Buick Encore GX

Before you do more research on the Encore, know that there are actually two Encore SUVs: the original Encore extra-small SUV, which has been around since 2013, and the newish Encore GX. The "GX" part makes it sound like a trim level but it's effectively the replacement for the original Encore, even though Buick is selling both SUVs for 2022.

The Encore GX is at the larger and more luxurious end of the extra-small SUV segment. It comes with a wealth of available technology and safety features as well as a more upscale interior than most other rival SUVs. Its larger than average size, for the class, also benefits interior and cargo space.

But those extra features and larger size come at a cost, making the Encore GX one of the more expensive vehicles in its class. Depending on what you want from your little SUV, you might find the smaller Chevrolet Trailblazer or adventurous Subaru Crosstrek more to your liking. Mazda's equally premium CX-30 provides more power, and one-size-larger SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson offer more size and power for similar money. Check out our Expert Rating below to see if the Buick Encore GX hits the sweet spot with your SUV needs.

Which Encore GX does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Buick Encore GX is an extra-small crossover SUV offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Select and Essence. Standard on all front-wheel-drive Preferred and Select models is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard on the Essence trim and all-wheel-drive models — and optional for the front-wheel-drive Select trim — is a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). This engine is paired to a CVT on front-wheel-drive models, while AWD versions get a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Preferred The base Preferred model comes standard with:

• Alloy wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• Cloth/imitation leather combination upholstery

Included safety and technology features:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
• Six-speaker audio system
• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)

Options for the Encore GX Preferred include:

Cold Weather Comfort package

• Remote engine start
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats

Safety package

• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

Select Moving up to the Select trim adds:

• Cold Weather Comfort package
• Roof rails
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Rear armrest
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert

Essence The top-trim Essence comes standard with:

• LED headlights
• In-cabin air ionizer (helps remove air particulates)
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Leather upholstery

Other options, depending on the trim level, to look out for include:

• Advanced Technology package (Select and Essence)
• Navigation system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto a piece of plastic near the windshield)
• 360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the car for tight parking situations)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Convenience package (Essence only)
• Wireless charging pad
• Automatic wipers
• Rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror (allows you to display a live rear camera video feed on the rearview mirror)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
• Sunroof
• Hands-free liftgate
• Seven-speaker Bose audio system