Core summary
2026 Buick Encore GX small crossover SUV
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is a small crossover SUV positioned above the original Encore in Buick’s North American range. It seats up to five and combines a compact exterior with a 40/60-split folding rear seat, an available flat-folding front-passenger seatback and up to 50.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available across the range.
Buick offers the current Encore GX in Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims. Every trim uses a 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine in the 2026 North American specification, with a CVT in front-wheel-drive models and a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with available all-wheel drive. The model also includes Buick Driver Confidence safety technologies as standard, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert and lane-keeping assistance.
Its strongest attributes are packaging, standard connectivity and a wide equipment spread. The main compromises are its small-displacement engine range, limited towing capacity and the feature differences between front- and all-wheel-drive versions.
History & generations
Buick introduced the Encore GX for the 2020 model year as a larger companion to the original Encore. General Motors announced that the all-new Encore GX would go on sale in spring 2020, and Buick presented the model as part of a new small-SUV expansion.
The first generation continued with 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines in North America. Front-wheel-drive versions used a continuously variable transmission, while 1.3L all-wheel-drive versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Earlier specifications listed seating for five, 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
For 2024, Buick gave the Encore GX a substantial exterior and interior update. The refresh introduced Buick’s new tri-shield design treatment, a Wildcat EV-inspired front end, an available Avenir trim and the Virtual Cockpit System with an 11-inch infotainment display and an 8-inch driver information center.
The 2026 model remains within this same first-generation architecture.
First generation
The Encore GX debuted for 2020 and received a major design and technology refresh for 2024.
Body, platform & design
The current Encore GX uses Buick’s post-2024 design language, with a high-mounted grille, slim wing-shaped LED headlamps and a more sharply defined front fascia. Buick identifies the refreshed exterior as being inspired by the Wildcat EV concept, while the production vehicle retains the upright proportions and practical roofline expected of a small crossover.
Trim treatments create clear visual separation. Preferred uses bright-finish 18-inch wheels and restrained exterior detailing. Sport Touring adds 18-inch gloss-black wheels, a gloss-black grille and fascia accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel and ST badging. Avenir uses 19-inch wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, an exclusive grille treatment and additional brightwork.
The 2026 Encore GX measures 171.1 inches in overall length. Buick lists a maximum width of 71.3 inches without mirrors and a height of 64.9 inches for front-wheel-drive models or 65.2 inches for all-wheel-drive models with roof rails.
Available equipment includes a panoramic power moonroof, roof-rack cross rails, hands-free power liftgate and several appearance packages.
Engine & drivetrain
The 2026 North American Encore GX uses a 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine throughout the lineup. Buick lists 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque for the base configuration, while the enhanced version produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel-drive models use a continuously variable transmission. The 155-hp engine is available with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buick also lists a drive-mode selector with the all-wheel-drive system, allowing the driver to select among available operating modes.
The 2026 range is simpler than earlier North American versions, which offered both 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged engines. Earlier 2024 material identified the 1.2L engine as standard and the 1.3L engine as available, with CVT and nine-speed automatic applications divided by engine and drivetrain.
Available trailering equipment supports a maximum tow rating of 1,000 pounds when properly equipped. That capacity suits light utility trailers and recreational equipment rather than heavy towing.
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Trim differences
The 2026 Encore GX is offered in Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims. Preferred is the entry configuration and includes cloth with leatherette seating, 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels, an 11-inch infotainment display, LED headlamps and the 1.3L turbo engine with a CVT. Available packages add heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist and HD Surround Vision.
Sport Touring adds a more assertive exterior treatment with gloss-black wheels, a gloss-black grille and unique fascia accents. Its cabin includes leatherette seating, ST head-restraint embroidery and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Buick also lists an available Studio Series package.
Avenir is the premium trim. It includes perforated leather-appointed front seats, Avenir head-restraint embroidery, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and 19-inch Pearl Nickel-finish wheels. Available Avenir packages add a hands-free power liftgate, Bose audio, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera mirror and HD Surround Vision.
All-wheel drive is available across the three North American trims.
Interior & seating
The Encore GX interior centers on Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System, which combines an 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen with an 8-inch diagonal driver information center beneath one sheet of glass. The display arrangement is angled toward the driver and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility.
Preferred uses cloth with leatherette seating. Sport Touring changes to leatherette upholstery and adds a flat-bottom steering wheel plus ST embroidery. Avenir uses perforated leather-appointed front seats, Avenir embroidery and a more premium cabin finish. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and dual-zone automatic climate control are available or trim-dependent features.
The second row is split 40/60 and folds to expand the cargo area. Buick also offers a flat-folding front-passenger seatback, enabling long items to be carried diagonally through the cabin. Cargo volume is 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
QuietTuning features, acoustic windshield glass and active noise cancellation are part of the model’s comfort-oriented specification.
