FAST FACTS
2025 Buick Encore GX
Rank
- #13 in Subcompact SUVs
2025 Buick Encore GX Review

by Josh Sadlier
published Sep 2, 2024 | updated Apr 4, 2025
Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX a Good SUV?
"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
Which 2025 Buick Encore GX Should I Buy?
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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1. 2025 Buick Encore GX 1.2T Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Price: $26,000
- MPG Combined: 30
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.2-liter inline-3
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Transmission: CVT
- Horsepower: 137
- Torque: 162 lb-ft
- Weight: 3,023 lbs
- Length: 171.2 in
- Towing Capacity: N/A
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.
2. 2025 Buick Encore GX 1.3T Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Price: $27,200
- MPG Combined: 30
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.3-liter inline-3
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Transmission: CVT
- Horsepower: 155
- Torque: 174 lb-ft
- Weight: 3,063 lbs
- Length: 171.2 in
- Towing Capacity: N/A
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.
3. 2025 Buick Encore GX 1.3T All-Wheel Drive
- Base Price: $28,000
- MPG Combined: 27
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.3-liter inline-3
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 155
- Torque: 174 lb-ft
- 0-60: 8.8 sec
- Weight: 3,255 lbs
- Length: 171.2 in
- Towing Capacity: N/A
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.
2025 Buick Encore GX Pricing & Specs
What are the different versions of the 2025 Encore GX, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2025 Encore GX specs and model data.
2025 Buick Encore GX Pricing & Specs by Version
Scroll for more ➔
Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 Buick Encore GX 1.2T Front-Wheel Drive | $26,000 | Gas | 30 | 137 hp | 162 lb-ft |
2025 Buick Encore GX 1.3T Front-Wheel Drive | $27,200 | Gas | 30 | 155 hp | 174 lb-ft |
2025 Buick Encore GX 1.3T All-Wheel Drive | $28,000 | Gas | 27 | 155 hp | 174 lb-ft |

by Josh Sadlier
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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