2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX comes with three trims to offer: Preferred, Select, and Essence. The base price starts at an MSRP of $27,195 for its Preferred FWD variant and goes up to the MSRP of $33,795 for the Essence AWD variant. The Preferred trim comes with heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, cloth/imitation leather combination upholstery, and active noise cancellation. The Select further adds Cold Weather Comfort package features, roof rails, dual-zone automatic, climate control, and a rear armrest. The top-end Essence gets LED headlights, an In-cabin air ionizer, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, driver's seat memory settings, a Power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, and household-style power outlet, etc. 

The 2023 Buick Encore GX is expected to be launched in 6 configurations. For the Preferred trim, the car gets the Cold Weather Comfort package and Safety package, whereas the Advanced Technology package is available for both Select and Essence. Also, the Convenience package is the Essence only package.

Convenience package includes:-

• Wireless charging pad
• Automatic wipers
• Rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror 
• Automated parking system

Cold Weather and Comfort package includes:-

• Remote engine start
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated front seats

Safety package includes:-

• Adaptive cruise control 
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning 

Advanced Technology package includes:-

• Navigation system
• Head-up display
• 360-degree camera 
• Adaptive cruise control

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The best trim for 2023 Buick Encore GX is expected to be the Select trim. Priced at $28,595, the SUV comes with a powerful turbocharged Inline 3 powertrain. It gets features like an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear-seat center armrest, remote start roof-rack side rails, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Release Date

The 2023 Buick Encore GX‘s production was started in the spring of 2022. The brand's website currently allows you to virtually build and price one.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX comes with two engine types. The 1.2L turbo Inline 3 engine is standard which generates 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque. A 1.3-liter powertrain remains to be optional which increases the standard engine's output to 155 horsepower and torque delivery to 174 lb.-ft. The FWD models of the Buick Encore come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), whereas AWD models have a 9-speed automatic transmission as an upgrade. The turbocharger attached to the Inline 3 results in good throttle response and no significant turbo lag. Both powertrain’s low-down torque delivery is impressive. The 2023 Encore SUV reaches the 60 MPH mark in 8 seconds while covering a distance of a quarter mile in 17 seconds.

The 2023 Buick Encore offers least power output as compared to the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and the Toyota C-HR. With its impressive torque delivery, the GX Encore leads all three of its rivals. The car performs well in terms of acceleration and surpasses the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Seltos, and the Toyota C-HR in terms of 0-60 MPH mark and quarter mile timing. Furthermore, one can opt for an optional turbocharged engine for better power output and torque. The top speed of the car is 120 MPH which is justifiable as per its segment.

2023 Buick Encore GX Ride and Handling

The 2023 Buick Encore GX comes with decent ride and handling capabilities which is not particularly impressive. The car feels unusually tall and heavy while moving through twists and turns. To add, the car provides its occupants with a smooth ride, especially over rocky terrain. This steering wheel mechanism of the 2023 Encore GX is responsive and accurate while driving in a city. The straight-line performance even with its two Inline 3 engines is disappointing. It fails to stay composed even during mild acceleration. CVT is not that effective as well. Despite the 1.3L engine and AWD pairing, acceleration doesn't seem to be impressive, though the overall feel has been improved significantly. The optional powertrain lacks refinement as well.

2023 Buick Encore GX Braking Performance

The 2023 Buick Encore GX comes with 4-Wheel Disc brakes. The size of its brake rotors is yet to be determined. The brake pads of the Buick Encore GX will last about 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The 2023 Buick Encore GX does not provide dynamic braking characteristics, so the braking performance is equally disappointing as the engine's power output. All four wheels on the 2023 Encore GX have an anti-lock braking system. The SUV comes with 3,025 lbs of weight which is quite low for a vehicle in this segment. This restricts the overall composure when the brake pedal is abruptly applied.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX SUV’s brake rotors size are not yet available. However, amongst the competitors, the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers the biggest brake rotors, while the Toyota C-HR covers the least distance while cruising at 60 MPH to come to an absolute halt. Furthermore, the Buick Encore GX has the least curb weight among the four, which reduces its momentum while driving at higher speeds.

The fuel economy of the 2023 Buick Encore GX gives 29 MPG city, 32 MPG on the highway, 30 MPG on a highway with its 1.3L engine with FWD, and 26 MPG on city roads, 29 MPG on the highway and 27 combined with the AWD. The newly available 1.2L Inline 3 offers similar gas mileage figures, just the highway economy boils down to 31 MPG. The car also comes with a 13.2 gallons tank. It is estimated that the SUV can travel up to 343.20 miles in a city and 382.80 miles on a highway. By the numbers, the car is sufficient enough to travel long distances, especially in a city.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offers better fuel efficiency than the Toyota C-HR over city rides as well as highways with its standard engine. The fuel capacity of the 2023 Hyundai Kona is similar to the Kia Seltos. The range of travel of the 2023 Buick Encore GX is the least as compared to the other three rivals. The best range of travel is of the Kona and Seltos, thanks to its massive 16.6-gallon fuel tank.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX SUV’s cabin is loaded with soft-touch plastics with optimum fit and finish. However, few cabin materials still have cheap quality materials used. Among the 2023 edition’s lineup standard features are decent options. The higher trim levels become available with more premium options like leather upholstery and even a head-up display. Once seated, the driver is in the comfortable, high seat with exceptional all-around visibility. The features of the car include single-zone climate control, a compass display, cruise control, manually adjustable front seats, two USB charging ports, keyless open and start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a noise control system, and a rear vision camera.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX leads the Hyundai Kona and the Toyota C-HR in terms of its front legroom. The car also comes with better front shoulder room for the occupants than the C-HR. The Encore GX lacks rear shoulder room as compared to Kona and C-HR. The Kona provides similar convenience equipment over the interior as the Seltos. Hyundai's seat comfort is a plus for commuters, but Buick’s cabin comes out as simple and minimal which might attract some buyers. The SUV provides moderate cargo space, which is more than the Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Buick Encore GX include:

