2022 Buick Encore GX

Overview

If the regular Encore is too small for you, consider stepping up to the 2022 Buick Encore GX, which is both slightly larger and more modern. The Encore GX comes with your choice of either a turbocharged 1.2-liter or turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine. Acceleration is adequate, but neither of them will satisfy lead-footed drivers. Handling is stable, and the ride is smooth. Depending on how it's equipped, the Encore GX either competes with mainstream subcompact SUVs such as the Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Kona or small luxury crossovers such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class. Its cabin is roomy and well-equipped, which helps it against those non-luxury crossovers, but it doesn't quite have the panache of the German utes.

What's New for 2022?

A quartet of new colors joins the Encore GX's palette for 2022: Cinnabar Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, Rosewood Metallic, and Sunset Glow Metallic. Otherwise, the junior Buick SUV rolls into 2022 with no changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The best value in the lineup appears to be the midrange Select model. It comes with handsome 18-inch wheels, roof-rack side rails, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a rear-seat center armrest, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Experience Buick package adds navigation and a power sunroof. All-wheel drive is optional and adds $2000 to the price of any Encore GX.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Encore GX is powered by two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base version is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower followed by an optional 1.3-liter that makes 155 ponies. The former pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the more powerful engine is available on fancier front-drive models, it's included on every Encore GX with all-wheel drive. Likewise, the slightly bigger engine exclusively uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. At our test track, the Encore GX with all-wheel drive, the nine-speed automatic, and the larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder required a slothful 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Encore GX's luxury-branded rivals—the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Volvo XC40—offer more powerful engines and far quicker acceleration times. On the road, the Encore GX feels peppier than its acceleration results suggest, particularly around town where the small turbo engine delivers good low-end grunt. The Buick's ride is also agreeably smooth and controlled, but it doesn't offer any handling thrills.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ironically, the larger of the two three-cylinder engines receives the highest fuel-economy ratings from the EPA. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter is said to achieve up to 32 mpg highway. Going with the smaller 1.2-liter mill drops that figure to 30 mpg, and going with the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic drops it further to 29 mpg. However, on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, the Encore GX with the larger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic managed 30 mpg, beating the EPA's estimate by 1 mpg. For more information about the Encore GX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Encore GX's quiet cabin features leather upholstery, heated seats, and more passenger space than the smaller Encore. Buick's positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so it's better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek, but it doesn't provide the same level of fit and finish as the Audi, BMW, and Volvo. The Encore GX's front-passenger seat folds flat to aid in loading longer items, and we expect the rear cargo area to be more generous than the smaller Encore. We fit five carry-on suitcases behind the GX's rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded, which is only a few less than the slightly larger Cadillac XT4.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Its infotainment system supports a nicely integrated touchscreen that comes standard with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Encore GX employs General Motors's latest infotainment software interface, which is both snappy in its responses and intuitive to use. A head-up display is an available option and buyers can choose a high-definition 360-degree camera system as well.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Encore GX offers numerous standard driver-assistance technologies; a rearview camera mirror and 360-degree camera system will be optional. For more information about the Encore GX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Encore GX offers more warranty coverage than mainstream rivals such as the Kicks and the Mazda CX-3 as well as luxury-branded offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class and the Audi Q3. Where the Buick falls short is against the X1 and XC40, which both offer free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs