- The 2024 Buick Encore GX gets updated with a fresh face and the brand's new logo.
- Every model now has two large displays that share a single glass panel on the dash.
- Buick also adds the classy Avenir to the Encore GX lineup and turns the popular ST package into a stand-alone trim.
The face of Buick is changing, starting with its most popular model, the Encore GX. For 2024, the subcompact SUV receives myriad improvements, not the least of which is a refreshed front end featuring the brand's new-look logo.
Face First
The '24 Encore GX is the first U.S. model to wear Buick's redesigned tri-shield emblem, which originally appeared on the company's Wildcat concept. While that eccentric electric coupe was purely a design exercise, the updated GX is the first Buick sold in America to showcase the concept's influence.
The surprise of seeing the GX's new face was somewhat spoiled by spy photos we captured last December, but the little SUV looks just as handsome nonetheless. It certainly appears more upscale than before, with slim LED accents mounted above discreetly integrated headlights. A new trapezoidal grille sits much lower than its predecessor's did. The changes to the rear are less obvious, but they're there if you look hard enough.
ST Steps Up
Along with updated styling, the Encore GX lineup is restructured. The Preferred trim remains the entry point, but the newly added Avenir now sits at the top. In between them is the Sport Touring (ST), which Buick decided to change from an appearance package to a stand-alone model due to its popularity. The trio are said to have simpler packaging too, with basically no options.
The Avenir is the fanciest Encore GX. In fact, Buick went as far as giving it different HVAC controls than the other two. Other Avenir exclusives include a black-and-beige interior color scheme as well as leather seats with its name embroidered into the headrests. It comes with a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable front seats too.
The Encore GX ST looks the sportiest of the bunch. For example, it has glossy black wheels and black lower molding; the Avenir has bright rims and molding that matches its body color. The ST can take its distinct appearance even further with the optional Black Roof package. Inside, it alone has a flat-bottomed steering wheel and "ST" stitched into the headrests.
Screen Time
Perhaps more noteworthy than its new looks, every Encore GX gets a redesigned dashboard with an enormous sheet of glass mounted on top. This single panel contains two large displays, with 8.0 inches devoted to the gauge cluster and 11.0 inches for the touchscreeen infotainment system. The latter includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging with a larger pad than before is also offered.
The 2024 Encore GX continues to offer two turbocharged three-cylinders and either front- or all-wheel drive. While both engines feature a turbo from a different supplier—Buick says it's quieter now—the base 1.2-liter still makes 137 horsepower, and the 1.3-liter upgrade pumps out the same 155 ponies.
We're told the GX's engine mounts have been optimized to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. The SUV's fuel-economy estimates are also expected to carry over; front-drive versions are currently rated at 30 mpg combined, and all-wheel-drive ones are rated at 27 combined.
Buick says the updated Encore GX will begin production next month and go on sale this spring. The starting price for the Preferred trim is $26,895, making the base model $300 less than last year. The ST and Avenir start at $28,095 and $33,195, respectively.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
