With the regular Buick Encore having been phased out, the Encore GX is now the only option for drivers. This subcompact SUV offers a peppy engine with terrific fuel economy, as well as a spacious interior for its class. It’s also one of the safest SUV options on the market. The Buick Encore GX was rated five stars overall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and received a 9.8 out of 10 from the IIHS.
Buick Encore GX Trims
The base engine included with the base trim is a 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder that’s plenty powerful. It’s also fuel-efficient, getting 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. But you can pack a bigger punch with an optional engine upgrade available amongst all three trims. Add to that a range of available upgrades, and you have some enticing options on hand.
Preferred
The 2023 Buick Encore GX preferred trim starts at $24,400. This trim comes with front-wheel drive but you can opt for all-wheel-drive for $26,400. The standard upholstery option in this vehicle is a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touch display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s a six speaker stereo for immersive sound and satellite radio, or you can choose your own tunes by connecting your devices to Bluetooth or via two USB ports. Proximity keyless entry, a Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous safety features are also standard with this trim.
The Preferred trim offers an array of standard safety features that include forward automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a Teen Driver monitoring system. Features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a following distance indicator help you stay more alert on the road but are not a substitute for reckless driving habits.
An available Cold Weather Comfort package adds features like heated front seats, remote start and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Select
If you find the Preferred trim’s basic offerings to be somewhat lacking, you can get the next-level trim, the Select, starting at $25,800. This trim also comes with base engine and front-wheel drive, but you can get the upgraded engine for $27,695 or switch to all wheel drive starting at $27,800.
Dual-zone climate control is a standard addition, however, as well as all of the features in the Cold Weather Comfort package. If you are looking for more options there’s the Safety Package II which adds rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and lane-changing assist. Separately, you can add on a hands-free power liftgate.
Essence
Lastly, is the Essence trim starting at $29,000. This trim is also available in all-wheel drive starting at $30,600. If you want all-wheel drive and the upgraded powertrain, you’ll have to shell out at least $32,100. However, the 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine upgrade generates 155 horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy.
The Essence comes with genuine leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, garage door opener and 120-volt power outlet for added luxury, but you can still add on more.
The Convenience package gives you a few notable driver assistance features. Among those are wireless device charging, parking sensors in the front and rear, autonomous park assist, and a rear parking mirror. The Experience Buick package adds on a panoramic moonroof and 18-inch wheels. Finally, there’s the Advanced Technology package, which is the priciest of the bunch at $1,935, but it gives you features like navigation, satellite radio, and a heads up display. As for safety features, the package includes rear park assist, a surround-view parking camera, and adaptive cruise control.
The only downside to this vehicle, besides it not making a great off-roader, is the fact that its cabin materials aren’t as luxurious as one might like. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent vehicle for your money. Check out these options and more at your local Buick dealer.
Overview
Aside from the Buick Enclave, the Encore GX is certainly a worth upgrade from the regular Encore that has been discontinued. The Encore GX packs a ton of luxury for its price.
