2026 Buick Encore GX

Price Range: $26,200 - $33,300

Good

The 2026 Encore GX delivers everything you'd expect from a Buick crossover. Despite its small size, it combines a comfortable ride, stable handling, an upscale interior, and a compact but mighty 1.3-liter engine. That said, the GX is more costly than the competition.Read full review

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Buick Encore GX for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$25,675

14 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in MA thru 10/26/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in South Korea.

Pros

Classy, sophisticated design inside and out
Balances comfortable ride quality with sharp handling
Many desirable features come standard
Plenty of space for passengers and cargo

Cons

A little too noisy on the highway
Thick roof pillars compromise rear visibility
Price is a bit high for its class

What's new

No significant changes for 2026
Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Gabriel Vega Cortés

Updated: 11/8/2026

Buick's current lineup isn't exactly short on small crossovers. The 2026 Encore GX slots above the brand's most affordable option, the Envista. Like its cheaper sibling, the GX aims to elevate the small crossover experience with an upscale cabin and elegant styling. However, the Encore distinguishes itself from the coupe-style Envista with more traditional proportions, offering greater interior and cargo space. Crucially, the Encore GX offers an optional all-wheel-drive system, a perk the Envista has to go without.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Good

7.0

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Buick Encore GX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

6.3/10

How does the Buick Encore GX drive? The Encore GX is a surprisingly dynamic little SUV. There's impressively little body roll when you drive around turns, and there's a pleasing amount of grip. The steering is a bit light for easy maneuvering around town, but it's accurate and easy to judge. Acceleration from the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is a bit quicker than average for the segment; our test model covered 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

The brake pedal is fairly sensitive, and that can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly. The nine-speed transmission takes longer than we'd like to select the right gear when you want more power. The engine stop-start system bucks the car when it fires back up at a stoplight. Thankfully, you can shut it off.

The ride is well controlled and doesn't transmit many road imperfections to the cabin. You will feel a jolt in the cabin, though, if you drive over square-edged bumps.

Visibility out of the side rear windows is somewhat hampered by a sweeping beltline. Thankfully, an available 360-degree camera system helps take the guesswork out of parking. All are well executed, though the forward collision warning is a bit too sensitive.

Comfort

7.3/10

How comfortable is the Buick Encore GX? Front seat comfort is underwhelming. The padding is firm, and some drivers will wish for more lateral support. Tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds, and the three-cylinder is particularly vocal. Even if you aren't flooring the throttle, you'll hear the engine rumble and roar when pulling away from a stop. You can also feel engine vibrations through the steering wheel; most modern cars have filtered such vibration out.

The Encore GX's interior is thoughtfully designed and uncomplicated. It's a nice mix of digital and analog, with physical buttons used for some controls that other cars might bury in a screen menu. The infotainment interface is easy to use and features snappy responses. The climate control is strong, and the seat heaters warm up quickly.

Though you'll have to duck to get inside, the cabin is roomy enough to not further hamper getting in or out. Without the optional sunroof, the GX has plenty of headroom front and back, and there's good legroom for taller passengers. The driver's seat feels a little upright, but most drivers should be able to fit easily. There's decent room for child safety seats, but the car seat anchors are somewhat hidden and hard to spot.

In-cabin tech

9/10

How’s the tech? The breadth and execution of the tech on display really make the Encore GX stand out. Though its volume doesn't go very high, the base audio system is one of the best in class in terms of sound quality. The navigation system also works great. It uses predictive text so you don't have to type out an entire point of interest, and even incomplete searches usually net the correct destination. Four USB ports, a 120-volt outlet and a wireless charging pad ensure your devices are fully powered.

Storage & cargo

7.2/10

How’s storage and cargo? The GX's surprising space carries over to the cargo area. It measures 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up (a few cubes larger than most in this class) and 50.2 cubes folded — roughly average for the segment. We like that the rear seats fold flat without having to move the front seats forward. The liftgate height is adjustable, so even tall people can load items without hitting the bottom edge of the hatch.

The cupholders will hold beverages of most sizes, provided you aren't packing a large Yeti tumbler. Cubbies are relatively small but numerous, with spaces in front of the shifter and armrest. Under the armrest is a useful bin with a divider tray. The door pockets are merely adequate.

Value

6.7/10

Is the Buick Encore GX a good value? The cabin is a clear step above other vehicles in the class, allowing the GX to straddle the line between standard and luxury extra-small SUVs. The interior design elements look fetching, and there's more use of soft-touch plastic than in budget-conscious rivals.

But the upscale accommodations come at a literal cost. The Encore GX is quite expensive for a subcompact SUV, with pricing that starts near top-ranked small SUVs. With that in mind, we think a larger model such as a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 gives you more refinement and better value.

The bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are average for the segment, but roadside assistance is offered for longer than usual. The first service visit is complimentary.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Encore GX AWD gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (26 city/28 highway). These numbers are typical for the class, and we exceeded these figures on our 115-mile real-world evaluation route. While we often post results somewhere between the combined and highway rating, we achieved a 31.1 mpg average with our test Encore GX — among the best results we've observed from an extra-small SUV.

X factor

7/10

The Encore GX is anonymously styled, but the Sport Touring package gives buyers the ability to have their GX stand out from the crowd a bit. The Encore GX also wins points for its handsome interior and wide variety of safety and technology features. The turbocharged three-cylinder gives it some personality, especially with the ample low-end torque making you feel like it's faster than it actually is.

