Overview
Relaxed, quiet, and attractively priced, the 2023 Encore GX is every little thing we anticipate a junior Buick SUV to be. However its positioning in between the mainstream and luxurious SUV segments leaves it missing the traits to achieve both one. Buick gives Encore GX patrons two completely different turbocharged three-cylinder engines to select from—a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter—however neither one delivers significantly notable efficiency. Like different Buicks, the Encore GX prioritizes consolation over driving satisfaction. Even the bottom model within reason properly geared up, because it options plenty of customary driver-assistance tech and fascinating infotainment options. It’s the luxurious vibe that the Encore GX is missing in. When you’re wanting one thing actually upscale, we’ll level you towards the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, or the Volvo XC40.
What’s New for 2023?
Moonstone Grey Metallic joins the checklist of accessible exterior colours for 2023. In any other case, there are not any different modifications to the Encore GX this 12 months.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
The very best worth within the lineup seems to be the midrange Choose model. It comes with good-looking 18-inch wheels, roof-rack aspect rails, an eight-way energy adjustable driver’s seat, heated entrance seats, a rear-seat heart armrest, distant begin, and dual-zone automated local weather management. The Expertise Buick package deal provides navigation and an influence sunroof. All-wheel drive is non-compulsory and provides as much as $2000 to the worth of any Encore GX.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The Encore GX is powered by two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The bottom model is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower. The non-compulsory 1.3-liter unit makes 155 ponies. The previous pairs with a repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Whereas the extra highly effective engine is offered on fancier front-drive fashions, it is included on each Encore GX with all-wheel drive. Likewise, the marginally greater engine completely makes use of a nine-speed automated transmission. An Encore GX with all-wheel drive, the nine-speed automated, and the bigger 1.3-liter four-cylinder required a slothful 9.3 seconds to achieve 60 mph. The Encore GX’s luxury-brand rivals supply extra highly effective engines and much faster acceleration occasions. On the highway, the Encore GX feels peppier than its acceleration outcomes recommend, significantly round city the place the small turbo engine makes probably the most of its affordable low-end grunt. The Buick’s trip can also be agreeably easy and managed, nevertheless it does not supply any dealing with thrills.
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG
Paradoxically, the bigger of the 2 three-cylinder engines receives the best fuel-economy scores from the EPA. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter achieves as much as 32 mpg freeway. Going with the smaller 1.2-liter mill drops that determine to 30 mpg. Choosing the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automated nets a freeway score of 29 mpg. Nevertheless, on our 200-mile freeway fuel-economy take a look at route, the Encore GX with the bigger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automated managed 30 mpg, beating the EPA’s estimate by 1 mpg. For extra details about the Encore GX’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Buick’s positioning available in the market straddles the road between luxurious and mainstream, so it is higher geared up than base-level variations of rivals such because the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek, nevertheless it does not present the identical degree of match and end as an Audi, a BMW, or a Volvo. The Encore GX’s front-passenger seat folds flat to help in loading longer objects. We match 5 carry-on suitcases behind the GX’s rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded, which is only some lower than the barely bigger Cadillac XT4.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Encore GX’s infotainment system helps a properly built-in touchscreen that comes customary with options similar to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a cellular Wi-Fi hotspot. The little Buick employs Common Motors’s newest infotainment software program interface, which is each snappy in its responses and intuitive to make use of. A head-up show is an obtainable choice, as is a high-definition 360-degree digicam system.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The Encore GX gives quite a few customary driver-assistance applied sciences; a rearview digicam mirror and 360-degree digicam system will likely be non-compulsory. For extra details about the Encore GX’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Obtainable adaptive cruise management
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
The Encore GX gives extra guarantee protection than mainstream rivals such because the Nissan Kicks and the Mazda CX-30, in addition to luxury-branded choices such because the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class and the Audi Q3. Nevertheless, the Buick falls brief towards the X1 and XC40, each of which supply free upkeep for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for the primary go to
Specs
Specs
2020 Buick Encore GX AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$35,720 (base value: $27,095)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC inline-3, aluminum block and head, direct gasoline injection
Displacement
82 in3, 1338 cm3
Energy
155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automated
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/torsion beam
Brakes (F/R): 11.8-in vented disc/10.4-in disc
Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT, 225/55R-18 98H M+S TPC SPEC 3139 MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.2 in
Size: 171.4 in
Width: 71.4 in
Peak: 64.1 in
Passenger quantity: 92 ft3
Cargo quantity: 24 ft3
Curb weight: 3335 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 9.3 sec
100 mph: 31.2 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 10.1 sec
High gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
High gear, 50–70 mph: 7.0 sec
1/4 mile: 17.0 sec @ 80 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g
Standing-start accel occasions omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Noticed: 22 mpg
75-mph freeway driving: 30 mpg
Freeway vary: 390 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 28/26/29 mpg
Extra Options and Specs