BuickEncore GX

　　

2024 Buick Encore GX Review

byBrent RomansSenior Manager, Written Content

　　Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at zzdcar and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.

　　, rating written byBrent RomansManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2024 Encore GX is one of two entry-level crossover SUVs from Buick; the other is the all-new Envista. Go with the Encore and you're getting a pint-sized SUV that's a bit more premium than other mainstream models without getting into luxury-brand pricing. It's quiet and easy to drive, and many of the latest driver assist and tech features are either standard or optional. The 2024 Encore GX also gets some updates for 2024 you'll want to know about.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$126/mo  for Encore GX Preferred

　　Encore GX Preferred

　　Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $25,600 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $27,600 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $26,800 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $28,400 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $31,900 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $33,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: New looks and a bigger touchscreen

The Encore GX's front end gets the most change, with a revised grille and some cool-looking daytime running lights. There's not much new in back but we like the 2024 Encore GX's look overall. Inside, an 11-inch touchscreen replaces the previous 8-inch screen. It's also now housed under one pane of glass alongside the digital instrument panel. The overall effect looks quite nice and even a bit more premium than what's in more expensive Buicks that have older designs.

　　

Competitors to consider

There are a lot of choices for an extra-small crossover SUV. Since you're considering Buick, you might as well examine the new Envista. It's less expensive than the Encore GX but actually a little roomier inside. Other recommended options include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once we test the Encore GX's updated infotainment interface for 2024.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Encore GX drive? The Encore GX is a surprisingly dynamic little SUV. There's impressively little body roll when you drive around turns, and there's a pleasing amount of grip. The steering is a bit light for easy maneuvering around town, but it's accurate and easy to judge.

　　Acceleration from the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is a bit quicker than average for the segment; our test model covered 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Around town, the engine feels strong.

　　There are only a few standout nitpicks. The brake pedal is fairly sensitive, and that can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly. Also, the nine-speed transmission takes a few ticks longer than we'd like to select the right gear when you want more power. Finally, the engine stop-start system bucks the car when it fires back up at a stoplight. Thankfully, you can shut it off.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Encore GX? The Encore GX is generally well tuned for comfort. The ride is well controlled and doesn't transmit many road imperfections to the cabin. You will feel a jolt in the cabin, though, if you drive over square-edged bumps. The climate control is strong, and the seat heaters warm up quickly.

　　Front seat comfort is underwhelming. The padding is firm, and some drivers will wish for more lateral support. Tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds, and the three-cylinder is particularly vocal. Even if you aren't flooring the throttle, you'll hear the engine rumble and roar when pulling away from a stop. You can also feel engine vibrations through the steering wheel; most modern cars have filtered such vibration out.

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