Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX a good luxury SUV?

You’re sitting in rush-hour traffic, the 11-inch ultrawide screen glowing softly, the cabin hushed thanks to active noise cancellation, and you realize this $30,000 subcompact SUV is quieter than the Lexus your neighbor bought for twenty grand more—and that’s when Buick’s strategy finally clicks.

TL;DR
The 2025 Buick Encore GX isn’t trying to be the fastest, the sportiest, or the most capable small SUV. It’s trying to be the nicest. Six years into its first generation, this refreshed subcompact crossover has found its groove: a cabin that punches above its weight class, tech that rivals premium brands, and a ride so smooth you’ll forget you’re driving a three-cylinder . The base 1.2-liter engine makes 137 horsepower and is now E85-compatible, but the real star is the optional 1.3-liter with 155 horses and a buttery 9-speed automatic when paired with AWD . Cargo space measures a useful 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 with them folded—enough for IKEA runs but not moving trucks . Critics call the acceleration “adequate” at best, and the base trim’s $27,335 starting price is steep for the segment . But owners don’t care: 85% recommend it, praising the quiet cabin, the available Avenir luxury touches, and the fact that it feels far more expensive than it is . The 2025 changes are minimal—a new blue paint, remote start now standard everywhere, and E85 capability on the base engine—because Buick knows the formula already works . This is the small SUV for people who want luxury vibes without luxury payments, and it’s shockingly good at being exactly that.

Key Takeaways

Three trims, two engines, one philosophy: Preferred ($27,335), Sport Touring ($28,535), and Avenir ($32,895). Base 1.2L makes 137 hp; optional 1.3L makes 155 hp and is required for AWD . Fair Purchase Prices run $1,300–$1,800 below MSRP .
The 1.3L + 9-speed + AWD combo is the enthusiast pick: The 9-speed automatic is genuinely good; the CVT in FWD models is fine but forgettable . AWD adds $2,000 and drops fuel economy to 26/28 mpg .
Cabin is the killer app: Buick QuietTuning with active noise cancellation creates Lexus-level hush . 11-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available 8-way power seats with memory . Rear seat room is 36 inches of legroom—average for the class—but rear passengers get no air vents and harder plastics .
Safety credentials are solid: NHTSA 5-Star overall rating. IIHS scores Good in all crash tests performed . Standard Buick Driver Confidence suite includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and IntelliBeam auto high beams .
Owners love the styling and reliability, hate the rear seat comfort: J.D. Power Quality & Reliability rating: “Great” (85/100). KBB owner score: 4.3/5 with 85% recommendation . Common complaints: no rear vents, infotainment glitches with Android phones, and touchy brakes .
The Chevy Trailblazer problem: Shares the platform and powertrains, starts thousands less. The Encore GX’s justification is entirely interior refinement and the Avenir badge .
Resale value is below average: J.D. Power rates Resale as “Average.” KBB warns you’ll recoup less than competitors . Buy used in three years, not new .

Table of Contents

What Exactly Is the 2025 Encore GX? The “Just Right” Crossover

Here’s the thing about the Encore GX that confuses people: it’s not the replacement for the old Encore. That car is dead. The GX is bigger, nicer, and sits alongside the all-new, even-cheaper Envista in Buick’s small-SUV lineup .

Think of it as the Goldilocks crossover—not as cheap as the Envista, not as premium as the Envision. Just right in the middle.

The mission: Offer mainstream shoppers a taste of luxury without forcing them into Lexus or Acura pricing. You don’t get real wood trim or a V6. You get acoustic-laminated glass, active noise cancellation, soft-touch dashboard materials, and an available heated steering wheel . You get the feeling of premium without the price of premium.

2025 updates are remarkably thin:

Aquamarine Blue Metallic replaces Sunrise Red Metallic on the color chart
Remote start is now standard on all trims (it wasn’t before)
Base 1.2L engine now runs on E85 flex-fuel—same power, worse fuel economy (22/23 mpg on corn juice)
Chrome lug nuts on certain wheel packages because somebody at Buick noticed the little things
Santorini Blue interior stitching available on Sport Touring black interior

*That’s it. No mechanical changes. No styling overhaul. Buick essentially said, “Yeah, it’s fine. Keep buying it.” *

And here’s the wild part: buyers are keeping it. The Encore GX consistently ranks among Buick’s best-selling models in America, even as the brand pivots hard toward China and EVs .

