Built on a new platform, the Encore GX is about 80 mm (3.5 inches) longer than the Encore. Two three-cylinder turbocharged engines are offered. The Encore GX is visually a restrained piece of work and adheres to Buick’s current styling philosophy. The interior of the Encore GX cleverly shares some components like the info-screen as well as audio and climate controls, with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, but the rest of the cabin is unique to the Encore GX and and suitably luxurious to convince buyers it is worth its upmarket price tag. Though sharing the same hard points (wheelbase, width, height) as the Trailblazer, the Buick has less rear legroom. Good cargo space. rnThe sole engine is a 155 horsepower 1.3L triple that sends power to all wheels with a conventional hydraulic nine-speed automatic transmission. The small engine speak to the fact that the Encore GX will be a big player in markets where cars are taxed on engine capacity or CO2 output; and customers in North America are not the main focus for GM.rn

All-wheel drive with the 1.3L turbo triple and nine-speed automatic, is standard on the Select and Essence trims and is a $2000 option on the Preferred. Most paint hues are optional, with the charges ranging from $495 to $1195. Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency warning and a lane departure warning, are standard. Migrating up to the Select trim, which adds a rear centre armrest, dual-zone auto climate control, roof rails, a hands free power tailgate and rear parking sonar, is reasonable value. The Essence, with L.E.D. headlights, leather seating, a memory system, a garage door opener, a power-fold front passenger seat and a variety of other comfort and convenience items, is very good value. Blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane change monitors are part of the $995 Safety package on the Preferred trim. Ont the Select trim, the $1995 Advanced Technology package is needed for adaptive cruise control and the $300 Safety package II is needed for blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane change monitors. On the Essence trim, the $2195 Technology package is needed for adaptive cruise control and the Safety Package II must be chosen to get blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane change monitors.

Not rated due to insufficient data, but there have been few complaints about these vehicles. . The Encore GX has better basic and powertrain warranties than the related Chevrolet Trailblazer. rn