• Steering wheel controls
• Noise control system
• Keyless entry
• Leather upholstery
• Cruise control
• Single zone automatic air conditioning

How intuitive is the 2023 Buick Encore GX infotainment system?

The 2023 Buick Encore GX gets an 8-inch touchscreen display infotainment system. All the trims in the lineup get essential connectivity features such as Bluetooth streaming audio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration. The brand also provides a 6-speaker sound system. For AWD versions, an additional amplifier is also offered. It gets a three-month all-access SiriusXM trial which is standard for all models. A head-up display unit and a navigation system are available as optional upgrades for the upper two trims. The display features sharp graphics and the menu system is easy to use. We admire how quickly it gets Amazon Alexa connected. The optional 7-speaker Bose sound system for the top trim also sounds fantastic.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Buick Encore GX include:

• SiriusXM
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Onboard Navigation
• Amazon Alexa
• Optional Bose sound system

The Preferred is an entry-level trim of 2023 Buick Encore GX that comes standard with exterior features including deep-tinted windows, LED daytime running lamps, 18-inch Bright Silver painted alloy wheels, auto-on/off halogen headlights, and heated power outside mirrors. The other two trims, Select and Essence, come with roof-mounted side rails and a number of wheel styles. The top-end trim gets premium elements including bodyside moldings in black carbon metallic, LED headlights and taillights, and bumpers with chrome accents. The 2023 Encore GX stands at 64.1 inches and has an excellent ground clearance of about 7.5 inches.

The Buick Encore GX carries an attractive compact SUV look and can be confused as a hatchback due to its compact exterior. The Kia Seltos look sportier and more stylish than the Encore GX and Kona. The C-HR looks similar to the Kona with a sleek front profile. The ground clearance of the 2023 Buick Encore GX is the highest among the four rivals. However, the wheelbase of the Encore GX is also the least.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Powered liftgate
• LED headlights
• Heated mirrors
• Sunroof 
• Roof-mounted side rails

All trims of 2023 Buick Encore GX gets 8 airbags, lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. All versions provide optional rear cross-traffic warning and lane change alerts with blind-spot monitoring. For the top two models, a head-up display is available, and the Essence offers automatic parking aid with braking. The 2023 Encore was crash tested by the IIHS and secured ‘Good’ side, frontal, and rollover protection. The previous generation got a Top Safety Pick designation for its crash performance. NHTSA awarded five stars to the rollover and front passenger tests, but only four stars to the rollover and front passenger tests.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Buick Encore GX include

• Cruise control
• Forward Collision alert
• Adaptive headlights
• Lane departure warning
• OnStar and Buick Connected Services
• Teen Driver System

2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Hyundai Kona

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is the more potent competitor because of its slightly larger powertrain and better power delivery. It offers quick acceleration and completes a quarter-mile in less time. For a brand like Hyundai, the braking performance and handling capabilities are fairly decent. The 2023 Kona also gets better fuel efficiency. The exterior styling is fashionable but not as appealing as the 2023 Encore GX. The cabin of the 2023 Kona is not as roomy as the Encore GX and the cargo area is also smaller. Both cars offer similar safety features.

2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Kia Seltos has a bigger engine, but the Seltos does not have a substantial power delivery as compared to the 2023 Buick Encore GX. While acceleration from 0-60 is marginally quicker, the maximum torque output is less than that of the Encore GX. The Seltos offers a better ride experience and overall braking performance. The Kia Seltos has a big advantage in its spacious cabin, and it also offers more cargo space. This car has many basic and unique features, and the exterior is appealing as well.

2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Toyota C-HR

The 2023 Toyota C-HR is a bit cheaper than the 2023 Buick Encore GX. The Toyota C-HR provides less cabin space as compared to its rival. The fuel economy of the Encore GX is much better than the C-HR. The acceleration of the Encore GX also dominates in 0-60 and quarter mile timing when compared to the C-HR’s timing. Furthermore, The Kona also comes with better cargo capacity than the Toyota C-HR. The exterior of both the cars appear similar, but in our opinion, the Encore GX leads in that aspect.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX is a carryover SUV from the previous edition. The fuel economy of the Encore GX is at par with the segment and delivers a cost-effective ride to its customers. The Standard Inline 3 and the optional engine do not disappoint the users either. Despite being incorporated with lots of soft-touch plastics in the interior, it sometimes feels subpar. The SUV does lack in its exterior dimensions contributing to its hatchback look. The cargo space is also impressive as compared to the other SUVs in the segment. The infotainment system is feature loaded and simple to use as well. The 2023 Buick Encore GX provides an abundance of safety features and also scores well in the crash tests conducted by IIHS and NHTSA. As per CarHP, the mid-trim Select is definitely a great choice.