2026 Buick Encore GX

The 2026 Buick Encore GX reprises its role as a premium subcompact SUV situated somewhere between small mainstream and luxury SUVs. Featuring quality materials and elevated attention to detail, the Encore GX is Buick’s entry-level model. Exhibiting hallmark Buick traits of forward-looking technology and quiet passenger spaces, the Encore GX also delivers solid fuel economy and overall value.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of subcompact SUVs, including the Encore GX.

The Buick Encore GX enters 2026 basically unchanged. Because the spare tire is now optional, a tire inflator kit is standard. With Cinnabar Metallic gone as an exterior color, Brilliant Red joins the color palette.

Buick’s “nicer than mainstream, cheaper than luxury” approach means some rivals cost less and others are more expensive. The Lexus UX hybrid could be a luxury contender, with pricing around $38,000, and will enjoy much better resale values than the Encore GX. Alternatively, consider something mainstream but quite high quality, like the Mazda CX-30, at around the starting price of the Encore GX. In fact, for being a cut above the mainstream, the Encore GX’s price is about average for that segment. If an Encore GX is too small, the compact Buick Envision starts in the high-$30,000s.

Before buying a new Encore GX subcompact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. Resale values of the Encore GX are below average. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The Buick Encore GX has a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin, considering its size and price. This SUV prioritizes quiet comfort and efficiency over driving thrills, and it’s faithfully fulfilled that role in our testing.

This Buick’s base engine is merely adequate, and its optional bigger engine is easy to recommend. Horsepower ratings are 137 or 155. The more muscular version delivers the best of its thrust at low engine speeds, which is great for driving away from the lights or moving into that gap in the traffic. This is also the only engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive. Most competitors have base engines delivering between 120 hp and 165 hp. The outlier is the sporty Mazda CX-30 with 191 hp.

Fuel Economy

No matter which engine, the Encore delivers 30 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving. This is better than average for non-hybrids in the subcompact SUV segment. The Nissan Kicks leads in this area with 31 mpg, while the Honda HR-V is toward the bottom of the group at 28 mpg. Opting for all-wheel drive drops the Encore GX’s combined mileage to 27 mpg.

The front seat area is roomy and inviting. Moreover, there’s sufficient space for average-sized adults in the back, which isn’t a given for a subcompact SUV like the Encore GX. Another plus is that headroom isn’t affected to any great degree by adding the optional sunroof.

For context, the Encore GX provides 36 inches of rear legroom, which is about average for the segment. Behind the backseat, the Encore GX offers 23.5 cubic feet of space, which jumps to 50.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. These numbers are also in line with competitors.

The rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner. Behind them is a decent-sized luggage area. The Avenir trim’s front passenger seat folds down (optional in the other trims), so a longer object (like an 8-foot surfboard) can fit diagonally.

Soft-touch plastics up front — harder, cheaper plastics in the back is how Buick does its almost-luxury thing. It’s logical since the quality perceived by the driver/owner is evident, and accommodating rear passengers may be a rare occurrence. Still, we’ve found pieces like the glove box to feel a little cheap, even in the top trim.

With its most recent facelift, the front end of the Buick Encore GX is in line with the brand’s corporate design language. We think it looks good, but it doesn’t really stand out.

Active noise cancellation
Buick’s QuietTuning is part of the reason the Encore GX’s cabin is so quiet. Quite noticeable, it helps create a more luxurious ambiance. It’s standard equipment on all trims.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard across the Encore GX range, cable-free phone integration is simply a nice convenience. We don’t need no stinkin’ cables. Wi-Fi is also included.

Hands-free tailgate operation
Optional in the top two trims, we find this feature is always helpful when your hands are full.

All-wheel drive
Every version of the new Encore GX is eligible for all-wheel drive, which also means choosing the slightly more powerful engine. However, that’s no bad thing because all-wheel drive brings extra stability and confidence in rough weather.

Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
A welcome feature in cold winters, the Avenir grade comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Technology Package
This feature is available exclusively with the top Avenir trim and includes adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera system.

Where we think the Encore GX’s premium claim is a bit thin is under the hood. Both engines available in the Encore GX are turbocharged 3-cylinder units. The base version has a displacement of 1.2 liters and makes 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Powering only the entry-level trim, it is only available with front-wheel drive (FWD). A fuel-conserving continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) transfers engine output to the wheels. For context, this engine underperforms most segment rivals.

A turbocharged 1.3-liter engine is also available, which is mandatory when you select all-wheel drive. It produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Not a huge leap in power; however, the difference is noticeable. We prefer the engine upgrade, especially because it comes with a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission, providing better power delivery.

When paired with front-wheel drive, the two engines have almost no difference in fuel economy. Regular gasoline is fine with any Encore GX.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Buick’s new vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These durations are typical among mainstream automakers. The first service is also complimentary.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded its top 5-star overall rating to the Encore GX. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Encore GX its highest score of Good in the three crash tests it has performed.