The Buick Encore GX took us by surprise with sprightly acceleration and competent handling. Buick's hallmarks, including a comfortable ride, an upscale interior and a robust list of tech features, are also included. That said, you do pay a (literal) price for these qualities since the Encore GX is expensive relative to its primary competition.
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Classy, sophisticated design inside and out
Balances comfortable ride quality with sharp handling
Many desirable features come standard
Plenty of space for passengers and cargo
Cons
A little too noisy on the highway
Thick roof pillars compromise rear visibility
Price is a bit high for the segment
What's new
Fresh front-end styling
New touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
Revised trim level lineup
Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The 2024 Encore GX is one of two entry-level crossover SUVs from Buick; the other is the all-new Envista. Go with the Encore and you're getting a pint-sized SUV that's a bit more premium than other mainstream models without getting into luxury-brand pricing. It's quiet and easy to drive, and many of the latest driver assist and tech features are either standard or optional. The 2024 Encore GX also gets some updates for 2024 you'll want to know about.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Edmunds spotlight: New looks and a bigger touchscreen
The Encore GX's front end gets the most change, with a revised grille and some cool-looking daytime running lights. There's not much new in back but we like the 2024 Encore GX's look overall. Inside, an 11-inch touchscreen replaces the previous 8-inch screen. It's also now housed under one pane of glass alongside the digital instrument panel. The overall effect looks quite nice and even a bit more premium than what's in more expensive Buicks that have older designs.
Competitors to consider
There are a lot of choices for an extra-small crossover SUV. Since you're considering Buick, you might as well examine the new Envista. It's less expensive than the Encore GX but actually a little roomier inside. Other recommended options include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Buick Encore GX took us by surprise with sprightly acceleration and competent handling. Buick's hallmarks, including a comfortable ride, an upscale interior and a robust list of tech features, are also included. That said, you do pay a (literal) price for these qualities since the Encore GX is expensive relative to its primary competition.
How does the Encore GX drive? The Encore GX is a surprisingly dynamic little SUV. There's impressively little body roll when you drive around turns, and there's a pleasing amount of grip. The steering is a bit light for easy maneuvering around town, but it's accurate and easy to judge.
Acceleration from the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is a bit quicker than average for the segment; our test model covered 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Around town, the engine feels strong.
There are only a few standout nitpicks. The brake pedal is fairly sensitive, and that can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly. Also, the nine-speed transmission takes a few ticks longer than we'd like to select the right gear when you want more power. Finally, the engine stop-start system bucks the car when it fires back up at a stoplight. Thankfully, you can shut it off.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Encore GX? The Encore GX is generally well tuned for comfort. The ride is well controlled and doesn't transmit many road imperfections to the cabin. You will feel a jolt in the cabin, though, if you drive over square-edged bumps. The climate control is strong, and the seat heaters warm up quickly.
Front seat comfort is underwhelming. The padding is firm, and some drivers will wish for more lateral support. Tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds, and the three-cylinder is particularly vocal. Even if you aren't flooring the throttle, you'll hear the engine rumble and roar when pulling away from a stop. You can also feel engine vibrations through the steering wheel; most modern cars have filtered such vibration out.
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The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all Buick vehicles' destination freight charges.
How’s the interior? The Encore GX's interior is thoughtfully designed and uncomplicated. It's a nice mix of digital and analog, with physical buttons used for some controls that other cars might bury in a screen menu. The infotainment interface is easy to use and features snappy responses.
Though you'll have to duck to get inside, the cabin is roomy enough to not further hamper entry or exit. Without the optional sunroof, the GX has plenty of headroom front and back, and there's good legroom for taller passengers too. The driver's seat feels a little upright, but most drivers should be able to fit easily. Side-rear visibility is somewhat hampered by a sweeping beltline.
Technology
9.0/10
How’s the tech? The breadth and execution of the tech on display really make the Encore GX stand out. Though its volume doesn't go very high, the base audio system is one of the best in class in terms of sound quality. The navigation system also works great. It uses predictive text so you don't have to type out an entire point of interest, and even incomplete searches usually net the correct destination. Four USB ports, a 120-volt outlet and a wireless charging pad ensure your devices are fully powered.
