Overview
The 2024 Buick Encore GX emerges as a refined subcompact SUV, distinguished by its tranquil and upscale passenger cabin, which ranks among the quietest in its segment. This year brings revisions to its styling and introduces a significant upgrade in the form of a new touchscreen interface. With the discontinuation of the smaller Encore, the Encore GX now stands as Buick’s smallest and sole non-SUV offering, streamlining the brand’s lineup and alleviating any confusion arising from similar model names. Boasting sharper aesthetics, the 2024 Encore GX continues Buick’s tradition of straddling the line between mainstream and luxury. Noteworthy updates include the introduction of the Avenir trim, renowned for its premium features such as leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, a cabin air ionizer, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. Additionally, the mid-level trim receives a fresh identity as the Sport Touring, featuring a flat-bottomed steering wheel to accentuate its sporty appeal.
What’s New for 2024?
Replacing the former top Essence trim, the Avenir trim takes its place, while the mid-level Select is transformed into the Sport Touring. Inside, upgrades include a new digital gauge cluster and an enlarged infotainment touchscreen. Both the front and rear ends of the vehicle undergo styling revisions, with a modernized Buick logo adding to the refreshed aesthetic.
2024 Buick Encore GX Models and Pricing
Starting at $25,600, the 2024 Buick Encore GX offers the base Preferred trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) and the smaller of its two available engines. Opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) adds an additional $2,000 to the price tag. Meanwhile, outfitting the top-tier Avenir trim with several optional features could elevate its price closer to $38,000. The 1.3-liter engine, available for $395, can be added to the Preferred trim and comes standard on the two higher trims.
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | MSRP |
| Encore GX Preferred | $25,600 |
| Encore GX Sport Touring | $26,800 |
| Encore GX Avenir | $31,900 |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Encore GX lineup is propelled by a duo of turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base variant is equipped with a 1.2-liter engine generating 137 horsepower, while an optional 1.3-liter unit boosts it to 155 horsepower. Front-wheel drive models come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while those with all-wheel drive (AWD) are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. During testing, an AWD Encore GX Avenir equipped with the larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine took 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Although this falls short compared to some of its luxury-brand competitors, which offer more potent engines and slightly quicker acceleration, the Encore GX still feels spirited in daily driving scenarios, particularly in urban environments where its small turbo engine excels in delivering ample low-end power. Additionally, the Buick impresses with its smooth and controlled ride, even though it lacks the exhilarating handling characteristics found in some rivals.
Driving The 2024 Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX for the current model year remains mechanically unchanged from its predecessors. It maintains a comfortable ride quality and impressively quiet cabin, especially considering its size and price point. However, those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience may find better options elsewhere.
Both available engines, with horsepower ratings of 137 or 155, aren’t particularly potent. However, the more robust version excels in delivering its power at lower engine speeds, making it ideal for swift acceleration from a standstill or merging into traffic. Notably, this engine is also the only option compatible with all-wheel drive (AWD), providing added traction and versatility in various driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Interestingly, the larger of the two three-cylinder engines boasts the highest fuel economy ratings according to the EPA. When paired with front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine achieves up to 31 mpg on the highway. In contrast, opting for the smaller 1.2-liter engine decreases this figure to 30 mpg. Choosing the 1.3-liter engine with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic transmission results in a highway rating of 29 mpg. However, during our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the Encore GX equipped with the larger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic achieved an impressive 30 mpg, surpassing the EPA’s estimate by 1 mpg.
Tech-Boosted Interior
In the 2024 Encore, notable updates include an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, now standard across the lineup. Buick’s approach to interior materials remains consistent, with soft-touch plastics up front and harder, cheaper plastics in the rear, reflecting its positioning as an almost-luxury brand.
While this strategy prioritizes perceived quality for the driver/owner, rear passengers may find certain components, such as the glove box, to feel somewhat less premium, even in the top trim.
Despite its kind-of-subcompact SUV classification, the 2024 Encore GX offers sufficient space for average-sized adults in the rear seats, with headroom remaining largely unaffected by the optional sunroof.
The rear seats feature the standard 60/40 split-fold configuration, providing access to a decent-sized luggage area. Additionally, the Avenir trim offers a unique feature: the front passenger seat folds down (optional in other trims), allowing longer objects, such as an 8-foot surfboard, to fit diagonally.
Revised Exterior
For the 2024 Encore GX, styling enhancements encompass various updates, including new LED lights at both the front and rear, revised bumpers, an updated grille, and refreshed wheel designs.
Notably, the newly introduced Sport Touring trim showcases front and rear bumpers finished in high-gloss black, with the option of a contrasting black roof for added visual appeal.
Similarly, the freshly introduced Avenir trim boasts its own unique grille design and 19-inch alloy wheels, complemented by chrome-finished bumpers, resulting in an overall improved aesthetic in our eyes.
Adding to the visual refresh is the debut of a new Buick logo on the 2024 Encore GX. Departing from the previous arrangement of three shields in steps, the new logo features all shields aligned in a single row, with each shield exhibiting a more stylized appearance compared to its predecessor.
Safety
The Encore GX comes equipped with an array of standard driver-assistance technologies, offering enhanced safety and peace of mind on the road. While features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist are included as standard, buyers have the option to add a rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system for added convenience. For those seeking more information on the Encore GX’s safety performance, comprehensive crash-test results are available for reference on the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Specifications
| Fuel Economy | City 30 mpg/Hwy 31 mpg/Comb 30 mpg |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles |
| Max Seating | 5 |
| Horsepower | 137 @ 5000 RPM |
| Cargo Space | 50.2 cu.ft. |
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 3023 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room | 39.7 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 inches |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Overall Length | 171.2 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 inches |
| Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 50.2 cu.ft. |
| Turning Diameter | 36.9 feet |
| Wheel Base | 102.0 inches |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4211 lbs. |
Fuel Economy
| City | 30 mpg |
| Highway | 31 mpg |
| Combined | 30 mpg |
Mechanical
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular |
| Parking Assist System | Available |
Performance
| Horsepower | 137 @ 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 @ 2500 rpm |
| Engine | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter |
Technology
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology
- Cruise Control
- Hands Free Phone
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Internet Access
- Push-Button Engine Start
- Remote Engine Start
- Smartphone Interface
- Touch Screen Monitor
- USB Port