Buick’s new look is coming to America as the brand has unveiled the 2024 Encore GX.
Billed as “modern, sophisticated and stylish,” the facelifted crossover sports a new design that was previewed by last year’s Wildcat EV concept.
The changes immediately stand out as the model has a rounded nose that features Buick’s new tri-shield logo and is flanked by “winged LED headlamps.” The grille has also been reimagined and moved further down, while the bumper sports a more expressive appearance.
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The rest of the design largely carries over, but buyers will find new 18- and 19-inch wheels. The rear end also sees some minor updates including “Buick” lettering as well as the new logo.
Customers looking for a more distinctive appearance can opt for the “reimagined” Sport Touring trim. Buick didn’t say much about it, but the model will be distinguished by high-gloss black bumpers and an optional black roof.
A Revamped And High-Tech Interior
Like its twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Encore GX gets a high-tech makeover for 2024. In the case of the Buick, the crossover has been outfitted with a Virtual Cockpit System that consists of an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11-inch infotainment system. The latter is the largest screen in its segment and a huge improvement over the old 8-inch display. Furthermore, Buick says the infotainment system has a “sleek new layout,” a customizable home screen, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To accommodate the freestanding displays, the crossover has been equipped with a new dashboard that features a trim strip spanning the width of the vehicle and wraps around new air vents. We can also see a revamped center stack with new switchgear. Buick also noted the ST variant will come with a flat-bottom steering wheel.
New Avenir Trim Brings Affordable Luxury
Besides sporting revised styling inside and out, the Encore GX will offer an Avenir variant for the first time. The luxurious trim has been embraced by more than 25% of Enclave and Envision buyers, and it’s now promising to make the brand’s entry-level crossover even more appealing.
While luxury is the name of the game, the Encore GX Avenir is distinguished by a unique grille, chrome accents, and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. Designers also gave the crossover unique taillights and black carbon metallic flourishes.
Stepping inside, buyers will find an exclusive two-tone cabin with Whisper Beige leather seats that contrast with Jet Black components. That’s only part of what makes the Avenir special as the model comes equipped with a heated steering wheel, embroidered headrests, and an air ionizer. Customers will also find power front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Turbo Power And Available All-Wheel Drive
Under the hood, there’s a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 137 hp (102 kW / 139 PS) and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. It’s joined by an optional 1.3-liter turbo that develops 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque.
Front-wheel drive comes standard and it sees the crossover outfitted with a continuously variable transmission that should enable the model to return up to 30 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is also available and it comes paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
On the safety front, the Buick Driver Confidence package comes standard and includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam headlights. Options include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and a Rear Camera Mirror.
The 2024 Buick Encore GX will go into production next month and arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring. Pricing will start at $26,895 which is $300 less than the outgoing model. The Sport Touring variant will begin at $28,095 while the range-topping Avenir will set you back $33,195.
