This year’s revamp of the Buick Encore GX maintains its polished appearance, while introducing subtle tweaks to the front and a complete overhaul of the interior. Our test car, the Encore GX, came in the Cinnabar Metallic finish, adding a touch of elegance for an additional $495.
At the forefront of the restyled Encore GX is a revamped grille, positioned lower on the bumper, giving it a sleek look akin to electric vehicles. Buick has also taken a fresh approach to its emblem, replacing it with a modern tri-crest design reminiscent of three distinct fangs.
Upon entering the cabin of the Encore GX, passengers are greeted by a large pane of glass that houses an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an impressive 11.0-inch touchscreen interface. The new dashboard design embraces those inside, with the highlight being the user-friendly array of climate control buttons, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
Choosing the ST trim, as showcased in our test car, enhances the aesthetics further with the inclusion of black trim elements, particularly the Black Roof package, valued at $395. These elements add contrast and style, giving the vehicle a contemporary and distinctive look.
The Buick Experience package, priced at $1,695, enhances the Encore GX’s visual appeal with a panoramic power moonroof and eye-catching 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. This package adds luxury and sophistication, elevating the vehicle’s exterior presence.
The ST trim not only focuses on aesthetics but also enhances passenger comfort with the inclusion of the Comfort package, which costs $1,295. This package offers various features for passenger well-being, including a heated steering wheel, an 8-way power seat with 2-way power lumbar control for the driver, and heated seats for both the driver and front passenger, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable driving experience, especially in colder climates.
Enhancing the package further, the ST trim is equipped with the Bose Premium Speaker system, a $500 value, delivering top-notch sound that elevates every trip. Whether you’re indulging in your beloved tunes or an engaging audiobook, this sound system guarantees that each drive is accompanied by a remarkable sound performance.
PERFORMANCE
Incorporating a robust 1.3-liter engine, the 2024 Buick Encore GX ST cranks out 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, all seamlessly harnessed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. In urban environments, the turbocharger deftly compensates for the engine’s modest size, delivering ample torque with a distinct diesel-like growl and impressive acceleration.
However, as speeds increase, the vehicle’s weight and aerodynamic characteristics seem to somewhat restrict the engine’s performance, resulting in only moderate acceleration. While it effortlessly merges into city traffic, it lacks the forceful acceleration required for highway driving.
Even with its smaller three-cylinder engine, the 2024 Buick Encore GX ST equipped with all-wheel drive doesn’t make a notable impression in terms of fuel efficiency, offering a modest 26 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway.
The Encore GX features a suspension tuned for a softer setting, effectively smoothing out road imperfections in urban areas while remaining composed when encountering larger bumps on the highway, with controlled rebound. Part of the improved stability can be attributed to the inclusion of the standard Watts link rear suspension in all-wheel-drive models.
Moreover, it boasts a front-wheel-drive mode that enhances fuel efficiency on sunny days. As part of the Experience Buick package, the Encore GX ST also comes with sturdy 245/45R19 tires, improving traction even with a softer suspension configuration.
Despite its 3,258 lbs. curb weight and relatively short wheelbase, the Encore GX demonstrates impressive agility, providing a surprisingly nimble and enjoyable everyday driving experience, though not excessively thrilling. The Encore GX’s brakes perform with strength and responsiveness, instilling confidence by enabling quick stops when needed, reinforcing the driver’s trust in its braking capabilities.
VERDICT
During our week-long test drive at CarFanatics Blog, we had the chance to get behind the wheel of the 2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring AWD. While its retail price was marked at $28,400, once the options were tallied up, the total cost extended to around $34,075.
Competition
Positioned at the intersection of the everyday and the more upscale, the Encore GX emerges as a strong contender, particularly when pitted against the Mazda CX-50. While the Mazda impresses with its agile handling, it falters due to its lackluster infotainment system.
In the domain of style and environmentally friendly powertrains, Hyundai’s Tucson and the larger Kia Sportage offer a more daring alternative to the Encore GX. Nevertheless, Buick’s offering holds its ground with its sophisticated and refined demeanor, carving out a distinctive niche for itself.
Venturing into the realm of luxury, the Volvo XC40 exudes a vibrant personality, while the Lexus UX maintains its edgy allure. However, in this arena as well, the slight advantage tends to sway towards the Tucson and UX when compared to the Encore GX.