The Trim Walk: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir

Preferred ($27,335 MSRP, ~$26,006 Fair Purchase Price)

The gateway drug. Comes standard with:

1.2L turbo three-cylinder (137 hp, 162 lb-ft)
CVT transmission, front-wheel drive
18-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels
11-inch HD ultrawide touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
8-inch digital driver information center
Buick Driver Confidence suite (automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, IntelliBeam auto high beams)
Cloth/leatherette seat trim
6-way manual driver seat
Single-zone automatic climate control

The catch: You really, really want the 1.3L engine upgrade ($395) . The 1.2L is adequate for puttering around town. It is not adequate for merging onto highways with confidence .

Recommended option: Comfort Package ($995) . Adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, front passenger flat-folding seat, and rear center armrest . This transforms the Preferred from “basic transportation” to “genuinely comfortable daily driver.”

Sport Touring ($28,535 MSRP, ~$26,700 Fair Purchase Price)

The enthusiast’s choice—even though “enthusiast” and “155-horsepower crossover” rarely appear in the same sentence.

What you get over Preferred:

1.3L turbo three-cylinder standard (155 hp, 174 lb-ft)
Blacked-out styling: gloss-black mesh grille with ST badge, black mirror caps, black body moldings, 18-inch gloss-black wheels (19-inch optional)
Flat-bottom sport steering wheel (genuinely cool)
Leatherette seating with perforated inserts and Santorini Blue accents
ST logos embroidered on front head restraints
Exclusive LED taillamps with red lenses

The vibe: This is the one that looks like a factory special edition. It doesn’t add horsepower, but it adds attitude. If you’re buying an Encore GX and you have a pulse, buy the Sport Touring .

Recommended option: Experience Buick Package ($1,695) . Adds panoramic power moonroof and 19-inch gloss-black wheels . Worth it for the roof alone.

Avenir ($32,895 MSRP, ~$31,191 Fair Purchase Price)

The “why does this cost thirty-three grand?” trim. This is Buick’s highest expression of luxury in the subcompact space.

What you get over Sport Touring:

19-inch Pearl Nickel wheels (not black, more executive)
Perforated leather-appointed seating with quilted inserts
8-way power driver seat with memory
6-way power passenger seat
Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
120-volt power outlet
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Avenir-specific grille with Black Ice chrome finish

The Avenir Convergence Package ($1,295): Hands-free power liftgate, 7-speaker Bose premium audio, rain-sensing wipers .

The Avenir Tech Package ($1,395): Adaptive cruise control, HD Surround Vision 360-degree camera, wireless charging, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert .

Is it worth it? Only if you absolutely must have the nicest interior and you plan to keep the car for 8+ years. The Avenir’s resale value won’t justify the premium, but your backside will appreciate those heated, power-adjustable seats every single morning .

The Powertrain: Two Three-Cylinders and a Lot of Honesty

Let’s talk about the elephant in the engine bay, because every review mentions it and every owner has an opinion.

The 1.2L ECOTEC:

137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm
162 lb-ft torque at 2,500–4,000 rpm
CVT only, FWD only
E85 flex-fuel capable for 2025 (same power, worse mileage)
0-60: approximately 9.5–10 seconds

The 1.3L ECOTEC:

155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
174 lb-ft torque at 1,600 rpm (notice that peak—it arrives immediately)
FWD: CVT transmission, 29/31 mpg
AWD: 9-speed automatic transmission, 26/28 mpg
0-60: approximately 8.5–9 seconds (FWD), 9.0–9.5 seconds (AWD)

Here’s what the reviewers won’t say directly: the 1.3L with the 9-speed automatic is the only combination that feels adequately powered. The CVT isn’t bad—it’s actually smoother than Nissan’s notorious units—but it drones under hard acceleration and makes the engine sound like two angry hamsters in a blender .

