The 2025 Buick Encore GX blends upscale design, an easy-to-park footprint, and a long features list—without luxury-brand pricing. It’s a top pick if you want a refined small SUV with modern tech and a smooth ride.
I. Introduction
What it is: A subcompact, premium-leaning SUV that’s roomier and nicer inside than most budget rivals.
Why it’s a great 2025 choice: Fresh styling (2024 refresh carried forward), strong active-safety roster, and two efficient turbo engines with available AWD. Trims and powertrains hit a sweet value/quality balance. Car and Driver+1
II. Exterior Design
Clean surfacing, a wide grille with Buick’s new tri-shield emblem, and slim lighting give the Encore GX a modern, tailored look. Available ST (Sport Touring) trim adds bolder accents; Avenir goes more premium. (Trims & pricing structure shown on Buick’s site.) buick.com
III. Interior Comfort
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Space & seating: Comfortable for four adults; five in a pinch.
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Materials: Soft-touch points and Buick’s QuietTuning sound insulation elevate the cabin feel.
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Cargo: Among the more practical in the class, with a flat load floor and split-fold rear seats.
IV. Engines & Performance
You get a choice of two turbo three-cylinders:
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1.2L Turbo (FWD): 137 hp / 162 lb-ft, paired to a CVT; standard on Preferred.
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1.3L Turbo: 155 hp / 174 lb-ft; available on Preferred and standard on ST & Avenir. FWD uses a CVT; AWD models upgrade to a 9-speed automatic.
These combos prioritize smoothness and city efficiency; the 1.3L feels notably perkier for highway merges. Edmunds+1
V. Fuel Economy
Official EPA-style ratings vary by engine and drivetrain, but typical figures are:
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FWD (1.2L or 1.3L CVT): about 29–30 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (≈30 combined)
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AWD (1.3L + 9-speed): about 26 mpg city / 28–29 mpg highway (≈27 combined)
Independent tests have also matched or slightly beaten those highway estimates. Edmunds+2Texan GMC Buick+2
VI. All-Wheel Drive
AWD is available on all trims with the 1.3L. It improves traction in rain/snow and pairs with the smoother 9-speed automatic for more relaxed highway cruising. Edmunds
VII. Infotainment & Connectivity
Buick’s system is now branded Buick Infotainment (the older “IntelliLink” name has been retired). Expect a responsive touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available wireless charging, and connected services. Nimnicht Buick GMC
VIII. Safety & Driver Assistance
Typical features include Forward Collision Alert, Lane-Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and available Blind-Zone monitoring and Adaptive Cruise Control, depending on packages/trim. (Exact bundles vary by dealer inventory.)
IX. Trims & Who They Fit
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Preferred (Value pick): Core features, 1.2L (or optional 1.3L), FWD; AWD available with 1.3L.
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Sport Touring (ST) (Style/pep): Standard 1.3L, sporty exterior cues.
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Avenir (Premium): Standard 1.3L, upscale trim and amenities.
MSRP structure and availability shown on Buick’s site. buick.com
X. Encore GX vs. Chevrolet Trax (Which One’s Right for You?)
The Trax is a value champ; the Encore GX is the dressier, quieter sibling.
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Powertrain:
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Trax: 1.2L turbo-3, 137 hp / 162 lb-ft, FWD only, 6-speed automatic.
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Encore GX: 1.2L (137 hp) or 1.3L (155 hp) with available AWD & 9-speed.
If you need AWD or a stronger engine, Encore GX wins. Edmunds+3Edmunds+3Car and Driver+3
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Interior/quietness: Encore GX feels more premium and quieter.
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Tech: Both have modern smartphone integration; Buick’s UI/graphics are a bit more upscale.
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Budget: Trax undercuts most rivals on price; Encore GX costs more but returns the favor in refinement and options.
XI. FAQs
Q: Is the “Encore” still sold new in 2025?
A: In the U.S., the original Encore ended after 2022. Today’s model is the Encore GX (often just called “Encore” in casual speech). buicklakeland.com
Q: Does the Encore GX offer AWD?
Yes—AWD is available with the 1.3L engine and uses a 9-speed automatic. Edmunds
Q: What kind of mpg can I expect?
Around 30 mpg combined for FWD models and ~27 combined for AWD, depending on trim/equipment. Edmunds
Q: What’s the infotainment system called—IntelliLink or something else?
Buick rebranded it to Buick Infotainment in recent years. Nimnicht Buick GMC
Q: Which trim should I buy?
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Value & commuting: Preferred (add the 1.3L if you can).
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Style & pep: ST (Sport Touring).
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Quiet luxury: Avenir.
XII. Buyer Tips (Budget • Needs • Roads)
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Budget: Look at total cost (payment + insurance + fuel). Buick’s efficiency helps with running costs.
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Needs: If you expect snow or mountain trips, spec AWD + 1.3L. If you live in warm urban areas, FWD is fine and most efficient.
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Test drive: Try both the 1.2L and 1.3L—the difference in passing power is noticeable.
XIII. Conclusion
If you want premium vibes without premium prices, the 2025 Buick Encore GX nails the brief: refined ride, useful size, upscale tech, and available AWD—plus realistic 30-mpg economy in FWD form. Cross-shop it with the Chevy Trax for value context; choose the Encore GX if you want quieter, nicer, and more configurable.
Sources (for specs & model reality checks)
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Encore discontinued; Encore GX is current: dealer and brand research pages. buicklakeland.com
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Engines, horsepower, transmissions, AWD availability, trims: Edmunds/Car and Driver. Edmunds+1
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EPA-style mpg ranges: Edmunds & Buick pages; real-world highway test context. Edmunds+2buick.com+2
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Trax powertrain & FWD-only confirmation: Car and Driver, Edmunds, GM Newsroom. Car and Driver+2Edmunds+2
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IntelliLink → Buick Infotainment branding: dealer documentation. Nimnicht
