2027 Buick Encore GX

MSRP

Overview

The Buick Encore GX takes the compact crossover blueprint and applies a modicum of style, luxury, and contemporary tech to help it stand out in the subcompact SUV crowd. The effort is mostly successful, featuring better-than-average finishes and materials inside, but performance is largely left out of the equation.

In front-wheel drive versions, power from the 155-hp turbocharged three-cylinder is funneled through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); all-wheel drive versions use a more desirable 9-speed automatic transmission. Neither offers class-dominating speed, but the ride is pleasant enough for a commuter car. Though the Encore GX fails to excel in any single metric, it offers a slightly more elegant experience than most of its competitors.

Expert Tip: If the size of the Encore GX appeals to you but style is unimportant, take a look at the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax models, which share much of the same mechanical DNA but go lighter on the frills, resulting in a lower base price.

What's New for 2027?

Buick has quietly removed the smaller 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine from the Encore GX lineup for 2027. Significantly less powerful, it offered only an incremental improvement in fuel economy over the 1.3-liter engine. Cosmetically speaking, Buick has removed several exterior colors, including Ceramic, Copper Ice Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic, Aquamarine Blue Metallic, Brilliant Red, and White Frost Tricoat, as well as the Black roof option. Inside, the Whisper Beige with Ebony accent combo has been deleted.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Engine: 155-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder
• Transmissions: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT), 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrains: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

The Encore GX lineup relies on a 1.3-liter three-cylinder that develops 155 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on front-wheel drive models, but opting for AWD automatically upgrades the powertrain with a nine-speed automatic. The Buick's ride is agreeably smooth and controlled, but it doesn't offer any handling thrills. The agenda here is calm, consistent motoring in a compact package with reasonable fuel efficiency.

0–60-MPH Times

• C/D 60-mph Test: 8.8 seconds

In Comparison: An AWD Encore GX Avenir required 8.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Kia Seltos with the 1.6-liter turbo did it in 8.2 seconds, and the non-turbo Mazda CX-30 hit 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Max Towing: 1000 pounds

When equipped with the factory Trailering Package, the Encore GX has a maximum towing capacity of 1000 pounds.

In Comparison: While many models in the segment do not recommend towing, the Kia Seltos is rated to tow up to 2000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests: 30 mpg (AWD Avenir)
• EPA City Ratings: 26-29 mpg
• EPA Highway Rating: 28-31 mpg

With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter achieves an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic nets a rating of 26 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. However, on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the Encore GX with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic managed 30 mpg, beating the EPA's estimate by 2 mpg. For more information about the Encore GX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

In Comparison: The mechanically similar Chevrolet Trax matched the Encore GX's 30 mpg result on our 75-mph highway test route, and the non-turbo Mazda CX-30 edged them both out with a 32-mpg result.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: Buick's positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so the Encore GX is better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Hyundai Venue and Subaru Crosstrek but doesn't provide the same level of fit and finish as an Audi, BMW, or Volvo. Seating is firm but comfortable with good legroom and headroom for even larger drivers, and the front passenger seat folds flat to aid in loading longer items.

Second Row: The rear passenger compartment of the Encore GX is essentially a seven-tenths dupe of the front: the style is the same, but the seats have less padding and support, and there's less room to stretch out, which is typical of the segment. Three across back here will be very tight. The backrest features 60/40 folding, perfect for transporting long cargo when combined with the flat-folding front passenger seat.

Cargo Capacity: We fit five carry-on suitcases behind the Encore GX's rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded, which is only a few less than the slightly larger Cadillac XT4.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 11.0-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio System: 6-speaker (standard), 7-speaker Bose audio system (optional)

The Encore GX's infotainment system looks slick. It lives in a curved panel that extends from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard—though the shape of the screen's bezel is odd. An 11.0-inch touchscreen provides access to Buick's latest user interface, which is both snappy in its responses and intuitive to use. A separate 8.0-inch screen serves as the driver's gauge display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Four USB ports (two each USB-A and USB-C) are distributed for front and rear passengers, and a 120-volt household outlet is available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Encore GX offers numerous standard driver-assistance technologies; a rearview camera mirror and 360-degree camera system are optional.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control

For more information about the Encore GX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Encore GX offers similar warranty coverage as mainstream rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and the Mazda CX-30. However, the Buick falls short against luxury rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, both of which offer free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

• Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: first scheduled visit

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed since we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

More Features and Specs

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