2024 Buick Encore GX
When Buick unveiled their Wildcat EV Concept, it foretold the direction of the brand’s design. Not just by reinventing the Tri-Shield badge, but with everything else that is now arriving at their showrooms.
For example, the 2024 Buick Encore GX. The small SUV that serves as one of two gateways for the brand. For its size, this is one mighty package.
Introduced for the 2020 model year, the mid-cycle refresh elevated the Encore GX into desirability. The front end crease splits the large chromed grille with narrow headlamp units and Buick’s new tri-shield grille. The profile remains with its chunky roofline, rear spoiler, and sloping roofline. The liftgate area is flanked by horizontal taillights and Buick’s new logo,
The Avenir is a new trim level is available for the first time on the Encore GX. This upgraded model offers more chrome, a neutral-lens taillight treatment, 19-inch alloy wheels and the Avenir badges. All of this further elevates the Encore GX onto a whole new level for its size class.
Inside the 2024 Encore GX Avenir is an equally elevated and updated interior. It starts with a fully digital instrumentation cluster that is customizable. Next to it is an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen that also has a host of vehicle functions, as well. The controls are tactile and easy to use. You also get a real shifter for the transmission.
Up front, the leather seats offer plenty of support, but the seatbacks do feel a bit firm in the upper back area. Rear seat space is not bad for average adults. In terms of cargo space, you get 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the space expands to 50.2 cubic feet.
Our Encore GX Avenir tester is powered by a 155-horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, also putting down 174 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. This engine punches above its weight and performance figures. It gets up to speed without any issues, with its smooth-shifting transmission. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Encore GX with the 1.3-liter engine and AWD can turn in a fuel consumption average of 27 MPG.
Ride quality is very decent. While smooth on the highway, the Encore GX did its best to manage rougher road surfaces. Cornering and maneuverability is easy and well managed.
The steering system is fine with a good turning radius using its shorter length to its advantage. On-center feel felt solid when keeping within the lane. Braking is also decent with an overall solid pedal feel. We experienced solid stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2024 Buick Encore GX lineup starts at $25,600 with a choice of three trim levels. Our Avenir AWD tester came with a sticker price of $34,795.
Small premium SUVs and crossovers, such as the Encore GX, are not hard to find. Consumers also compared this Buick to the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB, BMW X1 and X2, Lexus UX, and MINI Countryman. However, some consumers are cross-shopping the Encore GX with its sibling the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and the related 2024 Trax.
No matter how you compare it, the 2024 Buick Encore GX opens up a new era for the 120-year-old brand. A new era of design, technology, engineering, and its own brand of luxury. If you want your luxury is a small package, start with the Encore GX.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
