Overview The Buick Encore GX is a small crossover with upper-class aspirations. Its above-average interior materials and glitzy exterior styling elevate its curb appeal above more pedestrian-looking subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax. But despite its upscale visage, the GX’s meager performance relegates it to a liminal space between standard and luxury segments. Offered with the choice of two sedate three-cylinder engine options and either front- or all-wheel drive, there are quite a few GX trims to choose from — although the top-tier Avenir model is the only one with premium enough adornments to be considered posh. While the Encore GX might not compete directly with luxury-branded subcompact SUVs, its quiet and attractive cabin, comfortable ride, solid practicality, and ritzy looks imbue it with an upscale vibe that at least partially offsets its humble mechanical components and lack of verve. What’s New for 2026?Apart from a new Brilliant Red exterior color option and a newly available 16-inch spare wheel, the Encore GX carries over into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Buick Encore GX starts at $27,295 and goes up to $32,795 depending on the trim and options.We’d recommend the middle-tier Sport Touring trim, as it comes equipped with the more powerful 155-hp three-cylinder and gloss black exterior trim that looks a little sportier. Going with all-wheel drive is also a no-brainer, as it is only $1600 more than the front-drive variant. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe Encore GX lineup relies on a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines, neither of which provides stirring acceleration. The base version is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower, and an optional 1.3-liter unit bumps that up to 155. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on front-wheel drive models, while AWD variants upgrade to a nine-speed automatic. The Buick’s ride is agreeably smooth and controlled, but it doesn’t offer any handling thrills.0–60-MPH TimesAn AWD Encore GX Avenir with the larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder required 8.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. This is about average for mainstream competitors, but some luxury-brand models offer more powerful engines and quicker acceleration times. More on the Encore GX SUVTowing and Payload CapacityWhen equipped with the $1025 Trailering Package, the Encore GX has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGDespite its small three-cylinder engines, the Encore GX fails to deliver spectacular fuel economy. The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2026 Encore GX yet, but last year’s most efficient model was the front-driver with the smaller 1.2-liter three-cylinder; it was rated at 30 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive and the larger engine, its estimates fell to 26 city mpg, 28 highway mpg, and 27 mpg combined. When we tested that model on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route in 2024, the GX managed 30 mpg. By comparison, the Volkswagen Taos beat the GX’s EPA highway rating by 6 mpg despite having an additional cylinder and more power. For more information about the Encore GX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoBuick’s positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so the Encore GX is better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Hyundai Venue and Subaru Crosstrek but doesn’t provide the same level of fit and finish as an Audi, BMW, or Volvo. The Encore GX’s front passenger seat folds flat to aid in loading longer items. We fit five carry-on suitcases behind the Encore GX’s rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded, which is only a few less than the slightly larger Cadillac XT4.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe Encore GX’s infotainment system looks slick. It lives in a curved panel that extends from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard—though the shape of the screen’s bezel is odd. An 11.0-inch touchscreen provides access to Buick’s latest user interface, which is both snappy in its responses and intuitive to use. A separate 8.0-inch screen serves as the driver’s gauge display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe Encore GX offers numerous standard driver-assistance technologies; a rearview camera mirror and 360-degree camera system will be optional. For more information about the Encore GX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageThe Encore GX offers similar warranty coverage as mainstream rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and the Mazda CX-30. However, the Buick falls short against luxury rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, both of which offer free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $34,795/$39,580
Options: panoramic moonroof, $1495; Avenir Technology package (adaptive cruise control, review camera interior mirror, surround-view camera system, wireless device charging), $1395; Avenir Convenience package (Bose premium audio system, hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, rear park assist), $1295; White Frost Tricoat paint, $600
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 82 in3, 1338 cm3
Power: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.8-in vented disc/11.4-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX
245/45-19 98H M+S TPC Spec 3178MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.2 in
Length: 171.4 in
Width: 71.4 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/42 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 50/24 ft3
Curb Weight: 3384 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.9 sec @ 82 mph
100 mph: 28.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 10.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.8 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 120 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 390 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/26/28 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
