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What is a Buick Encore GX?

From a mechanical perspective, there’s either a 1.2-liter engine (137hp, 162 lb-ft) linked to a continuously variable transmission, while higher trims can be optioned with a 1.3-liter engine (155hp, 174 lb-ft). Both engines have 3-cylinders and are turbocharged, which is good because those are tiny displacement figures. In addition to being more powerful, the 1.3-liter is also…somehow…more efficient than the 1.2-liter. (1.2L FWD 26 city/30 hwy, 1.3L FWD 30 city/32 hwy) It’s witchcraft!! It’s also only a $400 option offered on all trims and it comes with a 9-speed automatic instead of a continuously variable transmission, so yeah, just get the 1.3-liter.

Our test vehicle has the 1.3-liter and it’s ok. The maximum thrust is merely adequate, and the engine doesn’t sound happy when exploiting its potential. Around town, the accelerator requires assertive prodding to get the Encore GX moving and power delivery is surging and inconsistent.

Back in motion, Buick’s “quiet tuning” philosophy has yielded impressively silent results for many of its vehicles but in the case of the Encore GX, I’m not blown away with solitude thanks in part to that raspy 3-cylinder growl and some odd buzzes and rattles that plagued our car’s cabin.

I’m also not blown away by ride quality. Buick’s tend to move with a smooth velvety quality but I’m feeling a fair bit of road chatter.

To be fair, I’ve driven harsher riding SUVs but a bit more refinement would be nice from a premium offering. And no, the GX’s rough edges don’t mean it’s a blast to steer.
Around corners…it’s fine.

For a small SUV, interior space is quite good. The rear seats do not recline but their static angle is comfortable and for an average 5’ 10” dude like myself, I fit great in the back. As for cargo space, there’s a healthy 23.5 cu-ft with the rear seats raised. Drop them to more than double that figure and hey, this is a neat trick. The optional 8-way power front seat folds flat for hauling long gear. Time to take up surfing. For smaller items, there’s storage in the doors and in this 2-tier center console. Though it’d be nice if the upper-tier were attached to the lid.

Inside you’ll find plenty of soft materials, plus my favorite fake indulgence, embossed stitching on the dash. As always, the fake stuff really stands out when packaged with actual stitching. I’ll also note that the metallic trim is absolutely blinding at certain sun angles.

Nothing in here is going to blow your mind but it’s certainly nicer than your basic sub-compact.

An 8-inch infotainment screen comes standard and also offers easy access to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity, plus an optional 360-degree camera system with more views than I know what to do with. On a quick superficial note, it’s remarkable how many styling lines converge between the wheels.

But my wife thinks the Encore GX is “super cute”. If you agree, leave a comment. And while you’re at it, why not subscribe to Kelley Blue Book’s YouTube channel?

This particular car has the $650 Sport Touring package, which adds no real performance but does look sportier via unique bumpers and rocker moldings, the aforementioned 18-inch wheels, and this nifty grille with its subtle red motif.

Choose a base, front-wheel drive, Preferred trim, and the MSRP with destination charges lands around $25,000. That sum gets you 18-inch wheels, keyless access with pushbutton start, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Front-wheel drive comes standard but if you’d like to add all-wheel drive tack on another $2,000.

Choose the fanciest and ironically titled “Essence” Trim and you can enjoy LED head and taillights, a leather-clad interior, and blind-spot warning, starting around $29,500. Given its modest $900 premium, we think the roomier and more powerful Encore GX is a smart alternative to the smaller Buick Encore.

Compared to luxury subcompact SUVs like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the Encore GX slots well below them price-wise. Then again, the Encore GX doesn’t really compete with the Germans. It’s more “premium” than a luxury.

For my money, the Mazda CX-30 offers a more premium experience and more satisfying road manners than the Buick for thousands less. You could also use your Encore GX budget to buy a mainstream compact SUV (Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape), which would get you more room and more power for the same money.

With so many compelling alternatives I’m not sure I’d throw my money at the Buick Encore GX. But if you can find an amazing deal on one, it might be worth a look.