Buick Encore GX: price, engines, mpg and trims

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Buick Encore GX is Buick's small five-seat SUV, sold since 2020. The 2026 model starts at $26,895 on buick.com before $1,795 destination, with a 155-hp 1.3L turbo three-cylinder, a CVT with FWD or a 9-speed automatic with AWD. EPA rates the 1.3L at 29/31/30 mpg with FWD. A 2027 Encore GX Limited is listed from $26,900.

Type
Two-row small SUV, seats 5
Price (MSRP)
$26,895–$31,700 (2026 MY) · Buick.com starting MSRPs for the 2026 Encore GX Preferred and Avenir, before the $1,795 destination freight charge. GM's July 2026 newsroom listed the Preferred at $28,390 including destination.[1][2][3][4]
Powertrains
Encore GX 1.3L turbo FWD, Encore GX 1.3L turbo AWD, Encore GX 1.2L turbo FWD · 137–155 hp
Current generation
Encore GX (2024 refresh), 2024–present

2026 Buick Encore GX price and trims

Since the 2024 refresh, the Encore GX has used Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch driver display under one sheet of glass. GM's July 2026 newsroom listed the Preferred at $28,390 and Sport Touring at $29,195 including destination, slightly below buick.com's current figures plus destination. For 2027, Buick's destination page lists Encore GX Limited, ST and Avenir; buick.com shows the 2027 Limited from $26,900.[1][3][4][12]

Buick Encore GX trims with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2026)Powertrain
Preferred$26,895Buick.com starting MSRP, before the $1,795 destination freight charge. AWD available.1.3L turbo three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft); CVT with FWD, 9-speed automatic with AWD[5][1][3]
Sport Touring$27,700Buick.com starting MSRP, before $1,795 destination.1.3L turbo three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft); CVT with FWD, 9-speed automatic with AWD[16][1][3][4]
Avenir$31,700Buick.com starting MSRP, before $1,795 destination.1.3L turbo three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft); CVT with FWD, 9-speed automatic with AWD[2][1][3]

Every Encore GX trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Buick Encore GX engines, horsepower and mpg

Buick's 2026 trim pages list only the 1.3L turbo; EPA also lists a 2026 1.2L FWD flex-fuel version (30/31/30 mpg). The 1.2L was the standard engine at the 2024 launch. EPA rated the 2020 1.3L FWD at 30/32/31.

Buick Encore GX powertrains with manufacturer-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Encore GX 1.3L turbo FWDPreferred, Sport Touring, Avenir1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder[5][6][7]155174Continuously variable automaticFront-wheel drive29/31/302026 MY[7]
Encore GX 1.3L turbo AWDPreferred, Sport Touring, Avenir1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder[5][8]1551749-speed automaticAll-wheel drive26/28/272026 MY[8]
Encore GX 1.2L turbo FWD1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder[6][9][10][11]137162Continuously variable automaticFront-wheel drive30/31/302026 MY[10]

Output is as rated by the manufacturer; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Encore GX engines explained

Two three-cylinder turbos have been offered: a 1.2L with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, and a 1.3L with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. FWD models use a CVT; AWD models use the 1.3L with a 9-speed automatic.

EPA rates the 2026 1.3L at 29/31/30 mpg with FWD and 26/28/27 with AWD.[6][7][8]

Trims and the 2024 refresh

For 2024 Buick restyled the Encore GX and moved to Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims. Avenir adds heated seats and steering wheel, leather-appointed seats, dual-zone climate and 19-inch Pearl Nickel wheels. Earlier 2020–2023 models used Preferred, Select and Essence names.[6][2][13]

Buying a used Encore GX

For a 2024–2026 model, check recall 26V-539 for the rearview camera; 2024 models also have a display software recall (23V-744). 2020–2022 models are covered by an emergency jack recall (21V-440).[15]

