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. Depending on how it’s equipped, the Encore GX either competes with mainstream subcompact SUVs such as the Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Kona or small luxury crossovers such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. 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.
From the signature grille to the available premium lighting to available exclusive wheels, the ridiculously stylish, Encore GX cuts a striking figure anywhere your whims take you. Dramatic taillamps anchor the Encore GX rear profile, adding both visual style and fluid design harmony. When your hands are full, let the available hands-free power liftgate with LED logo projection give you an assist. With the keyless entry fob in your pocket, simply kicking your foot under the logo projection provides access to the cargo area. Stand out stylishly day or night with standard signature LED daytime headlamp technology. And when the sun goes down, you can illuminate the night with the available advanced LED headlamps. Buick QuietTuning technologies such as Active Noise Cancellation, triple door seals and acoustic laminated glass in the windshield and front side windows help reduce, block and absorb unwanted noise, so you can better enjoy conversations with passengers, the available Bose† premium audio system or quiet time for yourself. Plus, it serves as a full center armrest that the driver and passenger can comfortably share.
The Encore GX is powered by two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base version is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower followed by an optional 1.3-liter that makes 155 ponies. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter is said to achieve up to 32 mpg highway. Going with the smaller 1.2-liter mill drops that figure to 30 mpg, and going with the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic drops it further to 29 mpg. The former pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Likewise, the slightly bigger engine exclusively uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. At our test track, the Encore GX with all-wheel drive, the nine-speed automatic, and the larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder required a slothful 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. On the road, the Encore GX feels peppier than its acceleration results suggest, particularly around town where the small turbo engine delivers good low-end grunt. The Buick’s ride is also agreeably smooth and controlled, but it doesn’t offer any handling thrills.
The Encore GX’s quiet cabin features leather upholstery, heated seats, and more passenger space than the smaller Encore. Buick’s positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so it’s better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek, but it doesn’t provide the same level of fit and finish as the Audi, BMW, and Volvo. The Encore GX’s front-passenger seat folds flat to aid in loading longer items, and we expect the rear cargo area to be more generous than the smaller Encore. Its infotainment system supports a nicely integrated touchscreen that comes standard with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Encore GX employs General Motors’s latest infotainment software interface, which is both snappy in its responses and intuitive to use. A head-up display is an available option and buyers can choose a high-definition 360-degree camera system as well.
