Buick is giving the Encore GX a big rework for 2024. The subcompact crossover gets a new face inspired by one of the brand’s best concept cars. The Encore GX will also get a new single-frame widescreen display, and Buick will give it the brand’s flagship treatment — new Avenir trim.
The 2024 Encore GX is set to be the smallest vehicle in the Buick lineup. The standard (and unrelated) Encore is smaller but disappeared from the brand’s stable at the end of the 2022 model year.
Buick’s new nose is the most obvious difference from last year. The 2023’s mostly conventional grille has been thrown out and in its place is something much cooler.
Wildcat EV Nose
Or the inspiration is cooler, at least. Buick says the inspiration for the new nose is the Wildcat EV concept. That concept was more of a coupe and a lot cooler than any Encore, GX or otherwise, but you can see the company’s point.
The two get very similar headlights. A sort of uneven boomerang, or maybe an upside-down Nike Swoosh, is the look.
Below that is a surprisingly pointed and protruding bit of paintwork. Then there’s the low and wide grille. The Wildcat’s used a series of slats, the Avenir Encore GX mesh, but you can see the resemblance.
The side profile is nearly identical to before the facelift, so the rest of the exterior changes are at the rear. They include LED taillights and a new Buick badge spelled out in script on the hatch.
Buick Virtual Cockpit
Every Encore GX gets Buick’s new Virtual Cockpit System. The new layout combines the 8.0-inch configurable digital dash and a best-in-segment 11.0-inch screen into one big sheet of glass, surrounding the driver with screens. The look is similar to the latest BMW models, which is likely what Buick is hoping you’ll notice.
A new infotainment system makes use of the new screens. Buick says it will have a sleeker new layout. It will also include standard wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The new Avenir trim is meant to help highlight that cabin change and to make the Encore GX feel a bit more premium. Buick’s highest trim level is now found on the company’s entire lineup.
In Encore GX-spec, it includes a unique grille and different taillamps than other GX models. It also includes chrome accents on the front and rear bumpers.
Inside, Avenir means two special leather choices: beige and black. The leather seats have a 10-way power adjustment for the driver and an eight-way for the front passenger. Rounding it out, Encore GX has a heated wheel, air ionizer, and embroidered headrests.
2023’s Sport Touring trim disappears. Sort of, at least. The name changes to ST, but it will include the same black accents Buick describes as having “an athletic persona” that it already had.
2024 Buick Encore GX Has Last Year’s Engines
Buick will offer the same two engines as last year: a 137-horsepower 1.2L turbo-triple and a 1.3L turbo three-cylinder that makes 155 horses. The 1.2L engine is offered on base Preferred trim only.
Encore GX will continue to offer front-wheel drive and a CVT on all trims with either the 1.2L or 1.3L engines. AWD is offered on all grades, and that choice pairs the 1.3L engine and a nine-speed automatic.
The 2024 Buick Encore GX will start production in March 2023. Deliveries are expected to start in the spring, and customers will be able to build and order on Buick’s site starting in May.
