2026 Buick Encore GX MPG: City, Highway & AWD Guide

What Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX's MPG Rating?

The 2026 Buick Encore GX's EPA rating depends on which drivetrain you choose. Front-wheel-drive models reach up to 30 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive models are rated at 27 mpg combined. That three-mpg gap is larger than what you'll find on some rivals, which makes the FWD-vs-AWD decision worth thinking through carefully if fuel economy is a priority, especially since every 2026 Encore GX trim — Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir — can be built either way.

Because the mpg gap between drivetrains is real, shoppers cross-shopping the Encore GX against a Chevy Trax or a best-value compact SUV should decide upfront how much winter traction matters versus a few extra miles per gallon.

2026 Buick Encore GX Engine, Specs & Trim Pricing

All three 2026 Encore GX trims — Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir — are available in FWD or AWD, and the drivetrain you pick determines both the engine under the hood and the mpg rating on the window sticker. Preferred FWD models can be built with either the base 1.2L engine or the upgraded 1.3L, while Sport Touring, Avenir, and every AWD trim come standard with the 1.3L. Here's the full spec sheet:

Trim pricing starts at $26,200 for the Preferred FWD, $27,400 for the Sport Touring FWD, and $31,700 for the Avenir FWD (all figures starting MSRP before destination); adding AWD runs about $1,600–$2,000 more per trim. All three trims qualify for the same mpg rating within their chosen drivetrain, so buyers can pick a trim based on features and budget rather than worrying that a nicer interior will cost them fuel economy. Our finance team can help structure a payment around whichever configuration makes sense for you.

Why FWD and AWD Encore GX Models Post Different MPG Numbers

The mpg gap comes down to hardware, not just weight. FWD Encore GX models pair their engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which keeps the engine running in its most efficient rev range more often. AWD models instead use a 9-speed automatic transmission to handle the added complexity of powering all four wheels, and the extra driveline hardware itself adds weight and mechanical drag. Together, those differences are why AWD trades roughly 3 mpg combined for the added traction — a meaningful trade-off if most of your driving happens on dry pavement rather than snow or gravel.

Has the Encore GX's MPG Rating Changed for 2026?

No — the 2026 Buick Encore GX carries over the identical EPA ratings from the 2025 model year in both FWD and AWD form. The running changes for 2026 are limited to equipment: a tire inflator kit is now standard on every trim, the compact spare tire moves from standard to optional, a new Brilliant Red exterior color replaces the outgoing Cinnabar Metallic, and a Studio Series appearance package joins the options list on Sport Touring AWD. Shoppers can expect the same real-world fuel economy as the outgoing model year.

How to Get the Best Real-World Fuel Economy from Your Encore GX

EPA figures are measured under controlled conditions, but a few habits and maintenance choices make a real difference in the mpg you'll actually see day to day, especially on the mountain roads common around Newport and the Smokies.

Driving Habits That Affect MPG

Smooth, gradual acceleration helps a small turbocharged three-cylinder like the Encore GX's stay out of boost more often, which is where it burns the most fuel. Steady highway speeds, anticipating stops instead of hard braking, and minimizing extended idling all help both the FWD and AWD Encore GX get closer to its EPA rating, particularly in stop-and-go traffic around town.

Tire Pressure, Maintenance & Fuel Type

Underinflated tires and overdue maintenance are two of the most common reasons any vehicle falls short of its rated mpg. Checking your tire pressure and tread regularly, using 87-octane regular unleaded as specified, and staying current on oil changes and air filter service all help the Encore GX's turbocharged engine run efficiently. Our certified service department can keep your Encore GX's maintenance schedule on track so small issues don't quietly chip away at your fuel economy.

Estimated Driving Range & Fuel Costs

With a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, a 2026 Encore GX FWD can travel roughly 396 miles between fill-ups under mixed driving, or closer to 410 miles on a highway-heavy trip. AWD models cover about 356 miles combined, or roughly 370 miles on the highway. Because gas prices fluctuate, it's worth running your own numbers with a current local price per gallon, but either configuration keeps the Encore GX in an easy-to-budget range for a small SUV that still offers an AWD option.

How the Encore GX's MPG Compares to Other Subcompact SUVs

The 2026 Buick Encore GX's mpg lands in the middle of the subcompact SUV pack — competitive in FWD form, a bit behind some AWD rivals once you add all-wheel drive. Here's how it stacks up against the segment's most cross-shopped models:

In front-wheel drive, the Encore GX essentially ties its Buick sibling, the Envista, and its Chevrolet cousin, the Trax — all three share GM's small-displacement turbocharged approach and land around 30 mpg combined. Once AWD enters the picture, the Encore GX's 27 mpg combined edges out the Honda HR-V AWD's 27 mpg (effectively a tie) and trails the all-wheel-drive Kia Seltos slightly, while the Nissan Kicks posts the segment's best number but is offered only with front-wheel drive. For buyers who want AWD as an option at all — something the Envista, Trax, and Kicks don't offer — the Encore GX's 27 mpg combined is a reasonable trade for genuine all-weather capability.