Vehicle Overview
| Segment | Subcompact crossover SUV |
| Body Style | 5-door crossover |
| Model Year | 2024 (facelift, 2nd generation update) |
| Trim Levels (U.S.) | Preferred, Sport Touring (ST), Avenir |
The Buick Encore GX is Buick’s refined entry in the subcompact SUV class, offering a blend of style, practicality, and premium comfort. Positioned between the smaller Envista and the larger Envision, the Encore GX brings Buick’s upscale design language and quiet interior to an affordable, city-friendly crossover.
The 2024 refresh introduces a sleeker exterior, new digital cockpit, and the brand’s revised tri-shield logo. It competes with the Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona.
Key Specifications
| Variant | Engine | Power / Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L Turbo I3 (FWD) | 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo | 137 hp / 162 lb-ft | CVT | FWD | 30 combined |
| 1.3L Turbo I3 (AWD) | 1.3L 3-cylinder turbo | 155 hp / 174 lb-ft | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 28 combined |
| Platform | GM VSS-F (shared with Chevrolet Trailblazer) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 171.2 × 71.4 × 64.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.0 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 23.5 cu ft (behind rear seats) / 50.2 cu ft (folded) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs |
Exterior Design
The 2024 Encore GX adopts Buick’s latest global design language, with sharper lines, a sleeker stance, and a minimalist aesthetic.
Key updates include
New Buick tri-shield logo (front and rear)
Revised grille and LED headlight design
Sportier ST trim with gloss-black accents
Avenir adds chrome detailing and 19-inch wheels
Sleek LED taillamps and available panoramic sunroof
The Encore GX looks sophisticated and premium, projecting a more upscale vibe than most of its competitors in the segment.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Inside, the Encore GX impresses with high-quality materials, quietness, and thoughtful ergonomics.
Buick Virtual Cockpit System (new for 2024)
Dual 19-inch curved display (8" driver + 11" infotainment)
Soft-touch surfaces with contrast stitching
QuietTuning active noise cancellation
Heated front seats and steering wheel (ST & Avenir)
Leather-appointed seats (Avenir trim)
Dual-zone climate control
Spacious rear seating for its class
The cabin feels more premium than the price suggests, aligning with Buick’s near-luxury positioning.
Features & Infotainment
11" touchscreen with Buick’s new infotainment interface
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Built-in Amazon Alexa
Wi-Fi hotspot capability
USB-A & USB-C ports (front and rear)
Optional Bose 7-speaker premium sound system
Wireless phone charging pad
OnStar connected services & MyBuick app integration
The system is modern, easy to use, and one of the most polished in the segment.
Safety & Ratings
| NHTSA | ★★★★★ (5-Star Overall Rating) |
| IIHS | Good ratings across key crash tests |
Standard Driver Assistance (Buick Driver Confidence)
Forward Collision Alert with Auto Emergency Braking
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Front Pedestrian Braking
Following Distance Indicator
Automatic High Beams
Available Advanced Features (Avenir)
Adaptive Cruise Control
HD Surround Vision (360° camera)
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert & Blind Zone Alert
Rear Park Assist
Driving Performance & Handling
The Encore GX prioritizes comfort and efficiency over outright sportiness. The 1.3L turbo engine offers respectable power for urban and highway driving, especially with the 9-speed automatic transmission in AWD models.
Steering is light yet precise, suspension tuning favors smoothness, and the cabin remains impressively quiet even at highway speeds.
The AWD system enhances traction and stability on wet or snowy roads, while the ST trim adds a slightly firmer setup and sportier feel.
Fuel Efficiency
1.2L FWD: 30 mpg combined (29 city / 31 highway)
1.3L AWD: 28 mpg combined (26 city / 29 highway)
Fuel economy is excellent for a subcompact SUV, especially given the upscale ride comfort and features offered.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
23.5 cu ft cargo space (rear seats up)
50.2 cu ft with rear seats folded
Split-folding rear seats (40:60)
Flat load floor
Underfloor storage compartment
Easy entry height and compact turning radius
The Encore GX is ideal for city driving — easy to park, easy to see out of, and flexible for families or professionals.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Protection | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1 scheduled visit in first year |
Price & Value for Money
MSRP (2024 U.S.)
Preferred — $26,895
Sport Touring (ST) — $28,195
Avenir — $33,195
Given its upscale design, tech, and standard safety features, the Encore GX represents strong value in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power (hp) | Drivetrain | MPG (combined) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore GX (1.3L) | 155 | AWD | 28 | $28,195 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 191 | AWD | 29 | $26,700 |
| Honda HR-V | 158 | AWD | 27 | $25,950 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | 155 | AWD | 28 | $24,395 |
| Hyundai Kona | 147 | AWD | 30 | $25,625 |
The Encore GX’s refined cabin and feature list make it one of the more premium options without luxury-brand pricing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Premium interior and quiet cabin
Smooth ride and solid fuel economy
Standard driver-assist features
Modern infotainment and connectivity
Stylish new design and digital cockpit
Cons
Modest acceleration
Limited towing and off-road ability
Some rivals offer more cargo space
Overall Rating
4.6 / 5 Stars – The 2024 Buick Encore GX combines premium comfort, smart tech, and efficiency in a stylish, city-friendly SUV package.
True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.
Final Verdict
The Buick Encore GX proves that affordable doesn’t mean basic. Its refined ride, elegant design, and cutting-edge tech make it a standout in the subcompact SUV category.