Save as much as $2,411 with Edmunds

2026 Buick Encore GX pricing in Worcester, MA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Buick Encore GX for November

Shoppers are scoring about $3,100 off a 2026 Buick Encore GX, and the slow-selling new inventory gives you real room to press for a better deal.

You can stack roughly $3,100 in total savings on most trims. Buyers are already paying about $1,600 below MSRP, and Buick adds a $1500 customer cash rebate. The Sport Touring looks like the value play because its discount runs a bit stronger at about 6.5% off sticker before the rebate.
There are about 13,100 new Encore GXs nationwide, so supply is plentiful. New inventory is especially deep on the Sport Touring and Preferred trims, which should make those easier to shop and compare dealer quotes on.
Remaining new inventory is moving slowly at a median 56 days on lot, versus 34 days for the average new vehicle. That usually helps your leverage, so ask dealers to beat competing offers. Buick is also offering a promotional rate as low as 5.9% for 48 months for qualified buyers.
If you lease, expect payments around $400 a month with about $2,900 due at signing. Shop multiple dealers anyway, because lease offers can vary a lot by trim and local inventory.

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2026 Buick Encore GX trim level differences

Three trims are available for prospective 2026 Encore GX shoppers: Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir. All three are front-wheel-drive, and all-wheel drive is available. The base-model Preferred comes standard with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft). Optional on the Preferred, and standard on the other trims, is a more robust turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). If you opt for front-wheel drive, power routes through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive models have a nine-speed automatic transmission. Compare the 2026 Buick Encore GX trim levels in-depth.

Which Encore GX trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Buick Encore GX is a small crossover meant to be inexpensive. As such, we recommend the base-level Preferred trim. Even though it's the least expensive trim, it comes well stocked with standard tech and driver assist features. If you want extra tech and comfort features, the Advanced Technology package is a worthy addition.

Competitors to consider

Given its size and price point, the Encore GX has plenty of rivals to fend off. The closest is its sibling, the less expensive Envista. If you're after the Buick look and feel and don't need all-wheel drive, the Envista offers that experience for less. Regarding other brands, you'll want to look at the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V and Chevy Trailblazer. However, while these competitors generally cost a bit less, they can't quite match the Encore GX's style.

Edmunds spotlight: Safety comes standard

While you can class up the Encore GX's looks and interior by opting for its top trim levels, most of the vehicle's driver assist features come standard. These include forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assistance with departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. In today's world of distracting driving, these can all be pretty helpful features. A surround-view camera system is available for more peace of mind when parking, although it may not be necessary for such a small crossover. As such, the GX shines by not requiring you to spend money on a safer driving experience.

Buick Encore GX Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

28 reviews

5(68%)

4(10%)

3(7%)

2(3%)

1(12%)

Owners Say

Overall, owner sentiment is positive. Owners like the Encore GX’s small size, easy parking, good gas mileage, and smooth, quiet ride. Many also praise the nice style, roomy feel for a small SUV, and useful tech features. Some owners do mention problems with road noise, a stiff ride, and a few repair issues.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 28 reviews of the Buick Encore GX

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

Great vehicle with a lot to offer

Jef, 08/02/2024

2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)

"I recently purchased a 2025 Buick Encore Avenir from Sullivan Buick, GMC, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. From the moment I set foot in the dealership, Patty Laisney and her team provided exceptional service, making the entire car-buying experience smooth and enjoyable. The Buick Encore Avenir itself is a testament to luxury and practicality. Its sleek design, combined with …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Buick Encore GX, so we've included review for other years of the Encore GX since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Buick Encore GX Features & Specs

Trim:

Preferred

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$167/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Buick Encore GX has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V539000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: A262554900
Number of vehicles affected:: 306511
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
Defect Consequence:: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A262554900. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / unlimited miles

Where the Buick Encore GX ranks:

#6 in X-Small SUVs

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Safety

Key safety features on the Encore GX include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	Not Rated
Back Seat	Not Rated
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Acceptable

Research other Encore GX years

FAQ

Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Encore GX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Encore GX has 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Buick Encore GX. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Buick Encore GX?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Buick Encore GX:

No significant changes for 2026
Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?

To determine whether the Buick Encore GX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Encore GX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Encore GX's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Buick Encore GX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Encore GX and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Encore GX is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Buick Encore GX?

The least-expensive 2026 Buick Encore GX is the 2026 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $26,200.

Other versions include:

Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,200
Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,400
Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $28,200
Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $29,000
Avenir 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $31,700
Avenir 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $33,300

Learn more

What are the different models of Buick Encore GX?

If you're interested in the Buick Encore GX, the next question is, which Encore GX model is right for you? Encore GX variants include Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT), Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), and Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A). For a full list of Encore GX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts

$167/mo

$232/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

2026 Buick Encore GX

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Preferred Editors' Pick

Sport Touring Most Popular

Avenir

Buying Tips for the 2026 Buick Encore GX for November

2026 Buick Encore GX trim level differences

Which Encore GX trim does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: Safety comes standard

Buick Encore GX Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Buick Encore GX Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Buick Encore GX ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Encore GX include:

NHTSA Overall Rating

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Buick Encore GX?

Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?

Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Buick Encore GX?

What are the different models of Buick Encore GX?

Cost to Drive