Photo: Germain Goyer
Following the premiere of the revised and upgraded 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer last week, it was only a matter of time before its mechanical twin showed up.
Well, the 2024 Buick Encore GX made its debut today, and we caught it live at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.
Despite its entry-level status, the new Encore GX happens to be the first vehicle in North America to adopt the brand’s new tri-shield logo. The redesigned front end is inspired by the Chinese-market Buick Envista as well as the Buick Wildcat EV concept that made an appearance in Montreal last month. The thinner, winged LED headlights and redesigned front grille give it more character.
Photo: Buick
New 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options are available. The rear end, meanwhile, features the new Buick logo and typography prominently displayed in the centre of the liftgate, while new LED taillamps come standard on Sport Touring (ST) and Avenir trims.
By the way, the red model on the pictures is the ST, which proudly wears high-gloss black front and rear bumpers and is offered with an optional Black Roof Package. The blue one with chrome accents is the new top-line Avenir, available for the first time on the Encore GX.
Photo: Buick
Virtual Cockpit
The 2024 Buick Encore GX is also the first Buick in North America to sport the company’s revamped interior and new Virtual Cockpit System. The VCS features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen and a configurable 8-inch instrument cluster, both angled toward the driver.
The latest version of Buick’s infotainment system provides a sleek new layout, customizable home screen and easily accessible vehicle categories. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while wireless phone charging is available.
Photo: Buick
Elsewhere, look for more refined materials and unique stitching patterns, especially in the new Avenir model. The latter stands out with an exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black colour theme and 8-way power adjustable front seats. Avenir and ST logos are stitched into the headrests on their respective trims, while the ST adds a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel.
Only One Engine
For 2024, the Encore GX drops the base 1.2-litre engine and moves forward with the 1.3-litre mill exclusively, which is a good thing. This turbocharged triple-cylinder (we maintain that four cylinders are always better) continues to deliver 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. of torque. FWD models come standard with a continuously variable transmission, while AWD models (including ST and Avenir) benefit from a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Photo: Buick
As for safety, the Buick Driver Confidence package comes standard. It includes six active safety and driver assistance technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more. Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and a digital rear-view mirror are optional.
The 2024 Buick Encore GX is expected to start production next month and will be available for customers in late spring. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Keyword: 2024 Buick Encore GX Shows New Face, Top-End Avenir Trim