Buick has quietly been reinventing itself over the past 10 years. Gone are the rather sedate passenger cars that characterized the brand. They have been replaced by an all-SUV lineup that offers a size and price point for almost any buyer. Unlike their General Motors sister brands, Buick offers no body-on-frame full-size SUVs or pickup trucks, but instead focuses on the family-friendly crossover market.
Honestly, you can find a family SUV from any brand these days, but Buick is offering a special value because even their base trims enjoy luxury touches, and they offer the Sport Touring and Avenir trims for those who want something extra without breaking their budget. From the new subcompact Envista starting at $22,400 through the compact Encore GX and Envision, up to the midsize Enclave, Buick has a strong lineup.
This week's test vehicle is the Encore GX in Sport Touring trim. The starting price with this trim is still well under $30,000 at $26,800, so you have some room for required fees and a few options. The Encore GX offers seating for five passengers and a spunky 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive, this is a great choice for Portland winters and active summers alike. If you don't plan to hit the slopes or snow, you can save a few dollars by opting for front-drive.
Inside the Encore GX, you get a clean, modern design with a single-pane wide set of screens. There's a digital dashboard for the driver, and then a spacious touchscreen for infotainment and climate controls. Available extras include a technology package that delivers adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera system, wireless device charging, and rear parking assistance for $1,095. There's also an option for a big panoramic moonroof, and a comfort package with heated seats and steering wheel for $1,295. So consider about $30,000 a good budget target for the Encore that you really want.
On the road, the Encore GX offers plenty of power and its small size makes it ideal for running around Portland doing whatever you might need to do. The Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package, and that's enough for a small utility trailer, a boat, or even a pop-up camper. When equipped with the technology package, the Encore GX is as convenient and assistive as any premium vehicle, and saves you thousands of dollars as well.
This year, we've been particularly impressed with both the Envista and Encore GX. The right answer is to visit the Buick dealer and see which one is the best answer for your individual needs.
2024 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring AWD
Base price: $28,400
Price as tested: $35,170
Type: Compact SUV
Engine: 1.3-liter turbocharged (155 hp, 174 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 26/28
Overall length: 171 inches
Curb weight: 3,256 pounds
Final assembly: Bupyeong, Korea
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