The 2024 Buick Encore GX subcompact SUV feels almost completely new, thanks to upgrades that include a new instrument panel, improved connectivity and styling tweaks. It’s a significant improvement for a little SUV that already offered appealing looks and features at a good price.
The details of my test drive
What is it? 2024 Buick Encore GX compact SUV
Which model did I drive? Encore GX Avenir AWD, the top dog
What’s new? Grille, instrument panel, touch screen, Buick badge
I wish: It had more power and automatic AWD activation
How much? $38,285 as tested, excluding $1,295 destination charge
When can you buy one? Widely available in June
The changes start up front. The Encore GX’s nose sports a new version of Buick’s badge, reshaped trapezoidal grille and sweeping horizontal LED lights.
Buick’s Wildcat concept car previewed those features last year.
Watch for the new badge — which frees Buick’s three heraldic shields from the chrome band that used to encircle them on upcoming Buicks. The free-range tri-shield is duplicated on the tailgate.
The Encore GX should be in dealerships in June. Dealers are taking orders now.
What’s new?
- Updated version of Buick tri-shield badge
- Trapezoidal grille
- Redesigned LED headlights
- All-electronic instrument cluster and touch screen, 19 inches of display under a single pane of glass
- New 18- and 19-inch wheel designs
- Avenir trim level
Driving impressions
I tested a top of the line Encore GX Avenir with all-wheel drive. It had the top drivetrain, a turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. A less powerful 1.2L turbo, front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard.
The 1.3L — 155 hp/174 pound-feet of torque vs. 137/162 for the base engine — has plenty of power for city and highway driving. There’s a brief lag before the transmission shifts to accelerate, but I got used to that and found performance perfectly satisfactory.
A button on the center console activates AWD, which then remains active every time you start the car. I noticed mild torque steer and a mild tendency for the front wheels to wander in front-drive mode.
I’d keep AWD activated all the time if I drove an Encore GX every day, despite the slight decrease in fuel economy that would bring.
2024 Buick Encore GX trim levels and prices
- Preferred: $25,600
- Preferred AWD: $27,600
- Sport Touring: $26,800
- Sport Touring AWD: $28,400
- Avenir: $31,900
- Avenir AWD: $33,500
Prices exclude $1,295 destination charge
Source: Buick
Big new display
The interior is roomy and comfortable. Rear legroom is good, but the SUV’s narrow body will limit comfort for middle-seat occupants. Cargo space is competitive with small SUVs like the Mazda CX-30 and Lexus NX.
The new instrument panel consists of a single vertical panel of glass with a black background. The gauges are clear and the touch screen responds quickly. The panel is vertical, and a bit closer to the driver than most instrument clusters. I expected that would make it susceptible to glare, but it remained easy to read, even on sunny days with the optional sunroof open.
The Encore GX uses the Google operating system and responds quickly to touches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well. Wireless charging is available.
Safety and assistance features
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic headlights
- Video rearview camera
- Lane keeping alert and assist
- Blind spot alert
- Cross traffic alert
- Collision alert
- Following distance indicator
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
Why get one?
The 2024 Encore GX looks good and offers plenty of features at an appealing price.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.