“You will be pleasantly surprised at the driveability and the power of the 3 cylinder engine. It is a wonderful vehicle for the urban driver.”
Buick Encore GX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Buick Encore GX is a compact five-seat SUV known for putting a quiet, slightly upscale cabin and flexible cargo space into a city-friendly package. It is Buick’s more traditional and versatile small SUV, positioned above the Envista.
Since its 2020 debut, the Encore GX has focused on practical comfort rather than ruggedness or high performance. Its compact footprint, quiet cabin, useful cargo area, and standard driver-assistance features have remained central to its appeal. The 2024 refresh modernized the styling and screens without changing that basic mission.
Strengths
- The quiet cabin gives the Encore GX a calmer, more polished feel than its small size might suggest.
- Its flexible cargo area works well for errands and weekend hauling, with 50.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space in 2026.
- Standard driver-assistance features have been part of the formula from the start, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts became standard for 2024.
- The gas-powered 2026 model was rated at 29 to 30 mpg in the city, depending on configuration.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been standard since 2021, and the 2024 refresh brought an 11-inch touchscreen.
Who it's for
The Encore GX suits commuters, couples, and small households that want an SUV seating position without a bulky vehicle. It makes sense for daily errands and city driving, especially for shoppers who want a more polished feel than many mainstream small SUVs while keeping space practical.
Buick Encore GX lineup
Since the 2024 refresh, the lineup has consisted of Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir. Pick Preferred for the most straightforward version of the Encore GX’s comfort, technology, and everyday usefulness. Sport Touring is the more style-focused middle choice, while Avenir leans furthest into the model’s upscale side. Earlier 2020-2023 models instead used Preferred, Select, and Essence, so trim names do not compare directly across the refresh.
Buick Encore GX generations
From 2020 to 2026, the Encore GX spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2020.
1st Generation (2020–Present)
The Encore GX launched for 2020 as a roomier small SUV positioned above the older Encore, with turbocharged three-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive or AWD. A major 2024 refresh brought a new front end, a dual-screen dashboard, and a revised trim lineup.
413 In Stock
2026
Carries over the 2024 styling, cabin layout, and Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims.
2025
Largely carries over from 2024, aside from small equipment updates.
2024Mid-cycle update
New front styling, an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display, and standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts. Avenir joins the lineup, while Sport Touring is reworked.
2023
Carries over with only a new paint color.
2022
Carries over with the same trims, core technology, and safety features.
2021
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard across the lineup.
2020New generation
The all-new Encore GX launches as a roomier alternative to the older Encore, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines and standard driver-assistance features.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick Encore GX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Encore GX the same vehicle as the Buick Encore?
No. The Encore GX is a separate, roomier small SUV that joined Buick’s lineup for 2020 and sat above the older Encore. It keeps a city-friendly footprint while offering more passenger and cargo flexibility.
How many people does the Buick Encore GX seat?
The Encore GX seats five in a four-door SUV body. The latest version has 36 inches of rear legroom and up to 50.2 cubic feet of cargo space, so it balances a compact exterior with useful room inside.
Is the Buick Encore GX a hybrid?
No. The Encore GX has used turbocharged three-cylinder gas engines rather than a hybrid system. Engine output varies by year and version, so check the details of the used vehicle you are considering.
Does the Buick Encore GX have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Encore GX has been sold in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms. Drivetrain depends on the individual vehicle, so confirm that a used example is marked AWD rather than assuming the trim name guarantees it.
What is the Buick Encore GX known for?
The Encore GX is known for giving shoppers a quiet, polished cabin in a small and practical SUV. Its main strengths are an easy-to-park size, flexible cargo space, useful safety features, and straightforward phone connectivity.
Is the Buick Encore GX a good fit for city driving and everyday errands?
Yes. Its compact footprint makes it easier to park and maneuver, while seating for five and a split-folding rear seat add everyday usefulness. It suits shoppers who want more versatility than a small car without moving to a larger SUV.
How many generations of the Buick Encore GX are there?
There is one generation, running from 2020 onward. Models from 2024 forward have a substantial refresh with a new front end, an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display, and a revised trim lineup.
Buick Encore GX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Buick Encore GX.
4.2
Buick Encore GX
(975 reviews)
“I have owned several cars over the years. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. The ride is smooth, the design is great and the comfort is the best.”
“Exceptionally well appointed with comfortable seats and safety devices that are standard in this vehicle versus other vehicles as well as reasonable pricing.”
“I have always had very good service with Buicks. Service is always spectacular. They are always stunning, every single year.”
“Great car for the money. I am extremely pleased with this car and would buy another one if I needed to.”
“The Buick Encore GX is a stylish and safe vehicle to own. The features included are exceptional.”
Sources
- buick.com — Explore / News / Reasons To Buy Encore Gx
- news.buick.com — 2023 / Feb / 0216 Encoregx
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBC23CT100 2024 ENCORE GX FO 053024
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 03 Pdfs / GMBC23CT000FO 2023 Encore GX Specifications 030223
- buick.com — Explore / News / Sport Touring Lineup
- buick.com — Crossovers Suvs / Encore Gx Avenir / Overview
- media.gm.com — Encore GX / 2023 / 2023 Buick Encore GX
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBC22CT100FO 2022 Encore GX Specifications 33022
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBC23CT000 2023 Encore GX Catalog Desktop 032823
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBC22CT100FO 2022 Encore GX Specifications 33022
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBC22CT100 2022 Encore GX Catalog Desktop 32922
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / 2021 Buick Encoregx Brochure