Starts at $26,000
Rank
FAST FACTS
"The Encore GX is a bit of a head-scratcher in that it's the smallest Buick SUV by far, yet it's significantly more expensive than the Envista that sits below it in Buick's lineup. Why get the Encore GX, then? One reason (maybe the only reason) is that it's the only one of the pair to offer AWD. But compared to its competitors more broadly, the Encore GX struggles to make a case for itself due to its relatively high price, lackluster acceleration and unimpressive fuel economy. If you want an all-wheel-drive Envista, we'd steer you toward the Chevy Trailblazer, which gives you the Encore GX's platform and powertrains for thousands less to start."—Ranked #13 out of 18 Subcompact SUVs
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Buick Encore GX that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
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The entry-level Encore GX presents something of a puzzle within the Buick lineup, as it shares its engine with the Envista but is both more expensive and significantly smaller.
Stepping up to the 1.3-liter engine is a no-brainer in the Encore GX, as it matches the 1.2-liter unit on combined fuel economy and delivers significantly more oomph. You'll just have to skip the base Preferred trim and go one level up to the Sport Touring.
Heads up! Adding all-wheel drive doesn't just give you more driven wheels; it also swaps out the CVT for a conventional 9-speed automatic. That's generally a good thing, but AWD also adds some poundage, so even this top-of-the-line specification is rather pokey in the acceleration department.
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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