With the demise of the standard Encore, the Encore GX became Buick’s smallest SUV. Larger than most subcompacts but still not quite a full-blown compact, the Encore GX has the added advantage of minimal exterior measurement combined with a surprisingly roomy interior.
For 2024, the Encore GX lineup gets new trims and a reshuffling of content. The Preferred remains the same, but last year’s Select becomes the Sport Touring, and the Essence is now Avenir.
All three trims get pulled by their front wheels and offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). Power for the base Preferred comes from a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine good for 137 horsepower. All other trims get a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder good for 155 hp.
The front-wheel-drive (FWD) models use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD versions get a 9-speed automatic.
Luxury rivals like the Lexus UX, BMW X1, and Audi Q3 offer more powerful engines, with the Lexus also offering a hybrid engine option, but they also cost significantly more.
Less expensive rivals like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos can save you some money but can’t quite match the Encore GX’s luxury features.
As the chip shortage continues to hamper the industry, some features, like rear parking sensors, may be deleted from their respective packages.
2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred: $25,600 (FWD), $27,600 (AWD)
The Preferred trim is the most affordable Encore GX. It has a 1.2-liter engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and a front-wheel drive.
For an additional $2,000, you can opt for AWD. Doing so brings a larger 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine is optional on the front-wheel-drive Preferred, which retains the CVT.
With safety on the minds of small SUV buyers, Buick equips the Encore GX with all required federally required equipment, then adds its Driver Confidence group as standard.
The package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-keeping assist with lane-departure alert. A following distance indicator warns you when you’re driving too close to the vehicle ahead.
Also on board is a lane-change alert with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, an HD rearview monitor, and a system that reminds the driver to check the back seat for pets or children before leaving the vehicle.
Buick’s Teen Driver allows parents to set limits or alerts on features like radio volume and top speed, while Buckle to Drive prevents the vehicle from being shifted out of park until the driver fastens their seat belt. Tire Fill Alert gives an audible and visual signal when inflating a tire to the correct pressure.
A quick walk around the Preferred reveals handsome 18-inch bright silver alloy wheels, an acoustic laminated windshield, auto on/off LED headlights, power heated side mirrors, intermittent front wipers, and a proximity keyless entry system with push-button start.
The Preferred cabin includes cloth and leatherette upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Regrettably, the single-zone manual climate control means the back seat area does not have console-mounted air vents.
Amenities include a tilt/telescoping wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, Active Noise Cancellation, and a one-touch up/down driver’s power window.
New for 2024 is an 8-inch configurable driver information display that replaces last year’s analog cluster. It complements the new 11-inch color infotainment touchscreen granting access to a 6-speaker AM/FM radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Preferred AWD gets a more powerful 7-speaker audio system.
OnStar services, Buick’s connected apps, and a Wi-Fi hot spot are also available.
The Encore GX’s front console contains one USB-C and one USB-A, with a matching setup for the rear seat passengers.
Optional equipment for the Encore GX is mainly bundled into packages.
The Comfort Package adds a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a flat-folding passenger seat, a rear center armrest, and remote start.
The Advanced Technology Package adds adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree monitor.
Standalone options include a power panoramic moonroof and a power liftgate.
With the $1,295 destination charge, the 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred comes to $26,895. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment is $508. See 2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred models for sale near you
2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred includes:
- 11-inch infotainment touchscreen – The Encore GX’s new infotainment screen is fast, straightforward, and wide, making it easy to read.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – The Encore GX’s high beams dim automatically when sensing approaching cars, then reactivate once the coast is clear.
- Driver assists – The Encore GX’s ample driver assist systems help keep everyone safe, including pedestrians and cyclists.
2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring: $26,800 (FWD), $28,400 (AWD)
The Sport Touring puts more attitude into the Encore GX’s personality, with a standard 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, unique gloss-black exterior accents and grille, and 18-inch gloss black wheels.
Building off the Preferred, the Sport Touring gains a roof rack, LED taillights, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a few more optional upgrades.
Sport Touring buyers can opt for the Experience Buick Package, which adds a power moonroof and 19-inch gloss black wheels.
The Black Roof Package adds a black roof panel, mirror caps, and rails.
Music lovers will want to check the box for the 7-speaker Bose audio upgrade.
With the $1,295 destination charge, the 2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring comes to $28,095. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment is $530. See 2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring models for sale near you
2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring includes:
- Sporty exterior – With black wheels and a gloss-black grille and accents, the Sport Touring strikes a distinctive look.
- Flat-bottom steering wheel – The Sport Touring’s flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier to slide in and out of the driver’s seat. It looks cool, too.
- Available Bose audio – Music is a big part of a great road trip, and the optional Bose sound system helps bring it to life.
2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir: $31,900 (FWD), $33,500 (AWD)
The Avenir name adorns Buick’s most luxurious SUVs and brings the Encore GX within spitting distance of high-end makes from Audi, Lexus, and BMW.
Building off the Preferred and Sport Touring, the Avenir adds dual-zone automatic climate controls with cabin humidity sensors, a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar and 2-position memory, and an 8-way power passenger seat with 2-way power lumbar and manual recline.
Avenir owners enjoy leather upholstery in Ebony and Whisper Beige, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a flat-folding front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, a universal home remote, and a 120-volt outlet.
The Avenir exterior includes 19-inch alloy wheels, clear lens LED taillights, and a Black Ice grille.
Option groups include the Avenir Technology Package, which adds adaptive cruise control, a rear camera mirror with a washer, a 360-degree monitor, and a wireless charging pad.
The Avenir Convenience Package adds a hands-free power liftgate, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and the Bose audio system.
With the $1,295 destination charge, the 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir comes to $33,195. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to $626. See 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir models for sale near you
2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir includes:
- Memory driver’s seat – The Avenir’s memory driver seat has settings for two persons, automatically adjusting the seat and mirrors to each’s preferred position.
- Heated steering wheel – This feature makes it pleasant to grip the steering wheel on cold mornings.
- Available adaptive cruise control – This system removes the worry of highway cruising by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even as traffic slows or speeds up.
