2024 Buick Encore GX

Looks like: The new face of Buick, based on the Wildcat concept

Competes with: Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek

Powertrains: 137-horsepower, turbocharged 1.2-liter or 155-hp, turbo 1.3-liter inline-three cylinder engine; continuously variable or nine-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Spring 2023

For 2024, Buick has unveiled an updated version of its entry-level SUV, the Encore GX. With the smaller Encore disappearing for the 2023 model year, the Encore GX has served as the starting point for people interested in getting into the Buick lineup, and its value proposition landed it on our list of the most affordable SUVs for 2023. But for the 2024 model year, the brand has freshened the Encore GX’s look, given it a new cabin, thrown in some new display technology, and added a range-topping Avenir trim like the rest of its all-crossover lineup. The new look also comes with a bit of a price drop, as well — something you don’t see much these days.

The New Look of Buick
Get used to that face, as you’re about to see it spread across the Buick lineup globally. The cat’s-eye daytime running lamps up top and the trapezoidal grille set low in the front fascia are both lifted from the gorgeous Buick Wildcat electric concept car unveiled in 2022; you can expect to see these design cues proliferate throughout the Buick lineup. The Encore GX’s actual headlights are two small projector-style units flanking the grille, set low in the front plastic clip and looking more like foglights.

That begins and ends the major styling changes for the SUV, however. The rest of its exterior carries over with only minor changes to wheel options (new 18- or 19-inch wheels are available) and LED taillights on the ST (for Sport Touring, now its own trim and not an add-on trim package) and Avenir trims. The ST also gets high-gloss black bumpers front and rear and an optional Black Roof Package. The only other styling news is the first appearance of Buick’s new logo shield; the tri-bar Buick logo has been modernized and loses its encircling ring; it appears on both the nose and tail of the new Encore GX.

Nothing New Under the Hood
While the styling gets some minor updates, the running gear does not. Carrying over unchanged from the 2023 model are a choice of two powertrains, both turbocharged inline three-cylinder engines. Standard is the 1.2-liter version making just 137 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque; the optional engine is a 1.3-liter making 155 hp and 174 pounds-feet of torque, which isn’t really much of a bump up. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Encore GX, but unlike its Chevrolet-branded 2024 Trax cousin, it will also offer all-wheel drive as an option across all trims. Front-drive models get a continuously variable automatic transmission, while AWD variants get a nine-speed automatic.

If these powertrain combinations sound familiar, it’s because they’re shared with two Chevrolet models: the carryover Trailblazer and the Trax. The benefit of such a tiny engine should be good fuel economy, and Buick estimates 30 mpg combined with FWD and 27 mpg combined with AWD.

Upgraded Accommodations
The cabin is where the lion’s share of attention has been placed on the 2024 Encore GX, with the dashboard receiving a complete redo. Most notable will be the first appearance of Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System, which features a total of 19 inches of displays in the form of an 11-inch multimedia touchscreen on the center console and an 8-inch digital instrument panel, all mounted behind a single piece of glass. There’s also a new version of Buick’s multimedia system that features a new layout and increased customization options. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless device charging is optional.

The interior is meant to evoke a premium atmosphere, with unique stitching and soft-touch materials; the Avenir and ST trims come with embroidery in the head restraints. ST variants also get a flat-bottom steering wheel to try and simulate sportiness. Advanced insulation and noise elimination, as part of Buick’s QuietTuning system, should also help to differentiate the more expensive Encore GX from its lesser Chevrolet siblings.

Welcome the Avenir
In addition to the restyling and new interior, a new trim level will be joining the lineup: the top-end Avenir trim that is to Buick vehicles what the Denali sub-brand is to GMCs. The Avenir will be distinguishable by a unique grille, clear-lens LED taillights, trim-specific 19-inch wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, and black carbon metallic bodyside moldings. Inside, a trim-exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black color combination is featured, along with standard leather seating, a 10-way power driver’s seat, eight-way power front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, air ionizer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and branded head restraints and door sills.