2025 Buick Encore GX Review and Video

Buick’s in a bit of a peculiar position in this part of the world.

While it enjoys outsized popularity in China, around here it’s still working to shed the geriatric-friendly reputation it earned in the 1980s and ‘90s, when senior citizens flocked to its cars mostly for their comfortable ride qualities. Frankly, it’s stunning to see this stigma stick around for as long as it has — especially when there isn’t a single sedan in the brand’s lineup anymore.

Instead, all it builds is crossovers like the 2025 Buick Encore GX. Fresh off a facelift introduced last year, there’s nothing new of note this time around, and that’s perfectly fine. While it’s up against some stiff subcompact competition — and it’s a little expensive — the brand’s smallest vehicle is big on style while delivering a steady driving demeanour.

Styling: 8/10

Whether or not this subcompact crossover’s new look is an improvement over what came before could be debated, but there’s no arguing that it’s bold. It’s a facelift in the most literal sense, with the rest of the bodywork mostly unchanged compared to the version of the Encore GX that was first introduced just prior to the pandemic. And indeed, moving the grille lower and pairing it with a shark-like nose and aggressive lights is certainly one way to attract younger shoppers.

The Sport Touring (ST) trim seen here is supposed to bestow a sort of sport-inspired appearance upon this subcompact crossover, although it’s limited to some black exterior accents and badging that’s paired with a bit too much brightwork. Regardless, this tester’s Aquamarine Blue paint ($495) is one of a few fun options that isn’t black, white, or grey, and it helps liven up the look even more.

The interior is filled with some interesting shapes and patterns, plus the front seats feature embroidered ST logos inside this trim. Meanwhile, the more expensive Avenir gets embroidered wordmarks of its own to go with detailing on the seatbacks that’s missing from this version as well as the entry-level Preferred trim. All three are offered with the choice of black or beige upholstery.

Comfort: 7/10

The seats remain the same throughout the three-trim lineup, with only the material they’re wrapped in changing depending on the price tag. In the case of the Encore GX ST, the synthetic leather that’s used is a convincing fake that feels nicer to the touch than the stuff found in the similarly sized Toyota Corolla Cross. The driver’s seat in particular is satisfying and supportive despite looking a little unspectacular at first glance.

Where the Kia Seltos this Buick competes with feels at times like a trip to the chiropractor in the making, there’s a bit more forgiveness to the suspension setup here. While road imperfections can still be enough to upset the suspension, they’re better dissipated through the chassis than they are in the Seltos. Even so, the Subaru Crosstrek is the superior choice for shoppers seeking the most outstanding ride comfort in this segment.

Driving Feel: 8/10

The Encore GX has the automotive equivalent of good posture. The ride feels deceptively tall and upright — at 190 mm (7.5 in), it has less ground clearance than the Crosstrek’s 220 mm (8.7 in) — without being terribly stiff. That doesn’t mean it’s especially sporty, either, although its stubby wheelbase means this little crossover is responsive to the point of being twitchy at times.

Power: 7/10

Motivating the Encore GX is a turbocharged 1.3L three-cylinder engine that generates 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which kicks in at just 1,600 rpm. Around town, it feels almost frenetic with its torque delivery, with a sudden surge of the stuff that makes this crossover go. But then the nine-speed automatic transmission that’s part of the all-wheel-drive setup can leave this Buick feeling flat-footed on occasion when attempting to overtake slower traffic at highway speeds.

Fuel Economy: 7/10

While most all-wheel drive systems in this segment and beyond are the slip-and-grip type, Buick parent company General Motors (GM) has opted for a button-activated setup. That means four-wheel traction can be enabled, thus functioning like Subaru’s full-time system; but without the system engaged, the Encore GX will run in front-wheel drive in the name of reduced fuel consumption.

And while the first 150 km or so of this test saw an indicated average of just 7.5 L/100 km, more than a litre less than its official combined consumption estimate, the final tally was closer to the number published by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The full week of driving saw the Encore GX go through regular-grade gas at a pace of 8.3 L/100 km across some 450 km. That’s in touch with its official combined consumption rating of 8.8 (the front-wheel-drive version is good for 7.8).

