First Look: 2024 Buick Encore GX Subcompact SUV
GM pulled the cover off its new 2024 Buick Encore GX on the eve of the Canadian International Auto Show taking place in Toronto from February 17-28. It continues the brand’s shift toward a more luxurious styling for small SUV models like the Encore, which Buick will position as premium, as it will also be the first to offer the Avenir trim.
The idea was to take a new approach from a visual standpoint, further emphasized by the styling and trim options. Buick will offer the Encore GX in Preferred and Sport Touring trims, plus the Avenir trim the brand says “elevates the small SUV segment to a new level.”
Prefer the styling and features of the outgoing Buick Encore? If you’re considering a used model, view all our pre-owned Encore SUVs here – all fully certified and backed by a 7 day return policy. Plus, our full review of the 2019 Buick Encore here.
Three Encore trims for 2024
The 1.3-litre turbo I-3 engine is standard on all trims across Canada, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It differs slightly from the 1.2-litre engine on the Preferred four-wheel drive (FWD) trim to be sold as an option in the United States. Sport Touring and Avenir get all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, including a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the FWD models come standard with a Continuously Variable Transmission.
2024 Buick Encore GX | Photo: Ted Kritsonis
The Preferred trim will only have 18-inch wheels as standard, so if you want to go with 19-inch wheels, you can get them with the Sport Touring within the Experience Buick package that also includes a moonroof. The Avenir only comes with 19-inch wheels.
The newer front-end includes the brand’s new Tri-Shield logo, plus a design Buick says was heavily inspired by its Wildcat EV concept, like the grille and winged LED headlamps. LED tail lamps will also come standard in the Sport Touring and Avenir trims, plus high-gloss black front and rear bumpers to complete the look.
Peering inside the 2024 Encore’s new interior
Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System (VCS) is a first for the brand, centred on two screens: an 8-inch digital cluster screen that fuses with an 11-inch infotainment display. While they are under one sheet of glass, they operate independently, as is often the case with systems like this. Much of it is customizable and focused on the driver.
2024 Buick Encore GX | Photo: Ted Kritsonis
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in all trims, including the ability to run them wirelessly from a paired phone. Wireless charging, on the other hand, is an optional upgrade as part of the Driver Confidence package for the Preferred and Sport Touring trims, or the Technology Package for the Avenir. An in-car Wi-Fi hotspot is available, working across Canada and the United States when you purchase a data plan for it.
Sport Touring and Avenir interiors
The softer materials used to make the interior could add to the level of comfort sitting inside. Some differences stand out, like the Sport Touring’s flat-bottom steering wheel and the Sport Touring and Avenir logos stitched onto their respective headrests.
2024 Buick Encore GX | Photo: Buick
Buick’s QuietTuning aims to further reduce road noise from seeping into the cabin, making drives among the quietest you can find in this segment. As for safety features, all Encore GX trims will get the six active safety and driver assistance features that come with the Driver Confidence package, of which include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beam.
For more, there will be packages offering additional features like Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Enhanced Emergency Braking and Rear Camera Mirror.
More upscale Avenir trim joins the 2024 Encore lineup
Buick previously offered Avenir trims for the Enclave and Envision, so now adding it to the Encore means a few extra things should drivers want them. On top of the venir grille, LED tail lamps and 19-inch Avenir-branded wheels, there will be chrome front and rear bumper accents and coloured side molding.
2024 Buick Encore GX | Photo: Buick
The interior will offer exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black colour themes not available on the other trims. Leather heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a better air filter, rearview auto-dim mirror, Avenir door sills and highly-adjustable mechanics for seat comfort.
This is the luxury trim of them all for the 2024 Encore GX, with Buick offering some optional features from the others as standard. There will be options for upgrades under the Avenir umbrella, adding a little exclusivity to the trim.
Availability
Buick says production for all 2024 Encore GX trims will begin in March 2023, with availability through dealerships set to begin sometime in the spring. Colour options will vary as well. Current ones, like Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Cinnabar Metallic, White Front Tricoat and Moonstone Grey Metallic will be joined by some newcomers: Copper Ice Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic and Sunrise Red Metallic.
2024 Buick Encore GX | Photo: Ted Kritsonis
Ready to buy a used Buick Encore?
View all our pre-owned Encore SUVs here. Each one passes a minimum 150 point inspection, comes fully certified before delivered to your door, and you’ve got a 7 day return policy for an added layer of confidence when buying a used vehicle from us.
