NetCarShow.comBuick has spent the better part of a decade retooling its lineup and reputation, moving away from its dated image and toward near-luxury territory. Upscale interior materials, a more confident design language, and the addition of the range-topping Avenir trim across its lineup have all played a part in what has become an important and necessary shift for Buick.Buick has made these changes over the years while still keeping its lineup affordable. Two SUVs in particular, the Envista and the Encore GX, have starting MSRPs under $30,000, a notable contrast to the average new vehicle price in the United States, which is floating at or near $50,000.Buyers cross-shopping a BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, or a similarly sized luxury crossover might not think to look at Buick first. Yet both the Envista and the Encore GX undercut their luxury competitors by thousands of dollars without sacrificing comfort, convenience, or safety features.AdvertisementAdvertisementBelow is a trim-by-trim breakdown of the Envista and Encore GX. The starting MSRPs were pulled from the Buick retail website at the time of this writing and include destination charges.2026 Buick Envista (Starting MSRP: $26,495)Near-luxury cabin gives the BMW X1 a run for its moneyThe 2026 Envista is available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir. All three have a 1.2-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque, connected to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, as Buick does not offer all-wheel drive on the Envista.However, the 2026 Envista is standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, which includes:Forward collision alert.Front pedestrian braking.Following distance indicator.Automatic emergency braking.IntelliBeam auto high beam assist.Lane keep assist with lane departure warning.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith a starting MSRP of $26,495, the Preferred is nicely equipped with an 11-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and four USB ports.The Sport Touring, starting at $27,995, builds on the Preferred with 18-inch black aluminum wheels, black exterior accents, and leatherette seating in place of cloth.The two trims sit $1,500 apart, and the extra money mainly buys a styling upgrade. Buyers focused strictly on equipment can stick with the Preferred and keep the difference in their pocket, maybe using it later to shorten the payback schedule on their loan.Regardless of trim, the Envista's low, wide stance and near-luxury cabin have drawn comparisons to something like a BMW X1 at a fraction of the price. The BMW X1 starts at $43,200 (X1 xDrive 28i), while the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a little more affordable with its starting MSRP of $41,500. Even the hybrid-only Lexus UX, which is more affordable yet, starts at $38,850.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt $26,495, the Envista undercuts all of them by well over $10,000.Although it does not start under $30,000, the Envista Avenir is still well under the X1, GLA 250, and UX with its starting MSRP of $31,295 (with destination). Styling upgrades for the Envista Avenir include 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish and a blacked-out chrome grille, while comfort upgrades include heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.2026 Buick Encore GX (Starting MSRP: $28,390)All-wheel drive and trailering package availableThe 2026 Encore GX is also available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir. Like the Envista, every Encore GX comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, though the powertrain options differ slightly.Preferred models with front-wheel drive can be equipped with either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter ECOTEC turbo engine, both of which are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive versions of the Sport Touring and Avenir use the 1.3-liter engine, also with a CVT.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll-wheel drive Encore GX models, regardless of trim level, use the 1.3-liter ECOTEC engine paired with a nine-speed automatic. As expected, the 1.3-liter engine is more powerful than the 1.2-liter (155 horsepower versus 137 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque versus 162 lb-ft. of torque). When properly equipped with the trailering package for an extra $1,025, the 2026 Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 lbs.With a starting MSRP of $28,390, the Preferred is already well-equipped. Standard features include:Four USB ports.11-inch HD touchscreen.Wi-Fi hotspot capability.Six-speaker audio system.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The Sport Touring, starting at $29,195, builds on the Preferred with 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, a high-gloss black grille, black bodyside moldings, and roof-mounted side rails.AdvertisementAdvertisementSimilar to the Envista, the difference between the Preferred and the Sport Touring is mainly a styling upgrade. And also similar to the Envista, the Encore GX is thousands less than the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, and Lexus UX.Meanwhile, the Encore GX Avenir includes 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish and a unique grille with bright chrome accents. Comfort upgrades include heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate.Deciding between the twoThe choice mostly comes down to size, price, and whether all-wheel drive is important in your next vehicle.The Envista is the smaller and cheaper of the two, starting at $26,495, while the Encore GX starts higher but adds the option of all-wheel drive and a larger footprint. Buyers who want the lowest entry price should start with the Envista Preferred.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhichever model you choose in the Buick lineup, it is worth revisiting your loan terms once your credit improves or rates drop. Refinancing can reduce your monthly car payment, and those savings add up over the life of the loan.
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