This 2026 Buick Encore GX Review puts one of the most refined subcompact SUVs in this price range under the microscope, a vehicle that starts at $26,200 and delivers a level of interior quietness and polish that most rivals at this price simply cannot match. This small crossover occupies a unique space: priced above mainstream competitors like the Kia Seltos and Chevrolet Trailblazer, yet positioned as Buick’s most accessible entry point into the brand. For buyers who want something more refined than a Chevrolet without paying Cadillac prices, the Encore GX fills that gap convincingly.
Power comes from one of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter unit, standard on the front-wheel-drive Preferred trim, produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Most other configurations step up to the 1.3-liter engine, which adds 18 horsepower and enables the all-wheel-drive option. Both pair with smooth-shifting transmissions, and EPA fuel economy figures top out at 30 mpg city and 31 mpg highway on the 1.2-liter FWD configuration, making this one of the more fuel-efficient options in the class. The six-trim lineup spans from the base Preferred FWD at $26,200 all the way to the Avenir AWD, which reaches $33,300 before options.
This review covers what changed for 2026, how the infotainment and technology stack up, how each powertrain performs in everyday driving, cargo and towing numbers, safety ratings, and what the invoice pricing picture looks like for each trim. Whether you are deciding between the Encore GX and a rival compact crossover or trying to determine which trim level delivers the best value, the sections below break it all down.