The 9-speed automatic is the secret sauce. It’s the same transmission GM uses in the Camaro and the Silverado, recalibrated for the Encore GX’s torque curve. It shifts decisively, holds gears appropriately, and never feels like it’s hunting for the right ratio. If you live anywhere with hills, traffic, or on-ramps shorter than a mile, spend the $2,000 for AWD just to get this transmission .

Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds with the accessory hitch . Enough for a small trailer or a pair of jet skis. Not enough for a camper.

Fuel economy reality check:

EPA says 1.3L FWD: 29 city / 31 highway / 30 combined
Real-world owners report 24–26 mpg city in mixed driving
AWD models drop to 26/28 on paper, mid-20s in reality

One owner wrote: “City MPG is only about 24 mpg…so far.” Another reported 30+ on highway trips. Your mileage will vary based on how heavy your foot is and how much you trust the stop/start system .

The Interior: Where Buick Spent the Money

This is the Encore GX’s ace in the hole, and the reason it exists alongside the cheaper Chevrolet Trailblazer.

QuietTuning is not marketing fluff. Buick’s engineers added acoustic-laminated windshield glass, extra sound-deadening materials in the floor and firewall, and active noise cancellation that pumps opposing sound waves through the speakers to cancel out road noise . The result: at 70 mph, the Encore GX’s cabin is quieter than a Lexus UX and competitive with some entry-level BMWs .

The screens:

11-inch HD ultrawide infotainment display mounted high, close to the driver’s line of sight
8-inch fully digital driver information center (reconfigurable, clear, not overwhelming)
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, and they actually work—most of the time

Materials strategy: Soft-touch plastics on the upper dashboard, door armrests, and center console. Hard, scratchy plastics on the lower doors and rear seat surrounds . This is the same playbook Volkswagen and Mazda use: make the driver feel pampered; the rear passengers are guests, not owners.

Rear seat reality: 36 inches of legroom is exactly average for the class . Two adults can sit back there comfortably for short trips. Three adults is a punishment. There are no rear air vents —a baffling omission in a $30,000 vehicle sold in Arizona and Texas . Owners notice. They complain. Buick hasn’t fixed it .

Cargo: 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 50.2 cubic feet with them folded . That’s enough for a full grocery haul, a stroller, or two large suitcases. The available front passenger seat folds flat, allowing you to carry 8-foot lumber or surfboards diagonally .

Timeline: Encore GX’s Quiet Evolution

2020 – Encore GX debuts as all-new model, slotting above the original Encore and below the Envision. 1.2L and 1.3L engines, CVT and 9-speed, FWD and AWD. Critics praise refinement, pan acceleration .

2022 – Minor updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becomes standard. Buick slowly kills original Encore.

2024 – Mid-cycle refresh. New Buick logo, revised bumpers and lighting, updated wheel designs. 11-inch screen becomes standard across lineup .

2025 – Minimal changes. E85 capability added to base engine. Remote start standardized. Aquamarine Blue paint replaces Sunrise Red. Santorini Blue interior stitching on Sport Touring . Buick declares victory and moves on .

Chart: 2025 Encore GX Trims vs. Key Competitors

Data sources: Buick, Chevrolet, Mazda, VW, Lexus official sites; CarBuzz; KBB . Prices approximate, reflect 2025 model year.

The Chevy Problem: Trailblazer Exists, Costs Less

You cannot evaluate the Encore GX honestly without addressing the elephant in the showroom: the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Same platform. Same 1.2L and 1.3L engines. Same CVT and 9-speed availability. Same AWD system. Same South Korean assembly plant.

The Trailblazer starts at $23,400. That’s $3,935 less than the Encore GX Preferred and $9,495 less than the Encore GX Avenir.

