The GX is Buick’s smallest crossover and offers lots of standard safety features. It also returns good fuel economy.
Front-drive Preferred models use a CVT that blunts performance, but the better all-wheel-drive Sport Touring and upscale Avenir trims get a quicker 1.3-liter turbo-three with 155 horsepower. EPA ratings are 31 mpg highway for those models.
Safety
For the 2025 model year, Buick’s smallest crossover continues to play in the subcompact SUV sandbox with upscale rivals from Audi and Volvo. Yet the GX stands out with its premium cabin and responsive infotainment tech, while offering a competitive price tag.
Safety is a major focus for Buick, and it’s present in the Encore GX with standard features like forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The upscale Avenir trim even adds advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.
Powering the Encore GX is your choice of a 1.2L or 1.3L turbo engine that delivers a blend of performance and fuel efficiency. You’ll also have the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. A variety of drive modes allow you to adapt to different driving conditions, while StabiliTrak enhances stability and control. You can even choose the sporty Sport Touring trim for added flair and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Technology
The 2025 Buick Encore GX is a sophisticated little SUV that’s also loaded with cutting-edge features. Even the base Preferred offers automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and start, air conditioning, 18-inch wheels, and cloth and synthetic leather upholstery. The rear seats split and fold in the typical 60/40 manner, opening up a decent-sized cargo area. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the standard infotainment system, which looks slick on its 11.0-inch touchscreen.
The Encore GX offers front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, and it can tow up to 1,000 pounds. Its turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is rated at 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a CVT that routes power to the front wheels, and if you opt for the Sport Touring or Avenir, you’ll get a more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter engine. We tested an AWD model with the larger engine and a nine-speed automatic, and it managed 30 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop. Standard Buick Driver Confidence safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Buick Encore GX comes in Preferred, Sport Touring and the upscale Avenir trims. Both models can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and offer two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The cheapest one produces just 137 horsepower and pairs with a CVT; it’s a bit sluggish, even when driving away from a stop light. The other option produces 155 horsepower and pairs with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic. Both engines have excellent low-end torque, which makes the Encore GX more nimble when driving around town.
Regardless of which model you choose, the Buick Encore GX gets very competitive fuel economy ratings. Front-wheel drive versions of this tiny crossover SUV get 29 city and 31 highway mpg according to the EPA, while all-wheel drive variants deliver 27 city and 28 highway mpg. For comparison, the similarly priced Mazda CX-30 gets a much better 30 combined.
Style
The 2025 Buick Encore GX offers a sophisticated, versatile cabin and impressive tech features for a subcompact SUV. With a unique exterior design, this model stands out in a crowd. It boasts sculpted body lines and a streamlined stance, as well as the brand’s new tri-shield logo and signature front-end styling.
The Encore GX is also fun to drive. There’s surprisingly little body roll when you take turns, and the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine delivers satisfying acceleration. It competes well with more mainstream rivals in the segment, including the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Crossover.
The Encore GX isn’t as fuel-efficient as some competitors, but it still manages to offer good mileage figures. With front-wheel drive, the Encore GX Preferred can get up to 30 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 31 mpg. If you opt for all-wheel drive, expect your mileage to fall by a few mpg.
Value
In the entry-level SUV segment, Buick’s Encore GX offers a competitive mix of style, comfort and premium technology features. It comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence suite, which includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. It also offers a 11-inch ultrawide infotainment display that delivers an intuitive interface and modernized functionality, including wireless smartphone integration.
Its interior is a highlight, thanks to classy leather seating surfaces and smart storage cubbies throughout. The spacious cabin also seats four comfortably, and it’s easy to fold the rear seats for additional cargo space when needed.
Buick’s Encore GX feels nicer than mainstream rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Kicks, while it’s less expensive and more upscale than luxury options like the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. In terms of value, it’s hard to beat a fully-equipped Encore GX Preferred with all-wheel drive for $31,385. That includes a power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats, among other high-end amenities. Its warranty coverage is also on par with other vehicles in this price range. More