The Buick Encore GX Finally Makes Its Own Case

General Motors has completely revamped its small SUV lineup over the past few years. What were once some of the worst cars on the road are now friendly, cute little cruisers. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX were the first to successfully get light-ups, followed by the equally good Trax and the new Envista.

Technically the 2024 Encore GX is getting a facelift, but the exterior design could fool you into thinking it’s a more extensive facelift. It looks good, with a pointed nose, small headlights, and a wide grille that gives the small SUV some personality – in contrast to the previous design that was not known. This is also the first Buick to feature the stylish three-shield fairing on the hood.

Technically the 2024 Encore GX is getting a facelift, but the exterior design could fool you into thinking it’s a more extensive facelift.

The top Avenir trim is new for 2024 and looks great with chrome exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, with nice leather and soft plastics inside. All the equipment feels good for the part, but not necessary for a luxury car, let alone an Avenir model.

Buick’s new Virtual Cockpit system, though, gives the Encore GX the largest screen in its class. It combines an 11.0-inch touchscreen and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster — shared with the Trailblazer — both of which are standard on Buick. The home screen is well laid out and every menu is easy to access. Touch response is quick for a smartphone, and if you don’t want to interact with Buick’s built-in infotainment system at all, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard.

On the road, the Encore GX has the same personality as the Trailblazer. Its 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder engine doesn’t offer particularly exciting performance, but with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft, it has solid low-end torque and good mid-range power for unexpected agility when zipping around town. .

All the equipment feels decent for the segment, but it’s not necessarily premium for a luxury car, let alone an Avenir model.

The powertrain begins to disintegrate – thankfully not literally – as you enter the freeway. The Encore GX loses steam at high speeds as the 1.3-liter engine struggles above 60 miles per hour. The standard continuously variable transmission, too, makes more noise when you press the gas harder. A long road trip in the CVT-equipped Encore GX won’t be pleasant. Opt for all-wheel drive and you’ll get a nine-speed manual transmission that’s even more well-mannered.

Modern Buicks are not known for their performance either, and the Encore GX is no different. There’s a ton of body roll when you hit it hard in a corner, but that’s to be expected for a very pleasant ride.

Put it at city speeds, though, and the Encore is a compliant driving partner. The suspension is soft, soaking up bumps like a true luxury car, and the cabin is quiet at moderate speeds. Sound attenuation is definitely better here than it is on the Trailblazer, as you’d expect in something that’s considered a luxury product.

Decision: There’s a lot to like about the 2024 Buick Encore GX. What was once a small car is now a real class leader thanks to its refined and stylish design, luxurious cabin, and great driving experience. You’ll still have the limitations of a high-end car in a “luxury” car — quality materials, powertrain issues, etc. — and the Encore GX is more expensive than some of the alternatives. It starts at $27,390 with destination included, and the top-of-the-line Avenir is $33,195. But that’s the price you’ll pay for one of the cheapest SUVs out there.

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