Compare the2024 Honda HR-VVS 2024 Buick Encore GX

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The HR-V EX-L has a standard Low Speed Braking Control 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.

The HR-V’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 HR-V 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 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, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Honda HR-V has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Encore GX is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

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

Honda pays for scheduled maintenance on the HR-V for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Honda will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Buick doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Encore GX.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the HR-V’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 HR-V’s reliability 38 points higher than the Encore GX.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 7 places higher in reliability than Buick.

The HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 21 more horsepower (158 vs. 137) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The HR-V’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 3 more horsepower (158 vs. 155) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the HR-V AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder AWD (25 city/30 hwy vs. 26 city/28 hwy).

The HR-V has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Encore GX. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

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

The HR-V stops shorter than the Encore GX:

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

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the HR-V’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the Encore GX (104.5 inches vs. 102.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the HR-V is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore GX.

For better maneuverability, the HR-V’s turning circle is 1.8 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.9 feet).

The HR-V has 4.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore GX (98.7 vs. 94.3).

The HR-V has 1 inch more front legroom, 2.1 inches more front hip room, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 1.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore GX.

The HR-V has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore GX with its rear seat up (24.4 vs. 23.5 cubic feet). The HR-V has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore GX with its rear seat folded (55.1 vs. 50.2 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the HR-V easier. The HR-V’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.6 inches, while the Encore GX’s liftover is 30.5 inches.

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

The HR-V Sport/EX-L’s front power windows both open or close with one touch of the switches. The Encore GX’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

On a hot day the HR-V’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore GX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The HR-V will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the HR-V will retain 58.09% to 59.84% of its original price after five years, while the Encore GX only retains 55.77% to 56.53%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Honda HR-V will be $2294 to $2358 less than for the Buick Encore GX.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Honda HR-V, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Buick Encore GX isn't recommended.

The Honda HR-V outsold the Buick Encore GX by almost two to one during 2023.