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2025 Buick Encore GX Review

Discover the tech-savvy features of the 2025 Buick Encore GX in this in-depth review. Explore trims, pricing, performance, and why this subcompact crossover stands out in its class.

What is New for the 2025 Buick Encore GX?

2025 Buick Encore GX – buick.com |  Shop 2025 Buick Encore GX on Carsforsale.com

The 2025 Buick Encore GX ranks among the best subcompact crossovers. Six years deep into its first generation, Buick’s semi-luxury approach sets the Encore GX apart from rivals with a refined interior and a smooth and inconspicuous powertrain. If you’re looking for a modest commuter that doesn’t compromise on comfort, the Encore GX deserves your consideration.

Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
7.75/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
8.25/10
Value
Score
8/10
Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $27,335

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

FWD/AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

26 City / 28 Hwy

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

Quality interior appointments

Quiet cabin

Impressive tech features

Weak engines, even 1.3L

Base trim expensive for class

Rear seat refinement an afterthought

A cut above most subcompact crossovers

2025 Buick Encore GX Specs

Trims & Pricing

Preferred - $27,335
Sport Touring - $28,535
Avenir - $32,895

2025 Buick Encore GX Powertrain 7.75/10

2025 Buick Encore GX - buick.com

The Buick Encore GX’s default engine, a turbocharged 1.2L three-cylinder making 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, is not going to set your world on fire. The optional turbo-1.3L ups output to 155 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. and comes with a nine-speed automatic over the default CVT. Though average in horsepower, the Encore GX distinguishes itself from the subcompact crowd with a placid, unperturbed ride and the smoothness of that optional nine-speed.

Fuel economy for the 1.2L comes in at 30 city / 31 highway mpg (22/23 mpg when using E85). The 1.3L nets 29/31 mpg in FWD form and dips slightly to 26/28 mpg when equipped with AWD.

2025 Buick Encore GX Interior 9/10

The subcompact class is the entry-level option for most brands, including Buick with the Encore GX. Unlike the rest of the segment, the Encore GX’s semi-luxury positioning sets it apart from bargain-focused rivals. The Encore GX’s cabin is well-appointed, with plenty of soft-touch materials, pleasant styling, and good ergonomics. However, what Buick spent making the front seat a nice place to be came at an expense to the back seat which makes do with more than its share of hard plastic surfaces and limited legroom (admittedly a problem for all subcompacts).

Imperfections aside, the Encore GX is a very pleasant ride. Buick’s QuietTuning dampens road noise for the quietest cabin in the segment by a good margin. Cargo space splits, with 23.5 cu-ft. behind the rear seats and 50.2 cu.-ft. with them folded down.

2025 Buick Encore GX Technology Features 8.25/10

2025 Buick Encore GX - buick.com

The Buick Encore tech features cover the typical gamut of infotainment and advanced safety systems, many of which come standard. The Encore GX’s pair of screens include an eight-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a Wi-Fi hotspot. Oddly, the optional seven-speaker Bose audio system comes along for the ride when you tick the box for AWD.

Buick’s collection of standard advanced driver assistance features covers forward collision warnings, auto high beams, and rear cross traffic alerts, among others. Systems like blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are offered as part of the Advanced Tech package ($1,095). The Buick Encore GX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

2025 Buick Encore GX Trims & Pricing

2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred - buick.com

Preferred – $27,335

The base model Buick Encore GX Preferred comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch wheels, and cloth or leather upholstery. Push-button start and satellite radio are also standard equipment. The larger 1.3L motor can be had for $395 additional. Standard driver assistance features include Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive, lane keep assist, a rear-view camera, auto high beams, forward automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. A power liftgate is offered for $400. The Comfort Package gets you heated seats and a heated steering wheel ($995).

2025 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring - buick.com

Sport Touring – $28, 535

The Encore GX Sport Touring comes equipped with the 1.3L right out of the gate along with blacked out wheels and badging. A moon roof and 19-inch wheels can be optioned as part of the Experience Buick package for $1,695.

2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir - buick.com

Avenir – $32,895

The Encore GX Avenir comes with 19-inch wheels, heated seats and heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, a six-way power passenger seat, and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Avenir Convergence package ($1,295) adds a hands-free liftgate, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and rain-sensing wipers. The Avenir Tech package ($1,395) comes with a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and adds safety tech like adaptive cruise control.

2025 Buick Encore GX Value 8/10

If you’re in the market for a Buick Encore GX we’d recommend the base Preferred trim equipped with the 1.3L engine. If you want all the bells and whistles like a heated steering wheel and a hands-free liftgate, we’d suggest looking either upmarket or to a larger compact crossover of equivalent price. With that said, the Encore GX does offer a lot of comfort and refinement compared to its direct competition.

Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8.25/10

2025 Buick Encore GX – buick.com |  Shop 2025 Buick Encore GX on Carsforsale.com

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is an impressive offering among subcompacts, oft the realm of phone-it-in options at the bottom of brands’ lineups. The Encore GX, by contrast, is a commendable introduction to the brand and stands out from the competition with its serene, semi-luxury interior and stress-free driving experience.

FAQ’s About the 2025 Buick Encore GX

2025 Buick Encore GX - buick.com

Where is the Buick Encore GX Manufactured?

The Buick Encore GX is built in South Korea at Buick’s Bupyeong manufacturing plant. 

Is the Buick Encore GX all-wheel drive?

The Buick Encore GX offers AWD as an option in conjunction with the 1.3L engine.

What does the GX stand for on the Buick Encore?

The GX in Encore GX stands for “Grand Crossover.”

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Chris Kaiser

With two decades of writing experience and five years of creating advertising materials for car dealerships across the U.S., Chris Kaiser explores and documents the car world’s latest innovations, unique subcultures, and era-defining classics. Armed with a Master's Degree in English from the University of South Dakota, Chris left an academic career to return to writing full-time. He is passionate about covering all aspects of the continuing evolution of personal transportation, but he specializes in automotive history, industry news, and car buying advice.

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