A Week With: 2024 Buick Encore GX

At first glance, it’s hard to imagine a use case for the 2024 Buick Encore GX, now that it shares showrooms, and more than a few mechanical bits, with the far more stylish 2024 Buick Envista. But there’s at least one unique feature that makes the more plebian Encore worth a closer look.

Both Encore GX and Envista are built by General Motors in South Korea and share the same front-wheel-drive powertrain, a pocket-sized 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. And get this. Despite the Envista being $3,200 cheaper than the Encore GX, it’s also one foot longer.

But the Encore GX holds an advantage over the Envista: it can be had with all-wheel drive.

For 2024, Buick’s most popular model in North America receives a new front end, wearing a face derived from the Buick Wildcat EV concept car. The new proboscis makes a huge difference, endowing the Encore GX with more style than it’s ever had before.

WHAT’S OFFERED

Offered in Preferred, Sport Touring and new-for-2024 Avenir trims. The latter brings with it 19-inch wheels, leather seats, heated steering wheel and unique beige/black interior trim. In addition, Sport Touring models are now available with a Black Roof Package, aka the vinyl roof of the 21^st century.

 

The bigger change is the Encore GX’s digital cockpit. It contains an 8-inch digital gauge cluster with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single sheet of glass. It’s pretty slick. Also offered is a Wi-Fi hotspot and available wireless phone charging. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

Despite being a mere 171.4-inch long, this subcompact sweetie provides 25.4 cubic feet of storage space. Folding second row split 40/60 rear seat allows you to accommodate an 8-foot-long item angled from the folding front passenger seat to the rear driver’s side with the door shut. In addition, the cargo floor height is adjustable.

Powertrain

Yet no matter how you work the options list, power comes from one of two three-cylinder turbocharged engines:

The base model displaces 1.2 liters, and produces 137 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (aka CVT).

Still, the less-expensive Envista gets a six-speed automatic with the same engine and it’s a far better proposition.

The best bet is to opt for all wheel drive and you’ll get the 155-horsepower 1.3-liter unit, funneling its ponies through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It’s standard on the Avenir.

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BEHIND THE WHEEL

Surprisingly, the Encore GX doesn’t feel as slow as those numbers might suggest, although running 0-60 mph requires nearly nine seconds. But it feels more sprightly navigating urban environs, where its diminutive size and tight turning radius make navigating the concrete jungle a breeze. It makes for easy maneuvering. You’ll experience noticeable body lean in corners, but it’s not extreme. Still, opt for the larger powerplant, as its nine-speed transmission is preferable to the CVT.

However, engine vibration is prevalent, irrespective of the powertrain. So even though a massaging seat isn’t available, you’ll always have one, as engine vibrations make their way through to the driver’s throne. But at least you get a smooth ride, one devoid of theatrics.

But don’t expect much in the way of driving thrills. Whatever joy it provides comes from its small size and tight turning radius. Also, don’t expect stellar fuel economy, as the 1.2-liter unit returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, while 1.3-liter unit returns a mere 27 mpg. Given this vehicle’s size, you’d expect better.

Hey, but at least it’s quiet, which also describes its driving persona.

Wrap-Up

Still if you don’t mind the pokey performance, the Encore GX, particularly with all-wheel drive, makes for a low-cost small SUV that feels a little more special than a competing Volkswagen Taos or Honda HR-V.

Prices start at $26,895, with the Avenir starting at $33,195, plus destination charge and options.