Efficiency & range
Buick lists a 2026 front-wheel-drive fuel-economy estimate of 29 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the Encore GX on its main model page. Buick’s current efficiency material also lists 30/31 mpg city/highway for a 1.2L front-wheel-drive configuration and 29/31 mpg for the available 1.3L front-wheel-drive configuration.
The 1.3L all-wheel-drive version is listed at 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive system therefore carries an efficiency penalty compared with front-wheel drive, while providing additional traction capability.
The 2026 North American model uses a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and automatic transmission hardware selected by drivetrain. Its compact dimensions and modest engine displacement support the model’s urban and commuting role, but fuel economy varies by engine, transmission and drive configuration.
The published figures are laboratory estimates. Driving conditions, weather, traffic, payload, tire selection and accessory use can change real-world fuel consumption.
Safety & equipment
Buick Driver Confidence is standard across the 2026 Encore GX range. The suite includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
Available driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera mirror and HD Surround Vision. Buick places these features in trim-specific or optional technology packages rather than making every function standard on every vehicle.
The systems are driver aids, not autonomous driving systems. Buick’s safety notices require continued driver attention and identify limitations involving visibility, weather, road conditions and feature performance.
For vehicle-specific recall status, owners and shoppers should use the vehicle identification number with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database. Recall status can vary by vehicle build and repair completion.
Strengths
The Encore GX’s main strengths are its useful exterior footprint, flexible two-row cargo layout and broad equipment range. The model is short enough for urban parking while still offering 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Its standard 11-inch infotainment display gives every 2026 trim a consistent technology foundation. Wireless smartphone integration, standard Buick Driver Confidence features and available surround-view equipment support everyday convenience.
The trim structure is another advantage. Preferred emphasizes value, Sport Touring adds distinctive styling and Avenir supplies richer seating, climate and exterior equipment. All-wheel drive is available throughout the range, giving buyers more configuration flexibility than a single-drivetrain small SUV.
The available 1,000-pound tow rating is useful for light trailers and small recreational loads.
A well-equipped small SUV with flexible cargo space and broad trim choice
Considerations
The Encore GX is a small SUV, so rear-seat and cargo dimensions remain below those of larger compact crossovers. Its 40/60 rear bench improves flexibility, but the vehicle is best matched with moderate passenger and cargo demands rather than large-family hauling.
The 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engine provides compact efficiency and adequate utility, but buyers seeking stronger acceleration or a higher tow rating may prefer a larger crossover. The 1,000-pound maximum trailer rating limits the Encore GX to light-duty applications.
All-wheel drive adds traction capability but reduces the published fuel-economy rating relative to front-wheel drive. Feature availability also changes by trim and package, especially for adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, wireless charging, premium audio and power-liftgate equipment.
Regional specifications require care. The North American 2026 model described here is not a universal specification for every Buick market.
Recommended use
The Encore GX is well suited to drivers who want a small crossover for commuting, city streets, suburban errands and occasional road trips. Its compact 171.1-inch length supports maneuverability, while the upright body and folding rear seat provide more carrying flexibility than a conventional small hatchback.
Preferred is the logical choice for buyers prioritizing standard technology, safety assistance and a straightforward front-wheel-drive configuration. Sport Touring suits drivers who want darker exterior trim, ST branding and a sportier cabin treatment. Avenir is aimed at buyers who value upgraded seating, climate control, wheels and available convenience equipment.
Available all-wheel drive is useful for wet, snowy or uneven conditions, but it does not turn the Encore GX into an off-road vehicle. The available trailering equipment is appropriate for light utility trailers, personal watercraft and similar loads within the published 1,000-pound limit.
The model is less appropriate for frequent heavy towing, extensive third-row needs or maximum rear-seat space.
FAQ
**Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX still in production?**
Yes. Buick lists the 2026 Encore GX in its current North American SUV range with Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims.
**Does every 2026 Encore GX have all-wheel drive?**
No. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available across the three listed trims.
**How much cargo space does the Encore GX have?**
Buick lists 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
**How many people can the Encore GX seat?**
The Encore GX seats up to five people in two rows.
**How much can the Encore GX tow?**
The maximum published tow rating is 1,000 pounds when properly equipped.
**What is the difference between the Encore and Encore GX?**
Buick identifies the Encore GX as the larger vehicle, with greater length, width, wheelbase and cargo capacity than the original Encore.
What makes the Buick Encore GX different?
A well-equipped small SUV with flexible cargo space and broad trim choice
Who should consider it?
Urban driving, commuting, family errands and light-duty towing
Sources & updates
Research for this Buick Encore GX profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.