2025 Buick Encore GX: Affordable Elegance

Buick has two small crossovers in its lineup, namely the Encore GX and Envista, but each one caters to a different crowd. While similar in size, the former is a bit taller but has a shorter wheelbase and overall length. Unlike the latter, it offers an AWD option. Pricing is a little more expensive, too.

For the 2024 model year, the Encore GX received a significant refresh with aggressive styling cues inspired by the Wildcat concept, such as a sloping hood and slim headlights. What’s more, the lineup was expanded with the addition of ST and Avenir models.

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Little has changed for 2025, yet prices have increased slightly. The base Preferred FWD model carries an MSRP of $30,049. Adding AWD requires an extra $2,000. The sporty-looking ST model starts at $33,699, while the top-line Avenir model costs $36,929.

Technologically Relevant

Given the Encore GX's taller profile, the driving position is higher than that of the Envista. The seats provide adequate comfort, but the front passenger only gets four-way adjustment. You need to move all the way up to the Avenir model to get six. In the rear, space is tight and the legroom-reducing transmission tunnel makes it hard to sit three across.

In terms of styling, the clean and elegant interior is highlighted by an 8-inch digital instrument cluster next to the main display. It makes for an attractive layout, although to be perfectly honest, we prefer the cheaper Chevrolet Trailblazer’s interface. A rotary selector on the left-hand side of the steering wheel allows for personalization of the instruments. Strangely enough, in order for the menu to appear, you have to press and hold the button down instead of a simple click.

The infotainment screen can be reconfigured by sliding apps on the left column or main menu, pretty much like you would do with a smartphone. It’s simple and easy to use. Naturally, you’ll find the usual goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging (optional) and Wi-Fi hotspot. The excellent Bose audio system is available exclusively in the most expensive model, but we must say the lesser 6- and 7-speaker units deliver surprisingly good sound.

While build quality is satisfying inside, improvements could be made on the outside. This is far from a botched job, obviously, but we feel like some of the body panels should be tightened a bit more, particularly the hood.

Not So Efficient

Powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, the 2025 Buick Encore GX moves around with a certain ease. Peak torque of 174 lb-ft is accessed from just 1,600 rpm, enabling responsive performance in city driving. Meanwhile, the 155 horses deliver confident acceleration, except that they tend to run out of breath sooner rather than later. Clearly, the engine doesn’t match the operational refinement of a four-cylinder mill at idle or low speeds, especially in cold temperatures, but you know what? It still sounds nice. 

Power is handled by a fairly competent nine-speed transmission (or a continuously variable transmission on the base model). Alas, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel suffer from slow response and fuel economy is disappointing. In a previous test of an AWD-equipped Encore GX conducted in 2024, our colleague Antoine Joubert achieved a combined 9.3 L/100 km. This time, we wound up with 8.9 L/100 km. Too bad, electrification is nowhere in sight. For the record, the FWD model averages 7.8 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada.

Here's the thing about the AWD system: you can manually alternate between FWD and AWD depending if you want to save fuel or benefit from extra grip. The first mode can also prove useful when the vehicle is riding with a spare tire (which doesn't happen very often, granted). In this case, Buick says, the system will detect that the spare wheel is installed (through wheel rotation) and reduce performance to protect the components.

As for driver assistance technologies, we found them to be good at what they do and not too intrusive. Adaptive cruise control (optional on all models) operates smoothly. Oh, and if you need to tow a small trailer, the Encore GX has a maximum capacity of 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

Something’s Missing…

While definitely not the most popular small crossover out there, the Buick Encore GX is a lovely travel companion with elegant looks and pleasant driving dynamics. Of course, we’re not putting it on par with athletes like the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-30, but it proves sharper than many mainstream competitors such as the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Prices are decent, as well, yet something is missing in order to pop up on more people’s radar. A hybrid variant is one example that could help boost the brand's image and continue its momentum.