For the sake of comparison, the Subaru Crosstrek that features standard all-wheel drive is rated to burn 8.0 to 8.1 L/100 km, depending on engine size, while the front-wheel-drive Kia Seltos is good for 7.6; opting for all-wheel drive nets a combined 8.2, while its upgraded turbo engine pushes that number to 9.1. Likewise, the Toyota Corolla Cross is offered with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, with respective ratings of 7.4 and 7.8, according to NRCan. The all-wheel drive-only hybrid version is rated for just 5.6.

Practicality: 7/10

Being a subcompact crossover means the Encore GX isn’t quite fit for family duty, although the space inside is reasonably well used. The Crosstrek, as well as the Hyundai Kona that was overhauled last year, offer more rear-seat space than what’s available here, although the 665 L of cargo room listed on this Buick’s spec sheet splits the difference between them. There’s a good amount of small-item storage up front, too, with deep door pockets and a big cubby just in front of the console-mounted gear selector that can be optionally equipped with a wireless smartphone charger.

Features: 6/10

That inductive device is one of a few that should be included in the most expensive Avenir trim at the very least, and yet Buick has opted to make it optional across the lineup. Conversely, an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, as is satellite radio (both of which require paid subscriptions). Wireless smartphone connectivity is also included, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built into the infotainment system, while even the cheapest Encore GX features a heated steering wheel and front seats. But then heated rear seats aren’t offered, nor is ventilation for the front seats.

Safety: 8/10

The advanced safety suite follows a similar pattern, with adaptive cruise control part of the same optional package as the wireless charger. Worse still, that upgrade can only be added in conjunction with another, meaning thousands of dollars in extra charges. Either way, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the three-trim lineup.

A government-mandated back-up camera is also included, and just like most modern GM vehicles, its high-definition quality is worthy of praise. However, the camera’s shrunken display on the 11-inch touchscreen negates at least some of the quality gains. That the camera view can’t occupy the entire screen is puzzling, particularly when no such issues exist in other GM models with much larger displays.

User-Friendliness: 8/10

While most automakers offer either conventional or adaptive cruise control, Buick parent GM continues to allow drivers to toggle between them via a button on the steering wheel. While the functionality of the button isn’t entirely self-evident, a prompt in the digital instrument display acts as a reminder each time the system is activated.

That kind of simplicity is present across the entire user experience, with straightforward switchgear and very little inside that requires a peek at the owner’s manual. Exceptions to that rule include a follow distance indicator that includes the estimated time in seconds it would take to close the gap between the Encore GX and a preceding vehicle. The ever-fluctuating number will undoubtedly present a puzzle for first-time users.

The infotainment interface itself is also a bit of an enigma if only for how different it is than its contemporaries from GM. The automaker has for years offered one of the most seamless experiences, with a menu of tile icons that provide the functionality of a tablet or smartphone. While that remains the case here, the system has been stripped down to just a few options that leave it feeling almost incomplete.

Value: 7/10

Line this little crossover up in a spreadsheet alongside its mainstream rivals and it’s a little expensive to start, although the gulf between them narrows at least a little from there. The 2025 Buick Encore GX Preferred starts at $32,049 before tax — that includes a non-negotiable $2,000 freight charge — while all-wheel drive adds another $2,000 to the asking price.

That compares to $27,545 for the 2025 Kia Seltos LX ($29,545 with all-wheel drive) and $28,199 for the 2025 Hyundai Kona Essential ($30,199 with all-wheel drive). Meanwhile, the Encore GX Sport Touring tested here rings in at $35,699 before tax and comes with all-wheel drive, although options and extras pushed this one to a little more than $40,000 before tax. That makes it slightly more expensive than the Kia Seltos SX that comes with more creature comforts, and makes it similar to the top-of-the-line Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid that burns significantly less gas.

The Verdict

Pricing aside, the Encore GX stands out precisely because it doesn’t. OK, this tester’s nearly-teal paint is enough to turn heads, and so is the redesigned front end Buick’s designers slapped on the brand’s smallest offering. Otherwise, it simply exists as a mild-mannered runabout that does everything it should and nothing it shouldn’t.

Not every vehicle needs to have a “thing” that makes it stand out, and it’s refreshing just how approachable the Encore GX is. While there are more comfortable, spacious, and tech-heavy entries in this segment, this Buick is about as fuss-free as they come.