive — which also means choosing the slightly more powerful engine — 155 hp versus 137 hp — but that’s not a bad thing.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Encore GX models near you.
Similarities
The Toyota Corolla Cross and Buick Encore GX feature simple and clean exteriors. They offer good interior space and multiple powertrain options, and both of these subcompact SUVs can be had with all-wheel drive.
Pricing
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 2025 Buick Encore GX | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp @ 6,600 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft @ 4,400-4,800 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 31 city/33 highway/32 combined mpg | 30 city/31 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | 1.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 inches | 102.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 175.6 inches | 171.4 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 71.4 inches |
| Height | 64.8 inches | 64.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 36.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.9 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 32.0 inches | 36.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 52.7 inches | 55.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 52.4 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.5 cubic feet | 23.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
These two vehicles are close in so many ways, including price. When you compare them side-by-side, you’ll notice the Toyota has a stronger and more efficient base engine, a lower starting price, better resale value, and more cargo space than the Buick. It’s also available as a hybrid. The advantages of the Buick Encore GX are a more luxurious interior available in the Avenir trim and more backseat legroom. Considering the traits of each — and test-driving them both — will help you determine the right SUV to fit your needs.
