2024 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. 2024 Buick Encore GX Comparison

Small and affordable cars always generate interest, whether it’s from young buyers or families looking to add a simple passenger car to their fleet. However, what was once a group of useless economy boxes is now a competitive segment packed with style and technology that boosts fuel economy and performance.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2024 Buick Encore GX are good examples of the best cars available in the segment.

Let’s take a closer look at these two small SUVs.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota is often the world’s best-selling car manufacturer every year because: it makes quality products that last. The Toyota Corolla is an excellent example of one of their best cars that has been successfully spun into another variant.

The number of variants has increased to include the Toyota Corolla Cross. Launched for the 2022 model year, the Corolla Cross is a popular choice in the segment as it borrows exterior styling from not only the Corolla subcar but also the RAV4 SUV. Powered by a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the Corolla Cross gets good fuel economy and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. It is also available as a hybrid, aptly named Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Inside, you’ll find a simple, uncluttered cabin with enough electronics to satisfy drivers of any age. The Corolla crossover also offers a higher driver seating position than its Corolla sedan and hatchback counterparts. Importantly, it does so while keeping the price around $25,000, which is critical for success in this segment. Prices start at $25,210, including destination charges.

Highlights of Toyota Corolla Cross

Hybrid option: Toyota offers a hybrid option, something not available on the Buick. The hybrid model offers more power and better fuel efficiency. Win-win!

Cause of cold: Here comes the Nightshade trim with 18-inch gloss black sport wheels, a black and red cloth interior with red accent stitching, and black-accented head and tail lights. If you were to call any Corolla Cross good, this is it.

Security level: All 2024 Corolla Cross models come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. The system includes Lane Departure Alert with Driving Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, cruise control, and more.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Corolla Cross models close to you

2024 Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX is the smallest vehicle in the brand’s lineup. However, small does not mean cheap or clear. Buick made its luxury Avenir the top choice of the three available for the Encore. Moving up brings you heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and soft-touch accessories for the front passenger.

Not only does the Encore GX offer many luxurious appointments, but the cabin itself is also open and spacious. Even the back seat holds several adults, and there’s plenty of usable cargo space behind the second row of seats.

The Encore GX has two engine options: a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder or a 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder. Both deliver better than expected performance in this small, light car. As with the Corolla Cross, all-wheel drive is optional. Pricing starts at $26,895, including destination charges.

Highlights of the Buick Encore GX

Multiple positions: The exterior footprint may not be large, but the interior is spacious, including room for average adults in the second row.

Bigger technology: New for 2024, the Encore’s cabin now features an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. This is common throughout the series.

All-wheel drive: Each version of the new Encore GX is available with all-wheel drive – which also means choosing a more powerful engine – 155 hp versus 137 hp – but that’s not a bad thing.

Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see Install GX models close to you

Similarity

Toyota Corolla Cross and Buick Encore GX have simple and clean exteriors. They offer good interior space and many power options, which can be equipped with AWD.

Conclusion