There are a lot of safety features, including rarities such as a 360-degree camera system and a digital rearview mirror. All safety features are well executed, though the forward collision warning is a touch too sensitive. We applaud the Encore GX for offering a voice command system — many vehicles in this class don't. We do wish this Buick used more natural language recognition. The results of some commands could be a bit frustrating.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The GX's surprising sense of space carries over to the cargo area. It measures 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up (a few cubes larger than most in this class) and 50.2 cubes folded — roughly average for the segment. We like that the rear seats fold flat without having to move the front seats forward. The liftgate height is adjustable, so even tall people can load items without hitting the bottom edge of the hatch.
The cupholders will hold beverages of most sizes, provided you aren't packing a large Yeti tumbler. Cubbies are relatively small but numerous, with spaces in front of the shifter and armrest. Under the armrest is a useful bin with a divider tray. The door pockets are merely adequate. For kid duty, the Encore GX works out OK. There's decent room for child safety seats, but the car seat anchors are somewhat hidden and hard to spot.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Encore GX AWD gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (26 city/28 highway). These numbers are typical for the class, and we exceeded these figures on our 115-mile real-world evaluation route. While we often post results somewhere between the combined and highway rating, we achieved a 31.1 mpg average with our test Encore GX. This is among the best results we've observed from an extra-small SUV.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Encore GX a good value? The cabin is a clear step above other vehicles in the class, allowing the GX to straddle the line between standard and luxury small SUVs. The interior design elements look fetching, and there's more ample use of soft-touch plastic than in budget-conscious rivals.
But the upscale accommodations come at a literal cost. The Encore GX is quite expensive for a subcompact crossover SUV, with prices that start within a whisper of top-ranked small SUVs. With that in mind, we think a larger model such as a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 gives you more refinement and better bang for the buck. But if you want a premium small SUV without paying full price for a luxury model, the Encore GX makes a strong case for itself.
The bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are average for the segment, but roadside assistance is offered for longer than usual. The first service visit is complimentary.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Encore GX is anonymously styled, but the Sport Touring package gives buyers the ability to have their GX stand out from the crowd a bit. The Encore GX also wins points for its handsome interior and wide variety of safety and technology features. The turbocharged three-cylinder gives it some personality, especially with the ample low-end torque making you feel like it's faster than it actually is.
Which Encore GX does Edmunds recommend?
Stick with the base Preferred trim for the best value. It comes decently well stocked with standard features and can be fitted with most of the available options should you want them. In particular, the Comfort package and the Advanced Technology package are worth getting to bolster the SUV's tech and convenience features.
Buick Encore GX models
The 2024 Buick Encore GX is an extra-small crossover SUV offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir. All start with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. For power, the front-wheel-drive Preferred trim comes with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft). All other Encore GX versions have a more powerful turbo 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). Front-drive models have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); those with all-wheel drive have a more traditional nine-speed automatic transmission. Keep reading for our editorial breakdown of the Encore GX's significant features and options.
Preferred
The base Preferred model comes standard with:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
Cloth/synthetic leather combination upholstery
11-inch touchscreen
Digital instrument panel
Six-speaker audio system (seven speakers on AWD models)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
Every Encore GX also has:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Sport Touring
The Sport Touring is equipped similarly as the Preferred but has:
Black exterior trim and wheels
Synthetic leather upholstery
Avenir
Tops the Encore GX lineup with:
19-inch wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
Driver's seat memory settings
Leather upholstery
Household-style power outlet (rear of center console)
Some of the features found on a higher trim can be added to a lower one as an option. Other notable options, which are typically bundled into packages, include:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the car for tight parking situations)
2022 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
Great ride, loaded with features, dependable. Lots of pep (Essence model). Classy interior too. Downside is men would find the seat a bit narrow. If buying the GX spend a little more and get the Essence model with the bigger engine and 9 speed transmission.
