Compare the2022 Ford EcoSportVS 2022 Buick Encore GX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the EcoSport. But it costs extra on the Encore GX.

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

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

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

The EcoSport’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore GX’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 52 percent more Ford dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the EcoSport’s warranty.

The EcoSport’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 29 more horsepower (166 vs. 137) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The EcoSport’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 11 more horsepower (166 vs. 155) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

The EcoSport’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore GX’s 55 series tires.

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

For better maneuverability, the EcoSport’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The EcoSport is 10.1 inches shorter than the Encore GX, making the EcoSport easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The EcoSport has 2 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more rear legroom and 3.4 inches more rear hip room than the Encore GX.

The EcoSport’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Encore GX’s (2000 vs. 1000 pounds).

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the EcoSport uses the AdvanceTrac® 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.

The EcoSport’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Encore GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Ford EcoSport will be $1375 to $2831 less than for the Buick Encore GX.