Used 2023 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX is a solid choice in subcompact SUVs. In classic Buick fashion, it’s quiet, comfortable, and a good value. You get the versatility of an SUV with the effortless driveability of a compact car in one appealing package.

The Encore GX straddles the line between mainstream and luxury. A few more affordable options in this class include the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, and Chevrolet Trailblazer, but the Buick is a little more premium than its more mainstream competitors. If you’re shopping in the upper trims of the Encore GX, you should also consider similarly priced luxury SUVs like the Lexus UX or Volvo XC40.

There are no notable changes to the Buick Encore GX for the 2023 model year except for a new paint color.

Buick gives you a choice between two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines in the Encore GX. The base 1.2-liter engine is adequate for the daily commute, but it requires a little patience to get up to highway speeds.

The optional 1.3-liter engine is a pretty significant improvement, and we recommend it if your budget allows it. We found the performance upgrade noticeable, plus it returns better fuel economy than the base engine. All-wheel-drive (AWD) Encore GX models come with this engine upgrade, and it’s optional on front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.

All FWD models use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which can be a bit unresponsive. We much prefer the more traditional 9-speed automatic that comes with the AWD models, which gives the Encore GX a little more of an engaging drive.

All of this to say, you won’t regret paying a little extra for the 1.3-liter engine and AWD.

The Encore GX provides a quiet and comfy ride, especially by subcompact SUV standards. It gets Buick QuietTuning technology, which involves a lot of sound deadening to create a serene ride, even at highway speeds.

The Buick Encore GX has a nice, upscale interior for the money. It’s not as premium as an SUV from a luxury brand, but it also isn’t as expensive. The surfaces that the driver touches are nice, but we noticed a few hard plastics that seem out of place.

The interior space is pretty generous for such a small SUV. We found the back seats to be spacious enough for adults and definitely roomy for kids. The cargo hold is also pretty extensive for an SUV this size, especially with the back seats folded down. The front passenger seat can also fold down to help accommodate longer items.

The Encore GX exterior aesthetic speaks to its premium aspirations, and the look changes a bit throughout the model range. For example, the Essence trim has upgraded LED headlights and taillights, and the available Sport Touring Edition gives it a sportier look.

The size of the Encore GX is about average for a subcompact SUV. Its dimensions are similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Kia Seltos, and Honda HR-V. This Buick is a little smaller — and cheaper — than luxury subcompact SUVs like the Lexus UX and Audi Q3.

1.3-liter turbo engine
The optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine is a recommended upgrade if your budget allows it. On top of a performance boost, it’s also more fuel-efficient than the base engine. All AWD-equipped models have this engine, and it’s optional with FWD.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
This excellent standard tech feature lets you bring your maps, music, and more to the screen in your Buick without taking your phone out of your pocket or purse.

Sport Touring Package
This appearance package available for the Preferred trim adds a unique body kit, a custom grille, red accents, and special 18-inch wheels, giving it a sportier look without sacrificing practicality.

QuietTuning Technology
Quiet cabins are a Buick hallmark, and the automaker puts extra time and money into ensuring their vehicles are quieter than similarly priced competitors.

Buick Driver Confidence
This standard safety tech suite bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a following distance indicator, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.

Advanced Technology Package
This option package available for the Select and Essence trims adds many desirable tech features to the Encore GX. You get navigation, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and a head-up display while keeping the price reasonably affordable.

The optional 1.3-liter turbo engine is the more popular choice in the Encore GX for good reasons. It’s more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the base engine at only a modest price bump. This engine is optional on the Preferred and Select trims and standard on the top Essence model. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. FWD models use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and AWD-equipped models use a more responsive 9-speed automatic.

1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
137 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/31 mpg

1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
155 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
174 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/32 mpg (FWD), 26/29 mpg (AWD)

More Encore GX fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Buick Encore GX is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage is typical among mainstream brands, and short of what’s offered by true luxury brands.