Think of Buick, and you’ll probably imagine large, powerful vehicles packed with high-end features. Yet, the Encore GX proves that the company can do compact, comfortable, and economical, too.

Launched in 2019, the Encore GX quickly became Buick’s most popular model, with its subcompact SUV design filling a gap in the company’s lineup to great effect. The Encore GX has just been updated for the 2023 model year, and here’s why it’s set to continue its record of success.

Athletic Exterior Design

The Encore GX’s frame packs plenty of athletic character into its subcompact SUV format. An assertive front end leads back through clean lines and angles into the chunky, raised rear. It’s not always easy for a crossover to offer anything new in the design department, but the Encore GX has a distinctly perky and agile character that’s perfectly suited to everyday city driving duties.

But the bodywork is about more than attractive looks. The surprisingly spacious cabin can seat five in comfort, while the flexible rear-seat folding gives a range of cargo capacities up to a maximum of 1,422L, making this Buick a versatile performer in daily life.

Choose Your Powertrain

Two powertrain options are available with the 2023 Encore GX, both designed with urban driving firmly in mind. At the entry level, a 1.2L turbo engine feeds front-wheel drive through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), creating a healthy 137 horsepower and 162lb-ft to deliver smooth and responsive handling.

Moving up to the all-wheel-drive model switches the engine to a 1.3L turbo design, pushing up the output to a punchy 155 horsepower and 174lb-ft. To handle the extra power, the transmission is upgraded to a nine-speed automatic model, and the result is a drive that handles the full range of Canadian conditions with dependable confidence and poise.

Advanced Active Safety with Buick Driver Confidence

Busy city traffic can test the skills of even the most experienced drivers, but the Encore GX includes a range of advanced safety features to help keep you safely in control. Key standard and available highlights include:

• Forward-collision warnings with pedestrian alerts and automated hard braking
• Following-distance indicator to help keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• Lane-departure warnings triggered by accidental sideways drift
• Intelligent high-beam assist to provide excellent visibility without dazzling other drivers
• Higher trims add options for automatic-parking assist, an HD surround camera system, side blind-zone alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, and much more.

High-End Interior Technology

The high-tech tone of the interior is set by the 4.2-inch multi-colour driver information display that’s positioned behind the wheel, displaying essential data, including speed, fuel level, following distance, and more. A separate 8-inch touchscreen display gives access to infotainment and comfort features, with integration options including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa to give extensive voice control.

Advanced navigation is an optional extra, along with a wireless-device charging pad to complement the multiple USB ports that offer both charging and connectivity.

Test Drive the 2023 Buick Encore GX

With its high-powered engine, interior comfort, and neat design, the 2023 Encore GX is a subcompact SUV that checks all the right boxes for demanding city drivers. If you’re interested in discovering its qualities for yourself, please book a test drive by clicking on the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time and without notice.