Preferred Sport Touring Package
4 out of 5 stars
RURALLVNV, 06/01/2022
2022 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
I got the 2022 encore gx preferred fwd with sport touring. Well worth the extra 3k to get the sport touring package. I am so far really enjoying this car. I use it mostly for short commute to work and every couple months will take it out of town. This is a perfect size for someone who is single or married with no children. But there is room in the back for small children so this could … be a great starter suv for a young family first car. Loss of star for small cargo space although it is just fine for groceries or piece of luggage or some sports equipment. Back seats fold down with ease. This vehicle provides conservative luxury mixed with a little sporty look. First vehicle I have had that is not real leather and it doesn't bother me and I actually feel that is stays cooler on hot days and is just as comfortable and easier to clean. I can see taking this to play tennis or golf. Handles well on curves and with the option to shift into low and the plus and minus buttons on the side (which are very sturdy by the way) allow even better power going up hills. First time out on trip out of town I got about 24mpg average and that was mostly highway. Not sure how to get to 30mpg as advertised but still not bad on gas mileage at all. The tech interface is extremely user friendly. Fully automated driver seat. Full sun roof that is fully automatic as well. On Star option. Apple play. Great dashboard. Super fun to drive. Amazing turn radius. If you don't need a full size suv and don't want to compromise luxury, this is a great option. The price point seems to be on target and competes well with Honda and Subaru and Mazda and personally feel that the options in these and luxury factor make this a solid choice. I also like that very few parts are from China. The rest are out of Korea, United States, and Mexico. I was concerned when Buick phased out their large regal sedans but these are really nice and although they are small SUV they are more like large compacts. The passenger seat is super comfortable and the lumbar is a huge plus. To be able to get full size and automated moon roof, fully automatic driver seat with the lumbar, very good leg room, with superior tech interface and a ton of safety features, good gas mileage, and the reputation of
Buick, a 30k price tag in 2022, is actually a really good deal. I can see purchasing this for college students, medical professionals, professional athletes, commuters, or even someone who is retired. They designed this for just about anyone really. Get the ST package. Yes the rear window provides limited visibility but I can still see just fine as there are side mirrors and its easy to look over shoulder if needed when changing lanes and visibility out back side windows is very good. The back up cam works great. There are settings on I use that tell me that there is a pedestrian, cruise control i like because accelerating or decelerating i can click it down and so the car does not jerk. Option to turn on or off the stop engine when coming to a stop. It will stay in stop engine for a few minutes and it goes off and on smoothly unlike the ford and dodge models I have been in. The lane assist works smoothly as well and if your set in cruise with lane assist, the car basically can drive itself. A little squirrley driving in heavy wind so definitely use the lane assist and other safety options. These vehicles with the 3cyl Turbo have amazing power. I prefer them now over my previous 6 banger engines.
Computer issues
1 out of 5 stars
John, 01/15/2023
2022 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
I loved my Encore until I hit 8,000 miles or so. Now I have a repeating problem where the anti-lock brake sensor comes on and the check engine light. The first time the car was in the dealership for 3 weeks. They said it was a pin going to the computer and repaired it. One month later it’s back again. One more time and I’m going to look into the lemon law.
Peppy Car, Stylish Looking, Great Gas Mileage
5 out of 5 stars
Rob Miller, 12/16/2021
2022 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
Bought the Buick Encore GX Select in white, with the 1.3 turbo engine. Very happy so far with the purchase. Has some go for a 3 cylinder engine. Interior and computer settings better then most cars in it's class. Worth a look before you buy.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Buick Encore GX, so we've included reviews for other years of the Encore GX since its last redesign.
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Buick Encore GX, but since the 2024 Buick Encore GX is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride… height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier parking and better gas mileage. What's not to like? In this video, Mark Takahashi runs down our choices for the best subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022. From the Subaru Crosstrek, the new Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona to the more luxurious BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Mark gives a breakdown of each pint-sized SUV. What do we like and dislike about each? What should you know about them? How do they rank in each category? Mark explains all. So whether you're a first-time driver, you have a small family or you're just looking for something fun to drive, we've got you covered in this video of the 2021 Top Subcompact SUVs.
