The 2024 Encore GX options new styling and a classier cabin, however the range-topping Avenir trim leaves one thing to be desired
1 hour in the past
Buick is within the midst of a significant product push that may see the model introduce 5 new or up to date fashions inside 18 months. That journey fittingly started with the facelifted Encore GX, which is the model’s best-selling mannequin and one whose gross sales skyrocketed 98.6% within the second quarter.
That’s an enormous leap and a part of the momentum will be credited to the 2024 Encore GX, which adopts the corporate’s new design language. It’s a welcome change because the ‘puffy face’ has been changed by a sleeker design that encompasses a extra aggressive entrance bumper, a large grille, and cut up lighting items.
The remainder of the adjustments are extra evolutionary, however embody up to date wheels, revised badging, and new LED taillights on the ST and Avenir. The latter is all-new for 2024 and is distinguished by a black ice grille, body-color cladding, and 19-inch wheels with a pearl nickel end.
An Upgraded Inside With New Digital Shows
commercial scroll to proceed
Whereas most facelifts don’t lengthen very far, Buick went the additional mile and utterly reimagined the inside. It’s been given a high-tech makeover because the crossover now comes outfitted with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch infotainment system boasting wi-fi Android Auto and wi-fi Apple CarPlay.
The adjustments don’t finish there as patrons will discover a new dashboard, a revised middle stack, and up to date switchgear. They’re joined by soft-touch accents and new prospers, which add some a lot wanted ‘pop’ to the cabin. The latter will be straightforward to miss, however embody a brand new trim strip on the sprint and geometric accents on the air vent surrounds.
The Encore GX begins at $26,895 however the Avenir trim begins at $33,195 and might come uncomfortably near hitting the $40,000 mark. Whereas the mannequin actually isn’t low-cost, it comes properly outfitted with heated leather-based entrance seats and an out there two-tone design.
These aren’t the one particular touches because the range-topping crossover has embroidered headrests and particular door sill plates. They’re joined by a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone automated local weather management system, an air ionizer, a common house distant, and a 120-volt outlet within the second-row.
On prime of that, there’s a bunch of ordinary driver help methods together with Automated Emergency Braking, Ahead Collision Alert, and Entrance Pedestrian Braking. They’re joined by Lane Change Alert with Aspect Blind Zone Alert, Lane Hold Help with Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Site visitors Alert. Rounding out the Avenir’s security options are Rear Seat Reminder, an HD Rear Imaginative and prescient Digicam, and a three-year subscription to the OnStar Premium Plan.
Clients can construct on this with the $1,295 Avenir Comfort Bundle, which provides rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free energy liftgate, rear park help, and a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system. Consumers may also shell out an extra $1,395 for the Avenir Know-how Bundle that features adaptive cruise management, a rear digital camera mirror, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and a encompass imaginative and prescient system.
These packages push the worth tag skyward, however luxurious is briefly provide regardless of the added content material. Whereas the cabin seems to be higher than its predecessor, there’s nonetheless plenty of low-cost plastic and the gloss black trim hardly expresses class. The mannequin additionally eschews ventilated entrance seats, that are notably not even out there as an possibility.
On the intense facet, there’s loads of room for 4 adults and their baggage. The rear seats provide 36 inches (914 mm) of legroom in addition to sufficient headroom for this 6’ 2” reviewer. Nevertheless, if house is what you want, you is likely to be higher off with the brand new Envista, which affords an astounding 38.7 inches (983 mm) of rear seat legroom.
Placing that apart, there’s 23.5 cubic ft (665 liters) of cargo house behind the second-row. That will increase to 50.2 cubic ft (1,421 liters) by folding the rear seats down, though that’s considerably lower than rivals such because the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Volkswagen Taos.
A Turbocharged Three-Cylinder With 155 HP
Whereas the Encore GX comes normal with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine growing 137 hp (101 kW / 139 PS) and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque, the range-topping Avenir has a extra succesful 1.3-liter unit with 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque.
Which may not sound like a lot of a distinction on paper however, in the actual world, it separates gradual from acceptable. That’s not saying a lot, however the additional 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 12 lb-ft (16 Nm) are actually welcome.
Each engines are related to a constantly variable transmission, however all-wheel drive variants characteristic a slick nine-speed automated in addition to the 1.3-liter turbo. Sadly, gasoline financial system numbers are so-so because the all-wheel drive Encore GX returns 26 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway, and 27 mpg mixed. These figures are barely higher in front-wheel drive variants, though the bottom 1.2-liter engine solely returns 30 mpg metropolis, 31 mpg freeway, and 30 mpg mixed.
A Comfy Commuter
We solely took the Encore GX Avenir for a fast spin, however preliminary impressions are promising because the crossover delivered a clean and cozy journey. Nevertheless, it’s price noting a compound crank rear suspension comes normal and also you’ll must improve to all-wheel drive to get a extra superior Watts hyperlink.
Talking of efficiency, the crossover felt planted because it delivered safe and secure dealing with. This was aided by the non-obligatory all-wheel drive system, which prices $1,600.
Total, the driving expertise is nice if unremarkable because the steering and brakes had been tremendous however nothing to get enthusiastic about. On the intense facet, the Encore GX is comparatively hushed thanks partially to lively noise cancellation expertise and Buick’s trademark QuietTuning.
A Higher Buick, However It Will get Dear Quick
The 2024 Encore GX advantages from some welcome upgrades because it sports activities fashionable seems to be and a brand new tech-focused inside. Consumers can even discover a new Avenir trim, which brings some upscale facilities.
Nevertheless, the additional options solely achieve this a lot to raise the Encore GX. On prime of that, you’ll must shell out $37,380 to get an Avenir with adaptive cruise management, a wi-fi smartphone charger, and a panoramic glass roof.
That’s fairly steep however, should you preserve choices in examine, you will get a snug crossover with loads of practicality.