2025 Buick Encore GX

Price Range: $26,000 - $33,100

The 2025 Buick Encore GX took us by surprise with sprightly acceleration and competent handling. Buick's hallmarks, including a comfortable ride, an upscale interior and a robust list of tech features, are also included. That said, you do pay a (literal) price for these qualities since the Encore GX is expensive relative to its primary competition.Read full review

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National Market Price

$24,358

Prices based on sales in ND thru 6/23/25

Final assembly in South Korea

2025 Buick Encore GX Review

by the Edmunds Experts

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 the segment

What's new

1.2-liter turbocharged engine now E85 compatible
Remote start now standard on Preferred and Sport Touring trims
Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Buick's lineup of SUVs can be a little confusing, largely because they all have similar-sounding names. The Encore GX is an extra-small crossover that aims to stand out with a dash of upscale refinement. Fitting for a Buick, the Encore GX has a stylish look and a comfortable ride quality. It also comes standard with a lot of driver assist and other tech features, and more are available as options. There's even an Avenir trim for those of you willing to pay extra to feel fancy.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$131/mo

$166/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Sophisticated design

When it comes to design, the Encore GX punches above its weight. Credit goes to last year's styling updates, which gave the little SUV a sophisticated new snout with cool LED running lights … yes, we just used "cool" to describe a Buick. Inside, the 11-inch touchscreen blends seamlessly with the digital instrument panel to create a glass-cockpit look.

Competitors to consider

One of the most compelling alternatives to the Encore GX sits right next to it on the showroom floor: the Buick Envista. It's a little less expensive than the Encore GX and just as roomy and stylish. The main difference is that you can't get it with all-wheel drive. Away from Buick, the Mazda CX-30 brings a similar upscale vibe to the table. It's also worth checking out other highly rated models such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the 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. Around town, the engine feels strong.

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

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Encore GX? The Encore GX is generally well tuned for comfort. 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. The climate control is strong, and the seat heaters warm up quickly.

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.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? 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.

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 too. The driver's seat feels a little upright, but most drivers should be able to fit easily. Side-rear visibility is somewhat hampered by a sweeping beltline.

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Technology

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.

There are a lot of safety features, including rarities such as a 360-degree camera system and a digital rearview mirror. All safety features are well executed, though the forward collision warning is a touch too sensitive. We applaud the Encore GX for offering a voice command system — many vehicles in this class don't. We do wish this Buick used more natural language recognition. The results of some commands could be a bit frustrating.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The GX's surprising sense of 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. For kid duty, the Encore GX works out OK. There's decent room for child safety seats, but the car seat anchors are somewhat hidden and hard to spot.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8/10

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. This is among the best results we've observed from an extra-small SUV.

Value

7.5/10

Is the 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 small SUVs. The interior design elements look fetching, and there's more ample 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 crossover SUV, with prices that start within a whisper of 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 bang for the buck. But if you want a premium small SUV without paying full price for a luxury model, the Encore GX makes a strong case for itself.

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.

Wildcard

7.5/10

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.

Which Encore GX does Edmunds recommend?

We think the base-level Preferred trim offers up the best value. For 2025 Buick even sweetened the pot by adding remote start as standard equipment, and opting for the Comfort and Advanced Technology packages adds just about everything you could want in terms of tech and convenience features. You can even upgrade to the more powerful 1.3-liter engine if you like.

Compare 2025 Buick Encore GX trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Buick Encore GX Owner Reviews

4.1

40 reviews

5(62%)

4(12%)

3(10%)

2(2%)

1(14%)

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Buick Encore GX is mixed. Many owners appreciate its smooth ride, good gas mileage, comfortable interior, and fun driving experience. However, some owners have complained about various issues like noise problems, uncomfortable seats, and problems with certain features like the start-stop system and tire pressure warnings. There have also been reports of serious customer service issues, including long repair times and unresolved defects, which have led to frustrations among some owners.

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

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Welding Defects and expansion issues

Mike V Ontario, Canada, 11/30/2024

2024 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)

I purchased a new 2024 Encore GX Preferred in April 2024. After leaving the dealer, it had to be returned for tire issues. three defective, two replaced and all well over maximum pressure. On return of the car two days later, there was an ongoing snapping sound from the B pillar where it meets the ceiling crossover. GM the dealer assumed that this was the plastics and looked it over. …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Buick Encore GX, so we've included review for other years of the Encore GX since its last redesign.

See all 40 reviews of the Buick Encore GX

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2025 Buick Encore GX Features & Specs

Trim:

Preferred

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$26,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$131/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

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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 5 out of 5 stars

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	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	18.5%

FAQ

Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Encore GX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 40 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 2025 Buick Encore GX?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Buick Encore GX:

1.2-liter turbocharged engine now E85 compatible
Remote start now standard on Preferred and Sport Touring trims
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 2025 Buick Encore GX a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Buick Encore GX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Encore GX and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Encore GX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 40 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Encore GX is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Buick Encore GX?

The least-expensive 2025 Buick Encore GX is the 2025 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 $26,000.

Other versions include:

Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,000
Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,200
Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $28,000
Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $28,800
Avenir 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $31,500
Avenir 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $33,100

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

2025 Buick Encore GX

Pricing

2025 Buick Encore GX Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Sophisticated design

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $1,813 with Edmunds

National Market Price

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Encore GX does Edmunds recommend?

Buick Encore GX Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Review

Welding Defects and expansion issues

Helpful shopping links

2025 Buick Encore GX Features & Specs

Compare the Buick Encore GX

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Encore GX include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

FAQ

Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Buick Encore GX?

Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?

Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Buick Encore GX?

What are the different models of Buick Encore GX?

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