What the Trailblazer doesn’t have:

Buick QuietTuning (it’s noticeably louder inside)
The same level of interior soft-touch materials
Avenir-level luxury touches
The Buick badge (which still matters to a certain demographic)

What the Trailblazer does have:

Essentially the same driving experience
More traditional SUV styling (subjective)
Thousands of dollars in your pocket
Available in fun colors the Buick doesn’t offer

So why buy the Buick? Because you value the feeling of premium more than the specification of premium. The Encore GX’s cabin is quieter, its materials are nicer, its seats are more comfortable. These are intangible qualities. They are also real qualities that you will appreciate every single day.

The Trailblazer is the rational choice. The Encore GX is the emotional choice. Buick is betting that emotion wins.

Real Owners: The Divided (But Mostly Happy) Kingdom

Kelley Blue Book’s owner reviews for the 2025 Encore GX reveal a clear pattern: 85% recommend it, but the 15% who don’t are really, really mad .

The Enthusiasts:

“This little Buick combines good mpg, outstanding tech, all with a smooth quiet ride. The motor has more than enough power, and the Encore GX is very sexy and stylish and well built. You can keep your boring Lexus and elon’s junk, just get the Buick.” — Ottawa7, KBB

“I’ve owned the GX for about 3 weeks now-700 miles so far. There’s lots to like… Comfortable, Strong Acceleration, Great looks, Regular gas, Roomy back seat for a subcompact SUV., Great safety features, Excellent native navi system, Smooth shifting transmission; Bright headlights.” — Positive review, KBB

The Regretters:

“It does not ride as a BUICK should, my daughters ford focus rides softer. There is ZERO Buick luxury as one would expect… The engine sounds like 2 gerbils are running and fighting in the front under the hood. I thought there was something wrong with the engine, and when I told the Buick dealer service person, he smiled and said ‘yep, thats how this new buick sounds, hahaha’.” — Anyacska, KBB

“Infotainment system will not receive/play text messages on Android phones (tried a Pixel 3a and Galaxy S10) – Dealer acknowledges the issue. you can only see texts thru Android Auto if phone is connected by USB; Lane departure warning doesn’t work at speeds below 37-38 mph – dealer acknowledges this is an issue. This is a safety concern!” — Positive reviewer, still annoyed

The common threads:

What owners love: Styling (4.7/5), Reliability (4.5/5), Value (4.4/5), quiet cabin
What owners tolerate: Performance (4.3/5), Quality (4.3/5)
What owners hate: Comfort (4.2/5)—specifically rear seat comfort and lack of rear vents

J.D. Power 90-day owner feedback confirms this:

Owners like: Engine power, cabin quietness, fuel economy
Owners dislike: Audio system experience, rear seat comfort, screen attractiveness

Safety: The Uncontested Win

Here’s where the Encore GX faces no criticism whatsoever.

NHTSA: 5-Star Overall Rating . Not 4 stars. Not “Acceptable.” Five stars. The highest rating.

IIHS: Good in all crash tests performed (moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints) .

Standard safety tech:

Forward Collision Alert
Automatic Emergency Braking
Front Pedestrian Braking
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Following Distance Indicator
IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
HD Rear Vision Camera
Seven airbags (including driver knee bag)

Available safety tech (Advanced Tech Package, $1,095–$1,395):

Adaptive Cruise Control
Rear Park Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
HD Surround Vision 360-degree camera
Wireless charging (varies by trim)

One owner noted that lane departure warning doesn’t activate below 37-38 mph. This is by design, not defect. The dealer confirmed it. Still annoying .

Always drive responsibly and follow local traffic laws, especially when using driver assistance features.

Cost to Own: The Five-Year Reality

Kelley Blue Book’s cost-to-own data paints a clear picture of the Encore GX’s financial reality .

5-Year Cost to Own: $56,632

Depreciation: $17,353 (below average resale)
Fuel: $8,921 (30 mpg combined helps)
Insurance: $14,955 (reasonable for the segment)
Financing: $3,588
State Fees: $4,377
Maintenance: $5,519
Repairs: $1,919

The good news: Fuel costs are modest. Insurance is reasonable. Maintenance projections are average for a modern turbocharged vehicle.

