Quick Spin: The 2024 Buick Encore GX Is A Nice Upgrade, But The Avenir Falls Short

Buick is in the midst of a major product push that will see the brand introduce five new or updated models within 18 months. That journey fittingly began with the facelifted Encore GX, which is the brand’s best-selling model and one whose sales skyrocketed 98.6% in the second quarter.

That’s a huge jump and part of the momentum can be credited to the 2024 Encore GX, which adopts the company’s new design language. It’s a welcome change as the ‘puffy face’ has been replaced by a sleeker design that features a more aggressive front bumper, a wide grille, and split lighting units.

The rest of the changes are more evolutionary, but include updated wheels, revised badging, and new LED taillights on the ST and Avenir. The latter is all-new for 2024 and is distinguished by a black ice grille, body-color cladding, and 19-inch wheels with a pearl nickel finish.

An Upgraded Interior With New Digital Displays

While most facelifts don’t extend very far, Buick went the extra mile and completely reimagined the interior. It’s been given a high-tech makeover as the crossover now comes equipped with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch infotainment system boasting wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The changes don’t end there as buyers will find a new dashboard, a revised center stack, and updated switchgear. They’re joined by soft-touch accents and new flourishes, which add some much needed ‘pop’ to the cabin. The latter can be easy to overlook, but include a new trim strip on the dash and geometric accents on the air vent surrounds.

The Encore GX starts at $26,895 but the Avenir trim begins at $33,195 and can come uncomfortably close to hitting the $40,000 mark. While the model certainly isn’t cheap, it comes nicely equipped with heated leather front seats and an available two-tone design.

Those aren’t the only special touches as the range-topping crossover has embroidered headrests and special door sill plates. They’re joined by a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, an air ionizer, a universal home remote, and a 120-volt outlet in the second-row.

On top of that, there’s a host of standard driver assistance systems including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian Braking. They’re joined by Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Rounding out the Avenir’s safety features are Rear Seat Reminder, an HD Rear Vision Camera, and a three-year subscription to the OnStar Premium Plan.

Customers can build on this with the $1,295 Avenir Convenience Package, which adds rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, rear park assist, and a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system. Buyers can also shell out an additional $1,395 for the Avenir Technology Package that includes adaptive cruise control, a rear camera mirror, a wireless smartphone charger, and a surround vision system.

Those packages push the price tag skyward, but luxury is in short supply despite the added content. While the cabin looks better than its predecessor, there’s still a lot of cheap plastic and the gloss black trim hardly expresses elegance. The model also eschews ventilated front seats, which are notably not even available as an option.

On the bright side, there’s plenty of room for four adults and their luggage. The rear seats offer 36 inches (914 mm) of legroom as well as enough headroom for this 6’ 2” reviewer. However, if space is what you need, you might be better off with the new Envista, which offers an astounding 38.7 inches (983 mm) of rear seat legroom.

Putting that aside, there’s 23.5 cubic feet (665 liters) of cargo space behind the second-row. That increases to 50.2 cubic feet (1,421 liters) by folding the rear seats down, although that’s significantly less than competitors such as the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Volkswagen Taos.

A Turbocharged Three-Cylinder With 155 HP

While the Encore GX comes standard with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine developing 137 hp (101 kW / 139 PS) and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque, the range-topping Avenir has a more capable 1.3-liter unit with 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque.

That might not sound like much of a difference on paper but, in the real world, it separates slow from acceptable. That’s not saying much, but the extra 18 hp (13 kW / 18 PS) and 12 lb-ft (16 Nm) are certainly welcome.

Both engines are connected to a continuously variable transmission, but all-wheel drive variants feature a slick nine-speed automatic as well as the 1.3-liter turbo. Unfortunately, fuel economy numbers are so-so as the all-wheel drive Encore GX returns 26 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Those figures are slightly better in front-wheel drive variants, although the base 1.2-liter engine only returns 30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

A Comfortable Commuter

We only took the Encore GX Avenir for a quick spin, but initial impressions are promising as the crossover delivered a smooth and comfortable ride. However, it’s worth noting a compound crank rear suspension comes standard and you’ll have to upgrade to all-wheel drive to get a more advanced Watts link.

Speaking of performance, the crossover felt planted as it delivered secure and stable handling. This was aided by the optional all-wheel drive system, which costs $1,600.

Overall, the driving experience is pleasant if unremarkable as the steering and brakes were fine but nothing to get excited about. On the bright side, the Encore GX is relatively hushed thanks in part to active noise cancellation technology and Buick’s trademark QuietTuning.

A Better Buick, But It Gets Pricey Fast

The 2024 Encore GX benefits from some welcome upgrades as it sports modern looks and a new tech-focused interior. Buyers will also find a new Avenir trim, which brings some upscale amenities.

However, the extra features only do so much to elevate the Encore GX. On top of that, you’ll have to shell out $37,380 to get an Avenir with adaptive cruise control, a wireless smartphone charger, and a panoramic glass roof.

That’s pretty steep but, if you keep options in check, you can get a comfortable crossover with plenty of practicality.