← Back to Verdikt 
▼ ▼
Subcompact Crossover SUV
Buick Encore GX
→ Consider
Worth considering for the right buyer
This subcompact crossover tries to deliver Buick refinement in a budget-friendly package, and mostly succeeds, until you need to merge onto a highway. The turbocharged three-cylinder engines feel genuinely sluggish under load, turning acceleration into a patience exercise rather than a confidence boost. Families with three kids consistently report the cabin feels cramped, though the cargo area punches above its weight class. The current generation (2020+) uses different engines than the troubled original Encore, and early owners report solid reliability with regular oil changes, but there's not enough mileage out there yet to call it proven. Buy it if you want a quiet, comfortable commuter with nicer materials than the Chevy Trax, skip it if you need quick merging power or room for a growing family.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
Original Encore (pre-2020)
2013–2019
Weak
Older Encores are described as trouble-prone with a 'tiny little engine' requiring aggressive maintenance (3k oil changes recommended). Users advise spending more for the newer GX instead.
Encore GX (2020–present)
2020–2025
Solid
The GX is consistently described as a meaningful upgrade—better style, comfort, driving dynamics, and reliability. Experts note sorted suspension and practicality, though refinement falls short of true luxury. Owners report few issues when maintained.
−
Common complaints7 issues−Underwhelming acceleration and lazy performance from small turbo engines
−Less-than-stellar fuel economy for a three-cylinder subcompact
−Top Avenir trim pricing approaches luxury territory ($35k+)
−Infotainment glitches reported (CarPlay screen issues, blank displays)
−Very small for families with multiple kids, tight rear space
−Limited long-term reliability data on current 1.2T/1.3T engines
−Confusion with older Encore model creates negative perception carryover
✓
What owners praise8 strengths✓
Upscale interior materials and styling for the segment
✓
Quiet, comfortable cabin with supple ride quality
✓
Good standard tech features including remote start
✓
Impressive cargo space and practicality for its small footprint
✓
Strong safety ratings (5-star NHTSA overall)
✓
Significantly improved over discontinued original Encore
✓
Owners report good gas mileage and low ownership costs when maintained
✓
Available AWD with traditional automatic transmission (not CVT)
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
High confidence▼
282 sources analysed with long-term owner data present
282 sources analysed — moderate data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)5.7
4 positive vs 3 negative long-term reports
User Sentiment(22%)5.7
95 positive upvotes vs 73 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)7.4
Complaints: 8 cosmetic, 22 functional, 4 systematic, 0 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)3.3
12 strongly positive, 6 strongly negative, 18 mixed/neutral
Value for Money(15%)5.4
8 'worth it', 2 'overpriced', 7 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)7.4
2 repurchased/gifted, 9 unprompted recommendations, 3 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2026
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$27,995
Range
$27,995 - $35,095
Capability
Towing capacity
1,000 lbs
Fuel economy
26-30 city / 28-31 hwy MPG
Drivetrain
FWD / AWD available
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
5 passengers
Cargo
23.5 cu ft (seats up) / 50.2 cu ft (seats down)
Powertrains
1.2L Turbo I-3
flex fuel-ready, standard on Preferred FWD
137 hp · 162 lb-ft
1.3L Turbo I-3
standard on all other trims
155 hp · 174 lb-ft
Trim pricing
Preferred FWD
Base model, 18-inch wheels, 1.2L engine standard
$27,995
Sport Touring
Gloss black wheels and grille, 1.3L engine standard
—
Avenir
Top trim, most premium interior
$35,095
🏆
How it ranks in Subcompact Crossover SUV
10 products compared
1
Mazda CX-30
8.8/10
✓ Buy
2
Toyota Corolla Cross
8.4/10
✓ Buy
3
Kia Seltos
8.3/10
✓ Buy
4
Volkswagen Taos
8.3/10
✓ Buy
5
Chevrolet Trax
7.8/10
→ Consider
6
Nissan Kicks
7.6/10
→ Consider
7
Ford Bronco Sport
7.3/10
→ Consider
8
Honda HR-V
7.2/10
→ Consider
9
Hyundai Kona
7.2/10
→ Consider
10
Nissan Versa
7.2/10
→ Consider
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.