The Buick Encore GX is a slightly premium subcompact SUV that boasts one of the segment\u2019s quietest, most relaxing passenger cabins. Revised styling and a big new touchscreen lead the list of enhancements for 2024. Pricing starts at $25,600.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Buick has discontinued the smaller Encore, so the 2024 Encore GX becomes the marque\u2019s smallest SUV. Actually, its smallest vehicle full stop. Because Buick doesn\u2019t make anything but SUVs these days. This also ends the minor confusion of having two models with extremely similar names.<\/p>\n
This is the 2024 Encore GX, and it\u2019s looking sharper than last year thanks to styling updates.<\/p>\n
It takes the usual Buick route of occupying the territory between mainstream and luxury. Changes this year, however, emphasize the luxury aspect with the inclusion of the Avenir trim. Buick offers Avenir trims with its larger\u00a0Envision\u00a0and\u00a0Enclave\u00a0SUVs, chosen by almost one in three buyers. Special features include leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, cabin air ionizer, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.<\/p>\n
The mid-level trim also receives a shake-up this year. Now named Sport Touring, it comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, because that\u2019s a current signifier of sportiness.<\/p>\n
The 2024 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,600. That\u2019s for the base Preferred trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) and the smaller of the two engines available. Budget $2,000 for all-wheel drive (AWD). Adding a few options to the priciest Avenir trim could bring that model closer to $36K.<\/p>\n
\n 2024 Buick Encore GX<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n| \n MSRP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n Encore GX Preferred<\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n $25,600<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n Encore GX Preferred AWD<\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n $27,600<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n Encore GX Avenir AWD<\/p>\n<\/td>\n | \n $33,500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n | These are manufacturer\u2019s suggested retail prices and do not include the $1,295 factory-to-dealer delivery fee, also known as the destination charge.<\/p>\n Buick\u2019s \u201cnicer than mainstream, cheaper than luxury\u201d approach means some rivals cost less and others are more expensive. The\u00a0Lexus UX\u00a0hybrid could be a luxury contender, whose 2023 pricing started at around $36.5K and will enjoy much better resale values than the Encore GX. Alternatively, consider something that\u2019s mainstream but quite high quality, like the\u00a0Mazda CX-30\u00a0(from $23K in 2023). If an Encore GX is too small, the compact\u00a0Envision\u00a0starts in the mid-30s.<\/p>\n Before buying a new Encore GX subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. Resale values of the Encore GX are below average.<\/p>\n Also see: <\/strong>Need a fuel efficient, run-about-town compact SUV? Check out the 2023 Hyundai Kona.<\/p>\n The erstwhile top Essence trim has been replaced by the Avenir trim, while the mid-level Select becomes Sport Touring. The interior gains a new digital gauge cluster and a larger infotainment touchscreen. Styling revisions have been applied to both ends, and the Buick logo is modernized.<\/p>\n There are no mechanical differences between this and previous model years of the Encore GX. It has a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin. But anyone seeking a thrill or two should look elsewhere.<\/p>\n Neither engine could be described as powerful. Horsepower ratings are 137 or 155. But the more muscular version delivers the best of its thrust at low engine speeds, which is great for driving away from the lights or moving into that gap in the traffic. This is also the one engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive (AWD).<\/p>\n Also see:<\/strong> Buick is making this handsome-looking SUV coupe for under $25K<\/p>\n Styling revisions for the 2024 Encore GX include new LED lights at both ends, new bumpers, an updated grille, and different wheel designs. The fresh Sport Touring trim comes with front and rear bumpers finished in high-gloss black, and offers the option of a contrasting black roof. The equally new Avenir trim has its own grille and 19-inch alloy wheel designs, plus chrome-finished bumpers. Our eyes see it as an improvement all around.<\/p>\n A new Buick logo also makes its debut on the 2024 Encore GX. Instead of the three shields arranged in steps, they\u2019re all in line, and the shields themselves are more stylized than before.<\/p>\n Plus<\/strong>: 10 of the best new luxury compact and subcompact SUVs<\/p>\n Active noise cancellation<\/strong> Wireless Apple CarPlay\/Android Auto<\/strong> Hands-free tailgate operation<\/strong> All-wheel drive<\/strong> Heated seats and steering wheel<\/strong> Technology package<\/strong> Both engines available in the 2024 Encore GX are turbocharged 3-cylinder units. The base version has a displacement of 1.2 liters and makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This goes just to the front wheels.<\/p>\n A turbocharged 1.3-liter engine is also available, which is mandatory if all-wheel drive (AWD) is selected. This one produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.<\/p>\n When paired with front-wheel drive (FWD), the two engines have almost no difference in fuel economy. Regular gasoline is fine with any Encore GX.<\/p>\n Front-drive versions have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Those with AWD employ a 9-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing ability is 1,000 pounds.<\/p>\n |