More Buick reviews: Buick Enclave Review, Buick Envision Review and Buick Envista Review.
It’s the perfect choice for professionals or small families who want a premium feel without the premium price tag — especially in Avenir trim.
2026 Buick Encore GX price: what buyers are actually seeing
The 2026 Buick Encore GX sits in a fairly tight price band, but published figures differ depending on whether destination charges are included. Buick lists a starting MSRP of $26,200. CarBuzz lists the front-wheel-drive Preferred at $25,900, while TrueCar shows a base MSRP of $27,995 and an Avenir at $33,495 including destination freight. That makes it worth checking what each advertised number includes before comparing deals. The 2026 lineup remains Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir, and the more important mechanical change happened quietly: GM Authority reports that Buick dropped the previous 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder in early 2026, leaving the stronger 1.3-liter engine as standard.
| Version | Published price | Source detail |
|---|---|---|
| Encore GX starting MSRP | $26,200 | Buick |
| FWD Preferred | $25,900 | CarBuzz |
| Base MSRP including freight basis | $27,995 | TrueCar |
| Avenir including destination freight | $33,495 | TrueCar |
The 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder makes 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Front-drive versions use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models pair the engine with a nine-speed automatic. CarBuzz lists the front-drive Preferred at an EPA-rated 29 mpg city, 31 highway and 30 combined. Buyers comparing similarly positioned GM crossovers may also want to read the Chevrolet Trailblazer review.
Is the Buick Encore GX being discontinued after 2027?
Buick has not announced that the Encore GX is being discontinued. What has changed is the 2027 order guide. GM Authority reports that the color range falls from eight choices to only black, white or gray. The Preferred loses the Advanced Technology Package completely, Sport Touring can still get it only when paired with the Comfort Package, and the Studio Series Package disappears. GM Authority interprets those reductions as signs of a short 2027 production run ahead of major changes expected for the 2028 model year, but that remains the publication's reading of the order guides rather than an official statement from GM.
For shoppers, the distinction matters. The evidence points to a simplified 2027 lineup, not a confirmed cancellation, so a buyer deciding between a 2026 vehicle and waiting for 2027 should base the decision on available equipment and pricing rather than assuming the nameplate is ending. Shoppers who need more space than a subcompact can move up the range with our Buick Enclave review, or step down to the Buick Envista review.
Encore GX recall check and the 2026 production clock
Two September 2026 developments matter for anyone shopping this crossover right now. First, a safety recall: GM Authority and Cars.com report that recall A262554900 covers a rearview camera that can show a distorted or blank image, traced to a weak adhesive bond on camera assemblies supplied by Wuxi Sharp. The campaign takes in 701 model-year 2024 Encore GX vehicles, 30,150 from 2025 and a single 2026 unit, along with the related Buick Envista. A stop-sale was dated August 20, 2026, and dealers inspect and, where needed, replace the camera.
| Recall A262554900 | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issue | Rearview camera can show a distorted or blank image |
| Cause | Weak adhesive bond on camera assemblies from Wuxi Sharp |
| Encore GX vehicles affected | 701 (2024), 30,150 (2025), 1 (2026); Envista also included |
| Stop-sale date | August 20, 2026 |
| Remedy | Dealer inspects and replaces the camera |
Second, the production clock. GM Authority reported on August 3, 2026 that 2026 Encore GX production is scheduled to end on October 31, 2026, with the last dealer orders taken in the week of August 24. Combined with the slimmed-down 2027 order guide covered above, that gives 2026 shoppers a firm deadline if they want the wider color and option range. One naming point worth clearing up: the model Buick sells today is the Encore GX. The original Buick Encore is an earlier, separate small crossover that no longer appears in the current new-car range, so every 2026 and 2027 order-guide, pricing and recall detail on this page refers to the Encore GX.
What the Encore GX costs to run in late 2026
Insurance and fuel form the backdrop to any small-crossover purchase this fall. Insurify puts the national full-coverage average at $243 per month as of September 2026, CNBC Select cites about $208 per month, and Experian's 2026 figure works out to $2,241 per year, so a band of roughly $185 to $245 per month is a realistic planning range. The good news is the trend: ValuePenguin and Insurify report 2026 increases averaging under 1 percent, the smallest annual rise since 2022, although Insurify still projects increases in 32 states by year-end.
| Owner cost | Late-2026 figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full-coverage insurance, national band | Roughly $185 to $245 per month | Insurify, CNBC Select, Experian |
| Insurify national average | $243 per month ($2,922 per year) | Insurify, September 2026 |
| Experian 2026 average | $2,241 per year | Experian |
| Regular gasoline, national average | About $4.48 per gallon | AAA, September 21, 2026 |
| Regular gasoline, full-year 2026 forecast | $3.84 per gallon average | EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook, September 2026 |
At the pump, AAA's national average for regular reached about $4.48 per gallon on September 21, 2026, up from about $4.15 at the start of the month, while the EIA's September outlook still expects a $3.84 full-year 2026 average easing to $3.35 in 2027. Against that backdrop the Encore GX's 30 mpg combined EPA rating for the front-drive Preferred keeps its running costs on the affordable side of the class. Budget-focused shoppers can also use our cost calculators.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Buick Encore GX price?
What engine does the 2026 Buick Encore GX use?
Is the Buick Encore GX being discontinued?
What fuel economy does the Buick Encore GX get?
Is there a recall on the Buick Encore GX?
Is the Buick Encore the same as the Encore GX?
Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.