Buick Encore GX 2024: good, but…

To understand Buick Encore GXyou must first driveEnvista. A new entry-level product, powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 136 horsepower. Lovely car, but underpowered. Note, the results are not the most positive with the Encore GX, as the 19 horse power gain (for a total of 155) and derived from the corresponding engine (which gets only 100 cc in displacement) is partly affected by all the additions. -wheel drive and therefore, with an additional weight of approximately 70 kilos.

Let’s be honest, the Buick Encore GX’s main problem is that it has a disappointing engine, although it’s a little livelier than the Envista’s. And to solve the question immediately, you should know that if this procedure was originally designed to reduce fuel consumption, the goal is completely missed.

Photo: Antoine Joubert

Indeed, the average consumption recorded during the test (temperature near freezing) was 9.3 L/100 km, while Buick advertised an overall average of 8.8 L/100 km. This is 8% more than and Subaru Crosstrek with a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, and 5% more a Honda CR-V four wheel drive.

Unpleasant to the ear, characterized by high vibrations and often giving a feeling of suffocation, this block has an impressive initial torque, especially noticeable in urban environments. Otherwise, even the nine-speed automatic transmission seems well-tuned, always following a higher gear in a bid to maximize fuel efficiency.

It’s not just blame

Fortunately, that’s where the Encore GX’s major flaws end, which has the distinction of being heavier than the Envista. It is not less spacious, because its design and configuration make the car more practical, but the end is 291 mm shorter. Using the same features as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, this Buick is aimed at customers who appreciate an elevated driving position, some comfort and a good sense of security.

With the old advertising campaign of Marie-Pierre Morin, he was able to reach many customers in Quebec, making the brand shine throughout the country. However, we recognize that most buyers are older and have limited travel needs. A product that in this context is perfect, as it is comfortable and luxurious, but also very suitable for short trips in the city or suburbs.

In this Avenir production, at the top of the range, the level of luxury is surprising. Indeed, the changes made to the dashboard (now digital) contribute to this more modern look, but the engineers still saw fit to keep physical touches to a minimum, especially for heating and climate control. This allows for perfect ergonomics and, ultimately, an impeccable interior design. Note also that the build quality is amazing, the car has no rattles or body noises.

On the road, the Encore GX looks better than it sounds Chevrolet Trailblazer. Additional insulating material is implanted there, for more peace of mind. The 1.3 liter engine is however audible, but not particularly disturbing. However, the 19-inch rims of this Avenir version do not contribute to improving comfort … So it is better to choose Sports Touring, less graceful, but surprisingly more comfortable.

In fact, the Avenir version is meant to be classy and luxurious while the ST attempts a more sporty approach. At least, for beauty. And for people who don’t want to pay a lot of money, the Preferred edition comes with decent equipment.

This is the only one that can be ordered in a traction version, so without all-wheel drive. This saves $ 2,000 for the purchase, plus a liter per 100 kilometers in use, but at the cost of a variable transmission whose performance is poor.

How much?

The Recommended variant with four-wheel drive and no options will set you back $34,475. Satisfying volume, although the mechanics are disappointing. This is not the case with our test model, which retails for $41,875, and which is not a trade-in. On the other hand, it can boast of having few items on the market, hence its success.

Now you can get a bigger and more technically impressive car, for the same price. Specifically, Chevrolet Equinox 2025, redesigned. But because many still want to differentiate themselves from the prestige associated with the brand, and with a compact and manageable product, the Encore GX remains a successful formula and by far, Buick’s best-selling division.