- When Is The Buick Encore GX Coming Out?
- 2024 Buick Encore GX Price And Competition
- New Buick Encore GX Exterior And Colors
- Buick Encore GX Dimensions
- Buick Encore GX Engine And Performance
- Gas Mileage
- Buick Encore GX Interior And Cargo
The updated Encore GX is the first Buick with the new tri-star logo and the first model to adopt the new Virtual Cockpit System.
Premium brands have often struggled to infuse their cheaper, smaller models with the same quality and sense of occasion suggested by the badge – consider first-generation versions of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class, for example. Some of these criticisms have been directed at the subcompact Buick Encore GX crossover, too. The Encore GX has lacked the polish expected of a Buick, but can a substantial mid-cycle facelift change that? Maybe it can.
The latest Encore GX not only looks smarter, but is the first Buick to wear the brand's new tri-shield logo. A high-spec Avenir trim has been introduced, and the GX can even be ordered with a new 19-inch Virtual Cockpit System. Unfortunately, the mediocre powertrains have remained, so the GX remains outgunned by turbocharged versions of the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. But if you prefer a more sedate driving style, the GX has a lot more to offer than before.
When Is The Buick Encore GX Coming Out?
A release date for the Buick Encore GX is expected in the spring, with orders opening in May 2023. Production starts in March.
2024 Buick Encore GX Price And Competition
Nearly $1,000 more than before, the base price of the 2024 Buick Encore GX is now $26,895 for the Preferred trim, more than several other subcompact crossovers. The Sport Touring will cost $28,095 in the USA, and the Avenir – the first time that the Avenir name has been applied to the Encore GX – will go for an MSRP of $33,195.
There is no shortage of rivals in this segment, one of them being the Mazda CX-30 which begins at $22,950 for the 2023 model. For $33,800, just a couple of hundred bucks more than the Encore GX Avenir, you could drive off in the 250-horsepower CX-30 Turbo Premium. Hyundai has a revised Kona arriving for the 2024 model year, but for now, the 2023 model is also cheaper than the Encore GX at $22,140. The price of the GX Avenir also overlaps with many compact crossovers from a class above, such as the Honda CR-V, which starts at $31,610.
New Buick Encore GX Exterior And Colors
Considering that this is a mid-cycle facelift, the changes made to the exterior of the Buick Encore GX are surprisingly noticeable, particularly in front. Drawing inspiration from the spectacular Wildcat EV concept, the revised front fascia sports a “forward-leaning front-end” complete with a new grille and signature winged LED headlamps. Those winged headlamps have shades of the current Hyundai Kona about them, but not so much that the two rivals could be confused.
The new Encore GX introduces a series of firsts for the brand, and that includes the first use of the new tri-shield logo. New 18- and 19-inch wheels are available, and the rear-end once again showcases the new logo, along with the BUICK lettering prominently displayed in the middle of the tailgate. LED taillights are limited to the top two trims, while the ST has bumpers in a high gloss black finish, along with access to an optional Black Roof Package.
For the top-spec Avenir, there is a special grille treatment, clear lens LED taillamps, Avenir-specific 19-inch wheels, chrome bumper accents, and black carbon metallic body side moldings.
No mention was made of the available Buick Encore GX colors, but based on the press photos, it appears that Cinnabar Metallic and Sapphire Metallic have been carried over. Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, and Moonstone Gray Metallic are low-key shades from the 2023 model that could be retained as well.
Buick Encore GX Dimensions
We foresee only negligible changes to the Buick Encore GX’s dimensions, if there are any changes at all. The 2024 model should closely match the 2023 version’s length of 171.4 inches, width of 71.4 inches, and height of 64.1 inches. The 102.2-inch wheelbase will also remain as is.
The 2023 Encore GX had curb weights ranging from 3,025 to 3,273 pounds, but with the equipment updates, these numbers could be marginally different when the 2024 model’s specs are released.
Buick Encore GX Engine And Performance
While we can accept that tire-shredding performance is hardly a prerequisite in the subcompact crossover segment, it is still a little disappointing that the new Buick Encore GX SUV has the same engine choices as before. These engines get the job done but without much gusto at all, starting with the standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Although all-wheel drive will once again be available, it’s expected that this engine will stick with front-wheel drive exclusively.
The available 1.3-liter turbo is also a three-cylinder unit but makes more satisfactory figures of 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, based on independent testing, even this engine could only realize a 0-60 time of 9.3 seconds with AWD, so quick it certainly isn’t. To be fair, the car is reasonably responsive and feels a bit quicker than the poor figures suggest.
A continuously variable transmission is equipped to FWD models, while AWD versions get a nine-speed automatic. We prefer the nine-speeder to the CVT, which isn’t as refined.
Gas Mileage
Efficiency is much the same as before, as GM has estimated a combined 30 mpg for FWD models and 27 mpg for AWD versions. Those figures are on par with the 2023 model's 29/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined (1.3L engine and FWD), 29/31/30 mpg (1.2L and FWD), and 26/29/27 mpg (1.3L and AWD). The fact that the 1.3L is slightly more efficient on the open road than the 1.2L is another reason to go for that engine.
The same 13.2-gallon gas tank should still apply to the 2024 models, so expect a range of between 356 and 396 miles depending on the model. It must be said that the Encore GX isn't the most economical option in its class. The Hyundai Kona can get up to 32 mpg combined, for instance.
Buick Encore GX Interior And Cargo
As with the exterior, the interior of the Buick Encore GX has been smartened up. The automaker has incorporated soft-touch materials and unique stitching, but the highlight is the step up that has been taken on the technology front.
The Encore GX now comes with a 19-inch Virtual Cockpit System (VCS) ahead of the driver, consisting of an 11-inch infotainment system and an eight-inch driver’s display beneath a single sheet of glass. A display area of this size is rare in the subcompact segment, and does much to lift the ambiance inside. Buick didn’t explicitly state whether the VCS is standard, but we’re assuming that the base trim won’t get it. What is definitely standard is wireless operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while wireless charging is optionally available.
The most premium of all models is the Avenir. At this level, the seats in the Buick Encore GX are upholstered in leather, and there is an attractive Whisper Beige and Jet Black color theme. This top trim also comes with a ten-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, an air ionizer, and unique embroidered Avenir headrests.
In the ST, there is unique seat stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel. More basic cloth upholstery will probably be standard on the entry-level GX.
Regardless of the trim, Buick lists six active driver-assistance features under the standard Buick Driver Confidence Package. These include automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Customers can also choose from available safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and a rear camera mirror.
As it is fundamentally the same vehicle as the 2023 model, we don't expect the cargo space in the Buick Encore GX to change. To that end, you can expect 23.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.2 cubic feet when the rear seatback is folded down.
Keyword: 2024 Buick Encore GX First Look Review: A Buick Of Firsts