The concerning news: Resale value is below average . J.D. Power rates Resale as “Average”—not “Great,” not “Best” . KBB explicitly warns: “Resale values of the Encore GX are below average. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one” .

What this means: The Encore GX is a better lease than purchase. If you buy, plan to keep it 7+ years and drive it into the ground. The depreciation curve is steepest in years 1–3.

FAQ: Your 2025 Buick Encore GX Questions, Answered

Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX all-wheel drive?
Yes, AWD is available on all trims when equipped with the 1.3L engine. It adds $2,000 and drops fuel economy to 26/28 mpg. The 1.2L engine is FWD only .

What is the difference between Encore and Encore GX?
The original Encore is discontinued. The Encore GX is larger, more refined, and sits alongside the new, cheaper Envista in Buick’s lineup. GX stands for “Grand Crossover” .

Is the Encore GX reliable?
J.D. Power rates Quality & Reliability as “Great” with an 85/100 score. Owners rate reliability 4.5/5 on KBB. Early data suggests above-average dependability, but the 1.3L and 9-speed are still relatively new combinations .

What engine should I get?
Get the 1.3L. The $395 upgrade is mandatory for highway driving. If you live anywhere with snow or hills, get AWD specifically for the 9-speed automatic transmission .

Does the Encore GX have a spare tire?
Yes. A compact temporary spare is located under the cargo floor. This is increasingly rare and genuinely appreciated .

Is the Encore GX good for road trips?
Yes, with caveats. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, the seats are comfortable up front, and fuel economy is respectable. However, rear passengers will complain about the lack of vents and limited legroom on long journeys .

What are the competitors?

Chevrolet Trailblazer: Same bones, less money, less refinement
Mazda CX-30: 191 hp, genuine driving fun, tighter rear seat
Volkswagen Taos: More space, available AWD, less standard tech
Hyundai Kona: Bold styling, better warranty, comparable refinement
Lexus UX: True luxury, hybrid available, $10,000 more expensive

Is the Avenir trim worth the money?
Only if you value leather, memory seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Touring offers 90% of the style for $4,000 less. The Avenir’s resale value won’t justify the premium, but your daily comfort might .

Why no rear air vents?
This is the single most common owner complaint. Buick has not explained why rear vents are unavailable. It is a baffling omission in a 2025 model-year vehicle .

Does it have a heated steering wheel?
Yes, on Comfort Package (Preferred and Sport Touring) and standard on Avenir. It gets genuinely warm, not just lukewarm .

The Verdict: Big Luxury in a Small Package?

The 2025 Buick Encore GX is a walking contradiction.

It is underpowered but refined. It is expensive for its class but cheaper than true luxury. Its interior dazzles up front but disappoints in back. It shares its bones with a Chevrolet that costs thousands less but feels like a completely different vehicle when you’re behind the wheel.

So which is it—overpriced Chevy or budget Lexus?

It’s both.

The Encore GX’s brilliance isn’t in any single specification. It’s in the cumulative effect of a hundred small decisions: the acoustic glass, the active noise cancellation, the soft-touch dashboard, the power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar, the heated steering wheel that actually heats the whole rim, the ultrawide screen mounted at exactly the right height.

This is how Buick does “attainable luxury.” Not with V8s or air suspension or hand-stitched leather. With thoughtful refinement in the places you interact with every day.

Is it enough to justify the premium over the Trailblazer? For some buyers, absolutely. For others, absolutely not.

The final word: The 2025 Encore GX is not the best subcompact SUV you can buy. The Mazda CX-30 is more fun. The Volkswagen Taos is more spacious. The Lexus UX is more prestigious. But the Encore GX is the one that feels like it costs more than it does—and in a segment full of competent but forgettable transportation appliances, that counts for something.

Which Encore GX trim speaks to you—the value-focused Preferred with the 1.3L upgrade, the blacked-out Sport Touring, or the plush Avenir? Or are you buying the Trailblazer and pocketing the difference? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

References:

2025 Buick Encore GX: Small SUV Versatility Meets Big Luxury – The Almost-Luxury Sweet Spot