MSRP: $25,940
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Overview
The 2025 Buick Encore GX subcompact crossover sits in that in-between space where you want something nicer and quieter than the usual subcompact SUV crowd, but you are not trying to pay luxury-brand money to get it. It’s small on the outside, easy to place in traffic, and tuned more for calm daily driving than for sharp, sporty reactions. The lineup stays simple with three trims: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir.
Under the hood, the 2025 Encore GX uses turbocharged three-cylinder engines paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while AWD models switch to a 9-speed auto.
What’s New for 2025?
The 1.2-liter turbo is now flex-fuel ready, and remote engine start is standard. Buick also reshuffles paint and appearance options, adding a new Aquamarine Blue Metallic color for the Sport Touring, while Sunrise Red Metallic is discontinued. White Frost Tricoat is no longer offered on Preferred or Sport Touring models, and Copper Ice Metallic availability changes across the lineup.
Other small updates include new available accessories like a rear cargo net, chrome lug nuts, and wheel locks, revised badging, matte-black center caps on the ST’s wheel, and available Santorini Blue interior accents for the Sport Touring’s black interior.
Exterior
The Encore GX has a clean, upscale look rather than trying to look rugged or aggressive. Buick’s current design language emphasizes a modern face, updated lighting elements, and fresh wheel designs, and it reads more premium than you would expect from a small SUV at this price. It has a compact footprint and a refined presence that fits the “near-luxury” pitch Buick is going for.
Trim choice makes the biggest visual difference. Preferred keeps things straightforward and looks smart without trying too hard. Sport Touring adds more attitude with darker details and a sportier vibe that helps the Encore GX stand out a bit more in a segment full of similar shapes. Avenir aims for a dressier, more premium presentation, and it is the trim that best matches the Encore GX’s quiet, comfort-first personality.
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Interior
Inside, the Encore GX focuses on a serene, low-key cabin experience. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is good, and the overall vibe is more quiet commuter than sporty small SUV. A practical touch: the front passenger seat folds flat, which makes it easier to carry longer items when you need to.
The tech layout is a highlight. The infotainment display sits in a curved panel that stretches across the dash, and the system responds quickly and feels intuitive in day-to-day use. A separate digital gauge display keeps key info in front of the driver, and the cabin’s overall execution feels modern without being fussy.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim | MSRP |
| Preferred (FWD) | $25,940 |
| Preferred (AWD) | $27,940 |
| Sport Touring (FWD) | $27,140 |
| Sport Touring (AWD) | $28,740 |
| Avenir (FWD) | $31,500 |
| Avenir (AWD) | $33,100 |
The 2025 Buick Encore GX’s price range spans only three trims, and at $27,140, the Sport Touring FWD lands in the sweet spot of the lineup because it delivers more power while keeping the price jump reasonable. You get the stronger 1.3-liter turbo, and the trim’s feature and appearance upgrades give the Encore GX a more premium, more finished feel than the base model without pushing into Avenir territory.
Key Specs
| Spec | 1.2L Turbo | 1.3L Turbo |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo I3 | 1.3L Turbo I3 |
| Power | 137 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) | CVT (FWD) / 9-spd auto (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD / AWD |
Fuel Economy (EPA-estimated MPG):
| Config | City | Highway | Combined |
| 1.2L FWD (Regular Gas) | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| 1.2 FWD (E85) | 22 | 23 | 22 |
| 1.3L FWD | 29 | 31 | 30 |
| 1.3L AWD | 26 | 28 | 27 |
Dimensions
| Spec | Figure |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 in |
| Length | 171.1 in |
| Width | 71.4 in |
| Height | 64.1 in |
| Cargo Volume (behind rear seat) | 23.5 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (rear seat folded) | 50.2 cu ft |
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Rust-Through Coverage | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | First visit: 12 months / 12,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cabin design and tech feel a step above many mainstream subcompact SUVs
- Strong cargo space for the class with 50.2 cu ft max volume
- Useful powertrain choices, including available AWD with a 9-speed automatic
Cons:
- Acceleration is only average, even with the stronger engine
- CVT-equipped models can feel less natural under hard throttle
- Small-SUV rear seat space can feel tight with adults on longer trips
Verdict
The 2025 Buick Encore GX subcompact SUV works best if you want a small SUV that majors in quiet comfort, easy tech, and a more premium cabin vibe than the typical mainstream pick. It’s not chasing sporty handling, and it doesn’t pretend to be a true luxury-branded alternative, but it does a solid job delivering a calm daily driver that feels thoughtfully executed.
The trim structure is also easy to understand: Preferred covers the basics, Avenir goes upscale, and Sport Touring is the one that makes the most sense if you want the stronger powertrain ratings and a more upmarket feel without approaching the highest price point.
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About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor