Buick may seem like a nameplate who’s time has come and gone to some, but the 2024 Encore GX Sport Touring AWD premium compact SUV proves that assumption wrong.
“The new Encore GX delivers a sleek, sporty, sophisticated presence,” said Bob Boniface, director, Global Buick Design. “It’s inherently functional, yet the new exterior design creates a more stylish and modern persona that is unique in today’s small SUV segment.”
This year’s model brings style, sophistication, an updated interior, new tech, and the brand’s new tri-shield logo, centered squarely on Buick’s modern grille with new signature winged LED headlamps. A “Cinnabar Metallic” coat of enamel and 19-inch aluminum gloss black wheels make a statement.
Encore is available in GX Preferred, GX Sport Touring, and top-of-the-line GX Avenir trims, starting at $27,000 and climbing to around $37,000. The model seats five adults, with second-row passengers forced to getting a little chummy. Encore is EPA-rated at 28 miles per gallon down the highway, and with the rear seats folded flat, I was able to squeeze all of my Costco bounty inside.
My tester was powered by an Ecotec 1.3-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine paired with a a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Each engine’s turbocharger allows it to reach torque peak much faster and maintain that torque peak for a longer RPM band compared to a naturally-aspirated engine, providing greater responsiveness, and a more engaging drive for customer.
AWD is available across all trims, making Encore a reliable choice no matter the season. Front-wheel options are also available and come standard with a continuously variable transmission.
Inside the Encore GX, form, function and intuitive tech await. The updated interior is centered around Buick’s “virtual cockpit system” which features a 19-inch, high-definition screen under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system — the largest infotainment screen in its segment — and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver for intuitive control.
Other interior creature comforts include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, front and rear USB ports, leatherette heated front seats, XM radio, wireless phone charging, Bose premium sound system, and active noise cancellation.
Personal favorites included the panoramic power moonroof that brightened any otherwise forgetful weather week, adaptive cruise control, and driver’s lumbar support that helped me feel a few year’s younger trekking down the road.
“It’s rare to get such an elevated, tech-forward interior in a vehicle at this starting price,” Boniface said, “We wanted to uplift every aspect of the Encore GX and put the entire small SUV segment on notice.”
The 2024 Encore GX comes standard with the Buick driver confidence package. This package includes six active safety and driver assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more.
Additional available safety and tech packages include features such as lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear camera mirror.
Buick’s goal is to provide “attainable luxury” to a new generation of customers. When combined with its modern sculptural design, refined performance, appealing interior, and thoughtful personal technologies, Encore sets the company on its targeted course.
Base Price: $29,695
Price As Driven: $35,170
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the emanufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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