2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from the past without forging a new path, resulting in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal that buyers sought. The rounded exterior and tall stance did not convey the rugged SUV look, and even with the optional Sport Touring Package, the enhancements were subtle and barely noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design was uninspired, with a dashboard and door panels reminiscent of outdated 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Buick Encore GX presented a significant design refresh, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. It featured a new front fascia with sleek daytime running lights and angular LED lamps, along with a redesigned Buick logo. The Avenir trim boasted a unique grille and chrome accents, while the rear received updated LED tail lights. The color palette was vibrant, offering options like brilliant red and Copper Ice Metallic, with some colors available with a contrasting black roof. Inside, the most notable change was the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving the interior a modern, tech-savvy appearance. Despite some cheap-feeling plastics, the overall look was premium for its price point.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car delivered stronger acceleration than expected, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to extract performance. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, with slow and lifeless steering.

For 2024, the Encore GX retained the same engine options and drivetrain configurations. The 1.3-liter engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic, provided adequate performance, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds. While not quick, it was competitive within its segment. However, highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The selectable AWD system allowed for fuel-saving FWD operation, but competitors offered more seamless automatic AWD engagement. The Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth suspension that absorbed rough pavement well.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was clear, with useful features like the engine start/stop notification and pedestrian-detection warning light.

The 2024 Encore GX maintained similar cargo space, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. It could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Available features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though seat ventilation was not offered. Standard seats were two-way power-adjustable, with eight-way adjustability available on higher trims. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also an option.

The 2023 Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the 8-inch screen was small by modern standards.

In 2024, the Encore GX upgraded to an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under a single glass pane. While visually appealing, much of the screen space was unused. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The rear camera mirror provided a wider view, enhancing safety. The infotainment system was straightforward, lacking advanced features like Amazon Alexa or Google integration.

The 2023 Encore GX came with standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top crash test ratings but an average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

For 2024, the Encore GX included the Driver Confidence package with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Optional features included rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The 2024 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in crash tests. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 model had good crashworthiness scores.