First Look: 2024 Buick Encore GX

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As global reveals go, it isn’t the most newsworthy. We’re not talking a brand-new model or a complete redesign, just an exterior refresh and an interior upgrade after three years on the market. Oh, and a new top-end model trim. Nevertheless, Buick has chosen the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto to showcase the changes to the Encore GX, a subcompact crossover, intended for a younger audience, that first made its debut in early 2020.

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Unfortunately, that debut three years ago coincided with the realization that the COVID-19 pandemic was becoming global in nature. Thus, the newest addition to Buick’s crossover lineup — the GX slotted between the truly subcompact Encore (no longer sold) and the mid-sized Envision in size, price, and intent — was initially slow to benefit from the buying public’s want for such crossovers. Sales for the cleanly but conservatively styled South Korean-built crossover over the past few years have been solid mid-pack, which could change for the better with the makeover.

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Why? Because the 2024 Encore GX becomes the first Buick in North America to adopt the new tri-shield logo, as well as to incorporate the brand’s new face through front-end styling inspired by the stunning Wildcat EV concept car, revealed last year. The new front fascia design language features a forward-leaning front end that ends at the brand’s now-body-mounted tri-shield logo. An updated grille pairs with new signature winged LED headlamps to create a far more expressive visual presence. New 18- and 19-inch wheel options are also available.

The GX’s rear styling features the new Buick logo, and typography prominently displayed in the centre of the tailgate, with LED headlamps standard on all trims and with LED taillamps on the Sport Touring (ST) and Avenir, the latter trim being offered for the first time on the Encore GX. The ST also comes with high-gloss black front and rear bumpers, and an optional Black Roof Package. This “reimagined” ST trim will now be an option for Encore GX buyers, offering what Buick says is “a chic and sporty appearance.”

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The updated interior is centred around Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System (VCS), with Encore GX the first Buick to adopt this technology. VCS features 19 inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass: an 11-inch infotainment system and a configurable eight-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled towards the driver for easier access. The infotainment setup features a customizable home screen and easily accessible vehicle categories. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless phone charging is also available.

The cabin features soft-touch materials and unique stitching. “Avenir” and “ST” logos are stitched into the headrests on their respective trims, while the ST features a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, matching, in Buick’s words, its “athletic persona.” Meanwhile, Buick’s QuietTuning system helps prevent unwanted road noise from entering the cabin.

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The GX’s top-line Avenir trim, which has been successfully paired with Buick’s two other models, the Envision and Enclave, offers exclusive design cues, additional features, and more premium materials. This includes a unique grille, clear-lens LED taillamps, specific 19-inch wheels, chrome front and rear bumper accents and body-coloured side moulding. Inside, the GX Avenir offers an exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black Black colour theme, leather seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar, heated steering wheel, fine-dust air filter, rear-view auto dim mirror, and “Avenir” door sills.

“We wanted to uplift every aspect of the Encore GX and put the entire small SUV segment on notice,” notes Daniella D’Souza, brand director, Buick Canada. Yet this does not apply to the GX’s powertrain, which remains unchanged. This means a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

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In the past, Buick has referred to this engine as being “power-dense,” the turbocharger allowing it to reach torque peak much faster and maintain that peak for a longer rpm band compared with a naturally aspirated engine, providing greater responsiveness and a more engaging drive. This does not negate the fact that the engine is noisy and underpowered when compared with much of its competition.

AWD is standard on Sport Touring and Avenir, with those models equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD models come standard with a continuously variable transmission.

The 2024 Encore GX will be available at dealerships this spring. Pricing has not been released.