Buick Encore GX generations by year

Every US Buick Encore GX generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Encore GX (2024 refresh)2024–present1.2L turbo (137 hp) or 1.3L turbo (155 hp); CVT FWD or 9-speed AWDNew front styling, an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch driver display under one sheet of glass, and the first Encore GX Avenir. Trims: Preferred, Sport Touring, Avenir; Buick lists a 2027 Encore GX Limited.[6][9][12][3]
Encore GX (launch)2020–20231.2L turbo (137 hp) or 1.3L turbo (155 hp)Sold in Preferred, Select and Essence trims with an 8-inch touchscreen; Sport Touring Edition and Black Roof Package available.[13][14][11]

Buick Encore GX problems and recalls

The largest Encore GX recall is 26V-539: on 2024–2026 models the rearview camera may show a distorted or blank image, and dealers inspect and replace the camera. 2024 models also had a software recall for a blank instrument display, and 2020–2022 models a recall for an emergency jack that can fracture.

Documented Buick Encore GX issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Rearview camera may show a distorted or blank image (recall 26V-539)[17][15]First generation (2020–present) – 2024–20262024–2026Recall 26V539
Instrument display may go blank (recall 23V-744)[18][15]First generation (2020–present) – 20242024Recall 23V744
Emergency jack can fracture (recall 21V-440)[19][15]First generation (2020–present) – 2020–20222020–2022Recall 21V440
Brake boost sensor contamination (recall 20V-588)[20][15]First generation (2020–present) – 2020–20212020–2021Recall 20V588
Front seat rear bolts may be missing (recall 20V-537)[21][15]First generation (2020–present) – 20202020Recall 20V537

All 5 documented Encore GX issues and 5 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. Compare offers as a discount off MSRP in dollars and percent, before rebates and without dealer add-ons. These CarWhere pages show dealer invoice estimates, current incentives and asking prices for the Buick Encore GX.

More Encore GX research

See how an Encore GX was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Buick Encore GX?

Buick.com lists the 2026 Encore GX from $26,895 (Preferred) to $31,700 (Avenir), before $1,795 destination.

What engine does the Encore GX have?

The 2026 trim pages list a 1.3L turbo three-cylinder with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. A 137-hp 1.2L turbo was the standard engine at the 2024 launch.

Is the Encore GX all-wheel drive?

AWD is available on every trim. AWD models pair the 1.3L turbo with a 9-speed automatic.

What mpg does the Encore GX get?

EPA rates the 2026 1.3L at 29/31/30 mpg with FWD and 26/28/27 with AWD.

Is the Encore GX different from the Encore?

Yes. The Encore (2013–2022) used a 1.4L turbo four; the Encore GX arrived for 2020 with three-cylinder turbos.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by the manufacturer for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2026 Buick Encore GX: overview, pricing and FAQ — Buick (buick.com)
  2. 2026 Buick Encore GX Avenir: highlights and specs — Buick (buick.com)
  3. Destination Freight Charges (2026 and 2027 Buick models) — Buick (buick.com)
  4. General Motors models under $30,000 MSRP (Jul 6, 2026) — GM News (news.gm.com)
  5. 2026 Buick Encore GX Preferred: highlights and specs — Buick (buick.com)
  6. Buick reveals the 2024 Encore GX (Feb 16, 2023) — Buick newsroom (news.buick.com)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Buick Encore GX FWD 1.3L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. 2024 Buick Encore GX fact sheet (PDF) — Buick media site (media.buick.com)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Buick Encore GX FWD 1.2L turbo (flex fuel) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Encore GX FWD 1.2L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. 2027 Buick Encore GX Limited: overview — Buick (buick.com)
  13. 2023 Buick Encore GX fact sheet (PDF) — Buick media site (media.buick.com)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Buick Encore GX FWD 1.3L turbo — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Encore GX — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  16. 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring: highlights and specs — Buick (buick.com)
  17. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-539 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 23V-744 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  19. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-440 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-588 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  21. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-537 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Buick or General Motors. Buick, Avenir and the model names are trademarks of General Motors.