Compare the2026 Lexus NXVS 2026 Buick Encore GX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus NX achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Buick Encore GX has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The NX has standard Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore GX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the NX’s standard Downhill Assist Control allows you to creep down safely. The Encore GX doesn’t offer Downhill Assist Control.

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Lexus NX’s backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system costs extra on the Buick Encore GX.

Both the NX and Encore GX have rear cross-traffic warning, but the NX has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Encore GX’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

The NX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

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

The Lexus NX weighs 690 to 1452 pounds more than the Buick Encore GX. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus NX is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

	NX	Encore GX
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	285	401
Neck Stress	136 lbs.	153 lbs.
Neck Compression	64 lbs.	82 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus NX is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

	NX	Encore GX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	43	91
Chest Movement	.5 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	96 lbs.	199 lbs.
Hip Force	238 lbs.	459 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	134	185
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	13 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Lexus NX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Encore GX is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The NX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore GX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the NX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Buick covers the Encore GX. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Encore GX ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The NX’s 6 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Encore GX runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the NX’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Encore GX’s camshafts. If the Encore GX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 14 points higher than the Encore GX and the Lexus NX is rated 33 points higher than the Encore GX.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 17 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked 9th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked second.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Buick is ranked 11th.

Engine

The NX has more powerful engines than the Encore GX:

	Horsepower
NX 350h AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	240 HP
NX 350 AWD 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	275 HP
NX 450h+ Premium AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	304 HP
Encore GX 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder	137 HP
Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder	155 HP

As tested in Motor Trend the NX 350h AWD is faster than the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder:

	NX	Encore GX
Zero to 60 MPH	7 sec	9.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	17 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89 MPH	80 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the NX running on electricity gets better mileage than the Encore GX:

			MPGe
NX
	AWD	450h+ Premium AWD Electric Motors	93 city/75 hwy
Encore GX
			MPG
	FWD	1.2 turbo 3-cyl.	30 city/31 hwy
		1.3 turbo 3-cyl.	29 city/31 hwy
	AWD	1.3 turbo 3-cyl.	26 city/28 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the NX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Encore GX:

			MPG
NX
	FWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	42 city/38 hwy
	AWD	350h AWD 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/37 hwy
		450h+ Premium AWD 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/33 hwy
Encore GX
	FWD	1.2 turbo 3-cyl.	30 city/31 hwy
		1.3 turbo 3-cyl.	29 city/31 hwy
	AWD	1.3 turbo 3-cyl.	26 city/28 hwy

The NX 450h can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Encore GX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The NX has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (14.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The NX has a standard locking fuel door and a locking charge port on the 450h with a power remote release convenient to the driver and which locks and unlocks with the power locks, respectively. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a locking fuel filler door. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the NX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore GX:

	NX	Encore GX
Front Rotors	12.9 inches	11.81 inches
Rear Rotors	12.5 inches	10.39 inches

The NX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore GX are solid, not vented.

The NX stops shorter than the Encore GX:

	NX	Encore GX
70 to 0 MPH	175 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the NX has larger tires than the Encore GX (235/60R18 vs. 225/55R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the NX offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Encore GX’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the NX can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Encore GX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Lexus NX has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore GX has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The NX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the NX flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The NX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the NX’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the Encore GX (105.9 inches vs. 102 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the NX is 2.3 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore GX.

The NX 350 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Encore GX Sport Touring AWD (27.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore GX (7.7 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the NX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The NX’s minimum ground clearance is .6 inch higher than on the Encore GX (8.1 vs. 7.5 inches).

Passenger Space

The NX has .1 inches more front legroom, 4.4 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, .1 inches more rear legroom, 1.8 inches more rear hip room and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore GX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the NX’s rear seats recline. The Encore GX’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The NX’s cargo area is larger than the Encore GX’s in almost every dimension:

	NX	Encore GX
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37.6”/70.3”	31.8”/60.8”
Max Width	54.5”	53”
Min Width	39.7”	40.7”
Height	29.6”	32”

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the NX’s optional rear seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Encore GX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the NX. The Encore GX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Buick Encore GX is limited to 1000 pounds. The NX offers up to a 2000 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the NX uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Encore GX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The NX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore GX uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Buick. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 22% lower rating, Buick is ranked 9th.

Ergonomics

The NX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The NX’s front and rear power windows all open or close 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 Encore GX’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

On a hot day the NX’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Encore GX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The NX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The NX’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Encore GX’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The NX Luxury/450+ F Sport has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Encore GX doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the NX Luxury/450+ F Sport has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore GX doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The NX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore GX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Lexus NX and Buick Encore GX offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The NX features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Encore GX’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The NX has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Encore GX. The NX 350 Luxury/350h Luxury/350h F Sport also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Encore GX.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the NX keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The NX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Encore GX Avenir.

Both the NX and the Encore GX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the NX has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore GX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The NX Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Encore GX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus NX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus NX outsold the Buick Encore GX by 25% during 2024.

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