Compare the2026 Buick Encore GXVS 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Buick Encore GX offers an optional HD Surround Vision and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

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

There are almost 3 times as many Buick dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Encore GX’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Encore GX has a standard 130-amp alternator. The Outlander’s 120-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Encore GX has a standard 760-amp battery. The Outlander’s 720-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Encore GX first among small SUVs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Outlander isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick above average in initial quality. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 113 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 30th.

On the EPA test cycle the Encore GX gets better mileage than the Outlander:

The Encore GX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander ES/Trail’s standard 60 series tires.

The Encore GX offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Encore GX has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Buick Encore GX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Encore GX is 1 foot, 2.6 inches shorter than the Outlander, making the Encore GX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Encore GX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Outlander doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Encore GX has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (23.5 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The Encore GX AWD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Encore GX can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Outlander can’t be towed flat on the ground.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Buick 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 13% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 19th.

The Encore GX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Outlander does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Encore GX and the Outlander have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Encore GX is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Encore GX’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Outlander’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Encore GX’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Outlander doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Mitsubishi Connect can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The Encore GX’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Encore GX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Encore GX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL/Trail.

The Encore GX Avenir has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Buick Encore GX and the Mitsubishi Outlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Buick Encore GX outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by 36% during 2025.