By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 21, 2021) Almost 90 percent of U.S. Buick sales come from SUVs, and the newest addition is the Encore GX first introduced for Buick for 2020. The Encore GX is not to be confused as yet another trim level for the subcompact Buick Encore. It’s its own Buick model that’s larger and positioned just below Buick’s compact Envision. It’s essentially a tarted-up version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which is also new for the bowtie division of GM, and mechanically shares much of the same DNA including its two available engines, both of which are turbocharged three-cylinder variants.

Tested here is the 2022 Encore GX, now in its third year on the market. It is essentially the same as the introductory model, with a few small updates last year including standard SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Adaptive cruise control was added to the Preferred model as part of the optional safety package. The only change for 2022 is the introduction of four new metallic exterior colors. Regardless of trim level, all Encore GX models come standard with a white exterior. Any other color, and there are plenty to choose from, will cost an extra $495 to $1,095.

Three trim levels are available: Preferred, Select and top-of-the-line Essence. When it comes to engine choices your choice is small or smaller for reasons only Buick knows. All Encore GX trim levels are powered by the base turbocharged 1.2-liter, 137-horsepower three-cylinder engine. An optional turbocharged 1.3-liter, three-cylinder engine that develops 155 horsepower is available only on the Select or Essence trim levels for an extra $395.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional only on the Select and Essence trims. Finally, when choosing all-wheel drive, GX foregoes the CVT in favor of the preferred nine-speed automatic transmission.

Outside, the design is attractive and more stylish than the smaller Buick Encore. We especially thought the 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets enhanced the overall upscale look, alongside the Rosewood metallic exterior color. Our Encore GX’s cabin featured premium looking perforated leather seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and Buick’s noted QuietTuning active noise cancellation.

There’s ample room up front for even the tallest drivers; I’m 6-6 and easily found a comfortable driving position with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. Forget about legroom in the seat immediately behind me, since mine was adjusted to its rearward limit. Second-row seats fold 60/40 flat and we liked that the front passenger seat folds flat for carrying longer cargo. Buick says the GX will accommodate an 8-foot-long object diagonally from the passenger seat to the rear driver’s side of the vehicle.  



The GX’s infotainment and connectivity includes available wireless charging and Bluetooth pairing for up to two phones at the same time. It also supports SiriusXM’s next generation audio entertainment platform — SiriusXM with 360L — that combines satellite and streaming to deliver more channels, plus access to both live and on demand shows and musical performances. All this operated via the 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen and a 4.2-inch multicolor driver information display.

Safety and driver assistance technologies include a suite of six standard safety technologies: forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps with automatically adjusting high/low beams.

Extra-cost available features are rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear camera mirror, hands-free power liftgate, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist and high-definition surround vision camera system.

Our tester was the GX Essence with the 1.3-liter, CVT and front-wheel drive. On the road, the engine-transmission combination felt peppy enough, but it still took a sloth-like 8.6-seconds to hit 60 mpg from a standing stop. On the plus side, however, the CVT does a good job of fooling you into thinking it’s a traditional transmission and we found the ride agreeably smooth with decent handling and overall, quite competent. But if you’re looking for a sportier driving experience the Encore GX isn’t part of the package, and you’d do well to consider one of its European competitors.

Overall, we think the GX straddles the line between mainstream compact crossover utility vehicle such as the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue and more luxurious SUVs like the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Cadillac XT4. It’s closer to a Premium model but falls well short of a luxury compact crossover.

Still, I quite liked the GX. It has stylish good looks, a roomy interior, comfortable ride and a decided notch above offerings from Ford, Nissan and Chevrolet. We wished for more power and a more luxurious cabin, but we think Buick loyalists will be more than pleased with the GX.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $29,000
Price as Tested: $33,845
Engine/Transmission: 137-horsepower 1.2-Liter 3-cylinder engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 29/32/30 MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Up to 6

Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and overall highest possible five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where Built: Bupyeong Gu, Korea

Competes With:
Acura RDX
Audi Q3
BMW X2
Cadillac XT4
Ford EcoSport
Kia Seltos
Lexus UX
Mazda CX-30
Volvo XC40

Fab Features:
Handsome styling
Roomy interior
Easy to drive and park