2023 Buick Encore GX Review

Let’s take a look at the engine options, analyze their performance, and evaluate the comfort levels of the Encore GX.

While you may think of this SUV’s engine to be adequate enough in this segment, the acceleration could have been far better. Ride quality is good, making the passengers feel comfortable in all road conditions. But don’t expect driving thrills—they are barely there in this lineup.

Engine

There are two engine options under the hood of this Buick vehicle. One is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 137 hp, while the other is an optional 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine generating 155 hp.

Transmission

For the front-wheel drive models, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. If you’re opting for an all-wheel drive model, the standard setup is nine-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension

It’s equipped with front struts and rear torsion beam suspension.

Steering

It’s equipped with a tilt and telescopic electric-powered steering wheel. Controls for cruise control and audio are located on the steering wheel to make them easily accessible to the driver.

NHTSA gave this lineup a 5-star safety rating, and this crossover SUV was also a part of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick list. JD Power gave it a reliability score of 87/100.

Brakes

The vehicle is equipped with 11.8-inch vented disc for front brakes and 10.4-inch disc for rear brakes. It also comes with 4-wheel ABS as standard.

Airbags

The Buick Encore GX prioritizes safety by offering standard airbags to protect its occupants in the event of a collision. With a comprehensive set of airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin, including front and dual side-impact airbags and front and rear head airbags, the Encore GX aims to minimize the risk of injury for both the driver and passengers. These airbags are designed to deploy rapidly upon impact, providing a cushioning effect to help absorb and distribute the forces exerted on the occupants.

Electronics

Buick offers a host of standard safety and driver-assist features as part of the standard package. Some notable features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, pre and post-collision safety system, stability control, child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring, and remote anti-theft alarm system, to mention a few.

Lights

To enhance visibility in all driving conditions, daytime running lights, front fog lights, dusk sensing headlamps, and auto-delay off headlamps are available as standard.

Traction control

The Buick Encore GX comes equipped with traction control as a standard feature. Traction control is a system that helps prevent wheel slippage during acceleration by adjusting the power delivery to the wheels. This feature ensures that the Buick Encore GX maintains excellent grip and maneuverability, offering a safer and more confident driving experience for its owners.

The fuel economy is impressive, more so when you go with the front-wheel drive variant. Oddly enough, the more powerful engine with higher capacity turns out to be the more efficient one.

Engine size

The turbocharged and intercooled DOHC inline-3 engines are available in 2 sizes—the base one is of 1.2 liters and the other is 1.3 liters.

Gas per mileage consumption

With front-wheel drive, the 1.2-liter variant can offer as much as 30 mpg, while the more powerful 1.3-liter variant offers 32 mpg. If you opt for an all-wheel drive setup, expect the numbers to drop.

The interior is focused on practicality while also keeping in mind the comfort element. As this vehicle aims to bridge the gap between generalist and luxury SUVs, it tries to strike a similar balance while designing the cabin. The seats are of high quality, the entertainment system is quite good, and most importantly, passengers feel comfortable in the cabin during long rides.

Seats

With a front legroom of 40.9 inches and premium quality upholstery (either cloth or leatherette), the front seats look good and feel even better. You get an 8-way power driver’s seat with height adjustment, lumbar support, and multi-level heating. The rear seats are also quite comfy, offering a legroom of 36 inches.

Design

The posh exterior makes the vehicle look at par with the typical luxury SUVs. Its cabin is not as upscale as the exterior, but it’s tastefully designed with practicality in mind.

Infotainment

Buick Encore not just emphasizes safety, but also takes care of your in-car entertainment. It comes with a 8-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, speed sensitive volume control. The brand-new software interface from the house of General Motors is quick to respond and easy to use even for users who are not tech savvy.

Overall height and space

This SUV is 171.4 inches long, 71.4 inches wide, and 64.1 inches in height. The wheelbase is 102.2 inches and has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches.

Trunk space

The basic cargo space behind the second row is 23.5 cubic feet. You can expand it up to 50.2 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats. The split folding rear seats make it easy to load and unload cargo.

Crossover SUVs are widely popular for offering the experience of riding an SUV without being too much of a burden on the pocket. The price range for the latest Buick Encore GX lineup is justified considering the suite of features they bring along.

There are 3 trim levels to choose from—Preferred, Select, and Essence. The middle trim ‘Select’ offers the best value for your money, with features like heated seats, automatic climate control, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

AWD/FWD

Front-wheel drive is standard across all trim levels. All-wheel drive is available as an optional add-on, which will cost you up to $2000 extra.

Warranty

2023 Buick Encore GX is covered by a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, drivetrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, rust warranty of 6 years or 100,000 miles, and roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Towing

The maximum towing capacity is 1000 pounds.