Against 32 other 3-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Encore GX sits right on their 30 mpg average.
Every Buick Encore GX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 3-cyl | 29.4 / 31.4 | 2020–2026 | $1,263 | |
| 1.2L 3-cyl | 29 / 31 | 2022–2023 | $1,280 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 Encore GX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,071 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Buick Encore GX gives up 2 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 29 in the city, $85 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (7%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Encore GX changed over the years
The Encore GX peaked in 2021 at 31 mpg (30 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 30 — 1 mpg apart, or $41 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 30.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2021 | 30 / 32 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2020 | 30 / 32 | 1 | $1,239 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Buick Encore GX — 2 engines across 2020–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,071. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Buick Encore GX get?
30 mpg combined, 29 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2020 the Encore GX has averaged 30.3 mpg.
Is the 2026 Encore GX more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which Encore GX year has the best gas mileage?
The 2021, at 31 mpg combined (30 city, 32 highway).
Does the Encore GX get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 30 mpg for the 2026 Encore GX against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $256 a year more to run.
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