- The Buick Encore GX has an upscale design and modern tech at a reasonable price
- Pricing starts at $26,895, including the destination fee | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Buick Encore GX models for sale near you
The calling card of the Buick brand is splitting the difference between mainstream and luxury. For 2024, its lineup exclusively consists of SUVs, which are more luxurious than similar offerings from mainstream brands but more affordable than luxury SUVs with similar sizing and features. The result is a good value for budget-conscious drivers with refined tastes.
The Buick Encore GX fits this mold perfectly. It has a sleek, updated design for the 2024 model year, a nice, high-tech interior that’s roomy for a subcompact SUV, and a starting price far below small SUVs from luxury brands like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Let’s take a closer look at the inside of the Buick Encore GX and see if its balance of luxury and practicality is right for you.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Interior space is one of the biggest strengths of the 2024 Buick Encore GX. It’s classified as a subcompact SUV, but we felt like we were in the next size up when we tested the back seats. This Buick has 36 inches of rear legroom, more than the Lexus UX and the same as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive. A 6-way manual driver’s seat and 4-way manual front passenger seat give these seats the customizability you and your passenger need to find the best position. Upgrading to the top Avenir trim at $33,195 brings an 8-way power driver’s seat and a 6-way power passenger seat; plus, they’re both heated with power lumbar control.
Buick is a brand that prioritizes comfort and value over performance, and that’s evident in the comfy seating in the Encore GX.
Features and Tech
Let’s start with the infotainment system. Every 2024 Buick Encore GX has a user-friendly, 11-inch central display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These connectivity features make bringing your maps, music, and more from your phone to the car’s screen effortless. An adequate 6-speaker audio system is standard, and a Bose 7-speaker setup is optional in the Avenir trim.
Other standard interior features include an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a noise control system with active noise cancellation, front and rear USB ports, a cargo cover, and the basics you expect in any new car, like air conditioning and cruise control.
The top Avenir trim adds many desirable interior features. It has comfort features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a rear center armrest, as well as tech features like remote start, a universal garage door opener, and a 120-volt power outlet.
The Comfort Package brings some Avenir features to the two lower trims, like a power driver’s seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, and remote start. An Advanced Technology Package also adds adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a surround-vision camera, and a wireless charging pad.
Materials and Design
The seating in the base Preferred trim of the Encore GX combines cloth and leatherette upholstery. The midrange Sport Touring trim (starting at $28,095) primarily upgrades the engine and appearance. Still, it comes with the notable interior upgrade of full leatherette seats with sporty “ST” embroidery on the front headrests. If you want genuine leather, it’s standard in the Avenir trim.
The interior design of the Encore GX speaks the Buick language. It’s a middle-ground between mainstream and luxury. The materials the driver touches are lovely but not opulent. Also, its pleasant ergonomics contribute to the comfort of this practical interior. We also appreciate the generous placement of cubbies and storage spaces throughout the cabin. The optional rear armrest adds two cupholders for your passengers.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The Buick Encore GX boasts 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats. When you fold those down, that space increases to 50.2 cubic feet. That’s significantly more cargo space behind the second row than its pricier rivals from luxury brands, except the spacious BMW X1. There are also a few subcompact SUVs from non-luxury brands with a little extra cargo room, like the Kia Seltos.
Folding rear seats that split 60/40 are standard in the Encore GX, allowing you to customize your passenger and cargo space balance. A fold-flat front passenger seat is standard in the Avenir trim and optional on the lower trims. This is a great feature for loading longer items into this small SUV.
Build and price your version of the 2024 Buick Encore GX to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out Buick Encore GX models for sale near you.
