Buick Encore GX vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a massive transformation that made any resemblance to its predecessor practically non-existent. Design-wise, it became longer, lower, and wider—specifically by 11 inches in length, nearly six inches in wheelbase stretch, four inches lower in height, and two inches wider. Adopting styling traits from the midsize Chevy Blazer, the new Trax displayed a gaping grille, intimidating headlights, and a pronounced rear design. These design elements gave it a unique, commanding presence, setting it apart from rivals like the boxy Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks.

Base LS models came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. In addition, the Trax came in Activ and RS trims for more rugged and sportier looks, respectively. On the Trax Activ, faux skid plate trims added subtle rugged touches, while the RS version molded itself into a sleek, blacked-out “shrunken Blazer.”

Inside, the Trax LS featured standard cloth upholstery alongside a largely plastic interior, typical of entry-level models but spruced up by thoughtful design. Higher trims showcased Evotex upholstery, meant to mimic leather but reminiscent of activewear material; the RS trim received extra piano-black plastic details. Despite some missteps with interior materials, the combination of freestanding touchscreens and large air vents kept the look modern and engaging.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, based on the striking Wildcat concept, also flaunted a refreshed look. The front sported sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille, with angular LED lamps on either side. It introduced a new Buick logo and a distinctive Avenir trim with its unique grille and chrome accents. While the rear got minimal changes, it did come with new LED tail lights on the top trims. Available 19-inch wheels completed its stylish ensemble.

Buick stepped up with a colorful palette for the Encore GX. Shades included vivid tones like brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and a near-orange Copper Ice Metallic, some of which offered an optional black roof and mirrors.

The interior's biggest shift was the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel incorporating the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen—a modern feature lending the cabin a tech-savvy aura. However, the interior did include some cheap-feeling plastics and was only available in black or cream, inhibiting customization at this price range.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a downgrade in engine size from its predecessor. Replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 2024 model included a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 137 horsepower and 162-pound feet of torque—lower than the 155 hp and 177-pound feet from the outgoing engine. Yet, Chevy estimated the new Trax accelerated to 60 mph about a second quicker than before. The three-cylinder engine showed minimal turbo lag, giving strong pulls from stops and smooth highway overtakes.

Carrying over the previous six-speed automatic transmission, the 2024 Trax was strictly front-wheel drive. Handling focused on a car-like feel rather than SUV characteristics, ensuring a more planted and agile response. Even with limited grip and notable body roll, the Trax’s handling remained predictable and enjoyable.

Refinement in the Trax exceeded expectations thanks to borrowed active noise cancellation tech. Although tire noise was apparent and ride quality was slightly rough, the above-average handling balanced the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its powertrains. The base Preferred trim housed a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162-pound feet of torque, connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and available in FWD. However, upper trims could upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided a responsive drive, clocking 0-60 mph in about nine seconds.

Despite the improved performance, the transmission hesitated to downshift, creating delay issues during highway passing. The absence of a manual control option limited driver engagement. However, the Encore GX excelled as a city cruiser with a smooth-riding suspension that soaked up rough pavement effectively.

A notable feature was its selectable AWD system, which allowed users to switch between FWD and AWD to save fuel. However, competitors like the Honda HR-V offered automatic AWD systems requiring no driver intervention.

For a larger exterior, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax didn't entirely maximize interior space. It offered three inches more rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom, but first-row headroom remained the same, while second-row headroom was 0.7 inches less. Narrower shoulder room indicated a more inboard seating arrangement, seen previously in GM’s subcompact crossovers. Passenger space closely matched the competition's, even though Trax held an edge with its car-like driving position and excellent visibility.

Cargo capacity saw a 12% bump to 25.6 cubic feet with all seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—comparable to rivals but notably larger than the Hyundai Venue.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, stayed practical within its subcompact dimensions. It couldn’t tow much beyond 1,000 pounds but did feature a hands-free liftgate. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This model could even fit items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded down.

Interior amenities included optional heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though notable exclusions were seat ventilation and standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, only accessible on top trims or via packages. A seven-speaker Bose audio system added a bit of luxury.

Infotainment saw significant improvements in the 2024 Chevrolet Trax. LS and 1RS trims included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims boasted an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging were first-time additions. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with a driver-oriented tilt that unfortunately limited passenger interactions.

The digital instrument cluster impressed with modern, easy-to-read graphics and compatibility with main screen information—a good replacement for a head-up display. Also, there were USB-A and USB-C ports in the front, with additional ports for rear passengers on higher trims, although wireless phone charging was an optional feature.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. Unfortunately, part of the large screen area went unused, giving a less satisfying visual experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, as were USB-A, USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. A valuable addition was the rear camera mirror providing a broader rear view.

While intuitively simple, the Encore GX’s infotainment system lacked deeper integrations found in rivals, focusing instead on straightforward operations like smartphone mirroring, settings, camera views, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a robust suite of standard driver-assist features, although official crash-test ratings were not yet available. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Teen Driver system monitored teen driving behaviors and ensured seat-belt use, enhancing the overall safety profile.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX also featured comprehensive safety measures under the standard Driver Confidence package, offering lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams, with blind-spot monitoring as standard across all trims. Optional advanced features included rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive, which briefly immobilized the car if the driver’s seatbelt wasn't engaged.

The NHTSA granted the 2024 Buick Encore GX a five-star overall safety rating, affirming its crash protection credentials. The 2023 model received Good and Superior ratings from the IIHS, although headlight ratings varied by trim.