The 2024 Buick Encore GX is a compact crossover SUV that competes with models like the Chevy Trailblazer, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla Cross. For 2024, the Encore GX receives a stylish refresh with a new front fascia inspired by the Buick Wildcat concept car, updated LED headlights, and a new 19-inch digital instrument cluster. Additionally, the lineup now includes a luxurious new Avenir trim and a sportier Sport Touring model.
The 2024 Encore GX is available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir. The front-drive Preferred trim comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Preferred AWD, Sport Touring and Avenir trims, feature a 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for the 2024 Buick Encore GX starts at $26,895 for the Preferred trim. The Sport Touring trim is priced at $28,095, and the top-tier Avenir trim starts at $33,195. Key options include packages like the Premium Package, Technology Package, and Driver Confidence Package, which add features such as navigation, premium audio, and advanced driver assistance systems.
The base engine that’s on the front-drive Preferred is best left to rental fleets. It’s noisy, underpowered and just a bad fit with the CVT automatic. Most Encore’s will get the slightly larger 1.3-liter three-banger and it’s perfectly competent. The engine provides enough power for typical urban driving missions and reasonable highway travel. Passing punch is only modest, but the 9-speed automatic does a good job of downshifting when more power is needed.
Encore GX’ all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use. It should be fine tackling dirt-covered trails or snow-packed streets, however.
The base engine gets an EPA rating of 30 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. The larger engine with AWD gets EPA ratings of 26 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Those numbers compare favorably to others in the class. In addition, both engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline and feature a large 13-gallon gas tank. In routine commuting expect to average slightly below the EPA ratings in urban driving and slightly above in suburban commuting.
The Encore GX is surprisingly dynamic given its diminutive size, tall build and less-than-aggressive tires. There is little body lean in quick transitions and the steering, though devoid of feel, is direct and tracks true on the highway. Brakes provide adequate stopping power, but the pedal action is slightly touchy, making smooth stops a challenge.
Ride quality may be best in class. The suspension provides good absorption of small impacts and enough deadening of larger ones. No, Encore GX isn’t ever going to ride as smoothly as a larger crossover, but it’s certainly a comfortable cruiser where others in the class can feel crude.
Following up on the smooth, for its class and price, ride, engineers applied as much of Buick’s “quiet tuning” as possible. As a result, the Encore GX is easily the quietest vehicle in the class. Yes, the tiny 3-cylinder engines aren’t as refined as they could be, but at least they cruise quietly.
Inside, Encore GX punches above its price point. Material above the beltline are impressive and the cabin refresh for 2024 brings along a nice infotainment screen and simple digital instrument cluster. Assembly quality is good and panel fit-and-finish is excellent. About the only downside are some hard plastics on the center console and lower door panels. Even the cargo area is nicely finished.
The new instrument cluster is very basic, providing just a digital speed readout and small indicators for engine temp and fuel level. The 11-inch infotainment screen is a bonus in this class, but it’s a bit dim. Encore GX includes standard wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto support, there’s also an available wireless cell-phone charging pad. In addition, all of the expected safety features are on hand.
The front seats are firm and slightly undersized, which is expected in the class. The driving position is great and the tilt/telescope steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seats are softly padded and provide enough support. In both bases, there’s adequate room for large adults and it should be noted that the front seats extend back quite a bit for passengers with long legs. Entry/exit is a snap, thanks to the just-right ride height and outward visibility is fair due to thickish roof pillars. Buick does offer a digital rear-view mirror and 360-degree surround view camera.
From a cargo perspective, Encore GX offers a class average 25 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The hatch opening is large and it offers an adjustable height setting. Interior storage consists of two large cup holders, a center dash cutout and a narrow center console bin. Glovebox is compact in size.
Bottom Line – Buick has positioned Encore GX as a premium subcompact crossover and, with the 2024 upgrades, it fills that role nicely. The interior is roomy and well appointed. The cabin quiet and driving dynamics are somewhat sporty. Downsides include the noisy and underpowered 3-cylinder engines and sloppy CVT performance on front-drive models. Prices are more than reasonable and dealers should be willing to discount as well.
|
|
