Buick has made two excellent models in Encore and Encore GX, but aside from the subtle distinctions in looks, it might be difficult to find discerning differences in other aspects. In this article, we will help you make a choice by pointing out key features and advantages of either model!
Body, size, and assembly:
Both the Encore and the Encore GX belong in the Subcompact crossover SUV class, so any dimension differences will be subtle, but we will try to point out the noticeable ones. Exterior dimensions are nearly identical between them, with the Encore GX having a 1.6 inch longer wheelbase. The same goes for the interior with seating for five people, where the differences in front and rear seating space fall within an inch.
The Encore GX has a slightly larger cargo volume: 23.50 ft³ of standard cargo space, and with rear seats out of the way, you can store up to 50.20 ft³. On the other hand, Encore offers 18.80 ft³ of standard cargo space and 48.40 ft³ when storing up to the first row of seats.
Curb weight of both cars is very similar at approximately 3300 pounds, and changes depending on the trim level and the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Both vehicles are assembled in Shanghai, China, however, Encore GX is also assembled in Bupyeong-Gu, Incheon, South Korea.
Powertrain:
The Buick Encore is equipped with a 1.4L DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a power output of 138 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 1850 rpm, and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, or optional all-wheel drive in the Preferred trim.
The Encore GX has two engine options: ECOTEC 1.2L turbocharged engine with a power output of 137 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 162 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, and an ECOTEC 1.3L turbocharged engine outputting 174 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 174 Nm of torque at 1600 rpm. Transmission comes in Continuous Variable Transmission or CVT, available with all front-wheel-drive configurations, and 9-speed automatic transmission with the all-wheel-drive options.
If you’re not looking for extra power, feel free to go with either Encore’s 1.4L or Encore GX’s 1.2L engine, as any differences would be minimal. Nevertheless, if power is an important factor, then the Encore GX’s 1.3L engine is the best choice, either in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Besides, you don’t have to worry about fuel economy, as both vehicles average approximately 27 miles per gallon.
Safety:
Safety is definitely one of the most important factors of any vehicle, so Buick took this into consideration when designing these models.
Shared standard equipment includes: Frontal and knee airbags for driver and passenger, Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and Head-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, StabiliTrak – Buick’s electronic stability and traction control system, Door locks with rear child security, LATCH System, OnStar, Rear vision camera, LED Daytime running lamps and Tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional equipment for the Encore includes: Rear cross-traffic alert and Side blind zone alert.
Encore GX adds even more as standard: Brake lining wear indicator, Following distance indicator, Forward collision alert, Front pedestrian braking, Lane keep assist with lane departure warning, Teen driver and Tire Fill alert.
Optional equipment for the Encore GX includes: Rear park assist, HD surround vision, HD rear vision camera, and Automatic parking assist with braking.
Even though Encore will put your mind at ease when it comes to safety, Encore GX takes it a step further, adding more both to standard and optional equipment, improving driving quality and lowering the risk of distraction-caused incidents.
Features:
The Encore comes in two trim levels, Encore 1SV and Preferred, while Encore GX offers Preferred, Select, and Essence. Most of the equipment is shared between them, with a few options available on one and not the other. There is no real drawback to any of the trim levels, hence we advise you to take a look at these Encore and Encore GX specification sheets, and tailor the best feature package.
Some of the shared interior features include: 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Buick Infotainment System with 8 inch diagonal color touch-screen and Navigation, Cruise control, Theft-deterrent systems, Keyless Open and start, as well as many more.
The Encore GX has extra features suitable to modern devices, such as USB charging and data ports, SD card reader, auxiliary input jack. The standard Buick Infotainment System comes with Amazon Alexa integration for convenient voice control, as well as Yelp with search and reserve features. It’s also compatible with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and has a wireless phone charging station in the center tray. Rear view mirror has a camera option, where it projects the image coming from the rear view camera.
Whichever Encore you choose, you will not make a wrong choice! In case safety and power are your priority, Encore GX is a better option, but you can just as easily choose by the looks, and your budget. Either vehicle will serve you for a long time, offer a pleasant ride, good fuel economy, and plenty of safety features. Make an inquiry today and get your SUV on the road!