Another extra-small SUV with an upscale feel is the Mazda CX-30. Not only does the CX-30's interior ooze with style, but it's also comfortable and easy to use. The Mazda's turbocharged engine is also significantly more powerful than the Buick's. But the Buick is a little more comfortable and roomier inside than the CX-30.
It's a battle of the baby Buicks! The all-new Envista is pretty stylish and has more rear passenger space than the Encore GX. It also has the same 11-inch center touchscreen and digital instrument panel combo. Oh, and it's less expensive, too. However, you can't get it with all-wheel drive like you can with the Encore GX, and it's not as powerful.
The Trailblazer represents a more typical example of an extra-small SUV. The Buick interior is classier and more refined, but the Chevy sells for much less, even when equipped with the same engine. It also offers many of the same safety and tech features available with the Encore GX.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all Buick vehicles' destination freight charges.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Encore GX safety features:
Teen Driver
Monitors teen driver use of a vehicle, providing a driving report card to parents after the teen returns home.
Buick Driver Confidence
Bundles a collection of driving aids including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.
OnStar and Buick Connected Services
Provides automatic collision notifications and other connected safety services through OnStar.
Though it shares much of its name with the much-maligned Buick Encore — and even occupies the same subcompact SUV size class — the Encore GX is one of the better choices if you want a budget-friendly yet well-rounded crossover. Great as it is, though, Buick does see some room for improvement. For 2024, the Encore GX is refreshed with a heavily revised exterior and a spiffy new interior that invokes the tech-heavy designs of the newest Chevrolet vehicles, including the 2024 Trailblazer.
We like the current iteration of the Encore GX, which is one of Edmunds' top-ranked X-Small SUVs. The refresh could be even better thanks to the additional features, revised cabin materials and an expanded trim lineup.
What's under the Encore GX's hood?
The 2024 Buick Encore GX will continue with the current model's powertrain lineup. To recap, the front-wheel-drive Encore GX in lower trims is driven by a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes a respectable 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This motor is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, or CVT.
Selecting a pricier trim level, or opting for all-wheel drive, bumps you up to a turbocharged 1.3-liter unit with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft on tap. The transmission also changes from a CVT to a nine-speed traditional automatic. In Edmunds' testing, an AWD Encore GX with the 1.3-turbo accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds — not blazing, but quicker than some rivals.
How's the Encore GX's interior?
It doesn't take a keen-eyed Buick fan to notice the changes to the outside; the headlights are slimmer, there's a new Buick logo up front, and the grille is reworked (though a little too reminiscent of the 2020-2022 Ford Escape, if you ask us). The update is a little more subtle inside, as the overall design is relatively the same. For most models, everything below and aft of the air-conditioning controls is identical to the pre-refresh GX.
However, the central air vents are no longer perched on top of the dashboard — they are now sandwiched between the climate controls and the touchscreen. The vent relocation was necessary for the new touchscreen, which grows from 8 to 11 inches and is now housed under one pane of glass alongside the digital instrument panel. The overall effect looks quite nice, and even a bit more premium than fancier Buicks that are older and don't sport the newest design language.
Speaking of premium, the Avenir model that serves as the top trim level for other Buicks is arriving for the Encore GX for 2024. The Avenir will include a unique grille, clear LED taillight enclosures, chrome bumper accents, Avenir script on the headrests, Avenir-branded doorsills, and a unique beige and black interior color scheme.
Edmunds says
The Buick Encore GX is already one of the best subcompact SUVs on the market, and the changes in store for 2024 will likely make it that much sweeter.
FAQ
Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Encore GX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Encore GX has 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Buick Encore GX. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Buick Encore GX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Buick Encore GX:
Fresh front-end styling
New touchscreen and digital instrument cluster
Revised trim level lineup
Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Buick Encore GX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Encore GX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Encore GX's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Buick Encore GX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Buick Encore GX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Encore GX and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Encore GX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Buick Encore GX?
The least-expensive 2024 Buick Encore GX is the 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,600.
Other versions include:
Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,600
Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,800
Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $27,600
Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $28,400
Avenir 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $31,900
Avenir 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $33,500
If you're interested in the Buick Encore GX, the next question is, which Encore GX model is right for you? Encore GX variants include Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT), Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), and Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Encore GX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more