The 2023 Buick Encore GX is a subcompact crossover SUV that checks many boxes for residents of Woodbridge, Vaughan, Brampton, Kleinburg, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area who want an economical model that doesn’t compromise style and quality. The Encore GX delivers good fuel economy in a vehicle with a small, urban-friendly footprint, a deceptively spacious interior, and premium style and quality that won’t break the bank.
Subcompact crossovers can sometimes look stumpy, odd, cute, or even strange. The 2023 Buick Encore GX is none of those. Instead, the Encore GX looks classy, mature, and premium while delivering the daily practicality of a tall hatchback. The interior is equally stylish and high-quality, and designers have made exceptional use of the available space.
There are three trim levels available. The 2023 Encore GX lineup starts with the entry-level Preferred trim that looks and feels anything but “entry-level” with its impressive standard specification. The mid-range model is the Select, and the top-of-the-range Encore GX model is called the Essence.
There are two economical engine options for the 2023 Buick Encore GX, but most models you’ll come across will have the more powerful of the pair under the hood. Both engines are three-cylinder turbos, the first being a 1.2-litre version and the second a 1.3-litre powerplant. The 1.2 is only available for front-drive versions of the entry-level Preferred trim, and it provides that model with 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. In this case, the power goes to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 1.2-litre engine returns fuel economy ratings of 8.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.
The Preferred is the only Encore GX in Canada available in a front-wheel drive format, although it is available with the AWD system that’s standard for the rest of the lineup. The Select and Essence trim levels are exclusively all-wheel drive, and along with the Preferred AWD, the 1.3-litre engine is standard. The 1.3 puts out 155 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, and this engine sends its power to all four wheels through a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-litre engine gets fuel economy ratings of 9.0 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 L/100 km on the highway.
The Preferred and Select trim levels have impressive standard specifications, but the starting MSRP of the range-topping Essence trim isn’t a massive leap from the lower trim levels and likely to be the choice of many shoppers. The Encore GX Essence trim level includes standard Automatic on/off LED headlamps with a delay feature, chrome exterior accents, a hands-free power liftgate, LED tail lights, a 120-volt power outlet, 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and leather upholstery. These features are only standard with the top model.
However, all models include 18-inch alloy wheels, QuietTuning, a ten-way power driver’s seat, air conditioning, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. All models also get the Buick Driver Confidence package. The package includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist.
The 2023 Buick Encore GX is a premium subcompact crossover SUV ideal for the urban environment, with good fuel economy and a luxury look and feel. Learn what it could do for you with a test drive from Roy Foss Chevrolet Buick GMC Woodbridge at Auto Park Circle, Woodbridge, ON, or call us at (905) 850-1000 for more details and book an appointment for a time that fits your schedule.
