Cross-Shop Comparison
2026 Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V Hot Springs AR
More low-end torque and a genuine luxury trim on the Buick side; more cargo room and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ on the Honda side. Here is how the two subcompact crossovers actually compare.
The Encore GX and the Honda HR-V compete for the same subcompact-crossover shopper in Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Hope and Bryant, and each has a real, sourced advantage: the Encore GX's turbocharged engine makes more torque at low RPM than the HR-V's naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and Buick's Avenir trim reaches a level of standard content the HR-V lineup does not offer. The Honda counters with more cargo room and IIHS's top safety award. Allen Tillery Buick GMC sells the Encore GX and can put you in one for a test drive this week.
Quick Take
The 2026 Encore GX is the pick for a buyer who wants more low-end pull, an available all-wheel-drive 9-speed automatic, and a top trim - Avenir - with genuine leather and a power liftgate. The HR-V is the pick for a buyer who prioritizes maximum cargo room and wants IIHS's highest safety award badge specifically. For most Hot Springs shoppers cross-shopping this pair, the Encore GX's Avenir trim and stronger low-end torque make it the more complete package for the money.
2026 Buick Encore GX Overview
Three trims from $27,295 to $32,795, all including destination. Two turbocharged three-cylinder engines (137 hp/162 lb-ft and 155 hp/174 lb-ft), front-wheel drive standard with all-wheel drive available on every trim, and 23.5 cu ft of cargo behind the rear seat.
2026 Honda HR-V Overview
Honda's HR-V runs three trims - LX, Sport and EX-L - with a single 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder (158 hp, 138 lb-ft) across the lineup, front-wheel drive standard with Real Time AWD available. Cargo runs 24.4 cu ft behind the rear seat, and the HR-V carries IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for 2026.
Powertrain Comparison
| Spec | Encore GX | Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L or 1.3L turbo I3 | 2.0L naturally aspirated I4 |
| Horsepower | 137-155 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 162-174 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) / 9-speed auto (AWD) | CVT |
| Combined MPG (FWD) | 30 | 28 |
The Encore GX's turbo engines make meaningfully more torque - up to 174 lb-ft against the HR-V's 138 lb-ft - which is the number that matters for merging onto Highway 7 or climbing out of a stop in downtown Hot Springs, even though Honda's naturally aspirated four-cylinder claims a few more peak horsepower.
Interior and Technology Comparison
Both vehicles seat five and offer an 11-inch-class touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The clearest interior difference is at the top of each lineup: Buick's Avenir trim adds perforated leather, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate, all standard - a level of standard luxury content the Encore GX lineup reaches that the HR-V's own top trim does not match feature-for-feature at a comparable price.
Pricing and Value
| Trim Tier | Encore GX | Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Entry trim | $27,295 (Preferred) | about $26,500 (LX) |
| Top trim | $32,795 (Avenir) | about $30,350 (EX-L) |
HR-V figures are a secondary-source estimate; re-verify against a current HR-V price sheet before quoting to the cent.
Where the Encore GX Wins
- More low-end torque. Up to 174 lb-ft against the HR-V's 138 lb-ft.
- A genuine top-trim luxury option. Avenir's leather, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate and power liftgate go further than the HR-V's own top trim.
- A 9-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive models, versus the HR-V's CVT in every configuration.
- Slightly better combined fuel economy with front-wheel drive - 30 mpg against the HR-V's 28.
Where the Honda HR-V Wins
- More cargo room. 24.4 cu ft behind the rear seat and 55.1 cu ft folded, against the Encore GX's 23.5 and 50.2.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Honda earned the award's top tier for 2026; the Encore GX does not currently carry a Top Safety Pick designation.
- A lower entry price. The LX trim starts lower than the Encore GX Preferred.
Which Should You Choose?
If maximum cargo room or an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ badge is the deciding factor, the HR-V earns that comparison outright. For most other subcompact-crossover shoppers - anyone who wants more low-end torque, an available 9-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, or a genuinely upscale top trim - the Encore GX's Avenir gives you more for the money than the HR-V's own top trim reaches. See what's on our lot and decide for yourself behind the wheel.
Test Drive the Encore GX at Allen Tillery
Allen Tillery Buick GMC stocks the Encore GX in Hot Springs, with easy delivery to Arkadelphia, Hope and Bryant, and out past Hot Springs National Park. Call (501) 881-4160 or book a test drive to compare it against the HR-V for yourself.
Encore GX vs HR-V FAQs
Is the Encore GX or the HR-V more powerful?
The HR-V claims slightly more peak horsepower (158 vs up to 155), but the Encore GX's turbo engines make more torque (up to 174 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft), which matters more for everyday acceleration.
Which has more cargo space, the Encore GX or the HR-V?
The HR-V, at 24.4 cu ft behind the rear seat and 55.1 cu ft folded, against the Encore GX's 23.5 and 50.2.
Does the Encore GX have a Top Safety Pick award?
No. The HR-V carries IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ for 2026; the Encore GX does not currently hold a Top Safety Pick designation, though it does score Good on IIHS's small overlap front and updated side tests.
Which is cheaper, the Encore GX or the HR-V?
The HR-V LX starts lower than the Encore GX Preferred, though the gap narrows at the top of each lineup.
Does either vehicle offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, both offer AWD on every trim - the Encore GX pairs it with a 9-speed automatic, while the HR-V's Real Time AWD keeps the same CVT used on front-wheel-drive models.
Which has the nicer top trim?
The Encore GX Avenir adds perforated leather, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a power liftgate, all standard - content the HR-V's own top trim does not match at a comparable price.
See the Encore GX in person
Compare it against the HR-V yourself, worth the drive from Benton, Malvern or Little Rock.
More on the 2026 Encore GX
Cross-Shop
Encore GX vs Honda HR-V (you are here)
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.