2022 Buick Encore GX

Buick’s line of two- and three-row SUVs are worth considering for shoppers looking for a nicer interior than in a Chevrolet or Ford without the luxury prices of a Cadillac, Lincoln, Lexus, or Acura. Options within Buick’s lineup start with the Envista, which is unusually sized between a large sedan and a subcompact SUV. The largest options include the three-row Enclave. Some of Buick’s models have earned Consumer Reports recommendations for having intuitive infotainment systems and quiet, pleasant interiors. Among U.S. car companies, Buick also ranks high in our new car reliability ratings. Some recent models also made our lists of recommended used cars.

The 2020 Encore GX is a new subcompact SUV that's a companion to—not a replacement for—the current Encore. The tiny GX has an airy interior, although the rear seat is tight, and doses of luxury are applied unevenly throughout. Controls are easy to use. Two small, turbocharged three-cylinder engines are available, as are both front- and all-wheel drive. AWD versions get the more powerful engine, a 155 hp 1.3-liter turbo coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GX pulls strongly, but the engine sounds gravelly and produces considerable vibration especially at low speeds. Handling is quite responsive and secure, but the ride skews firm. For 2022, the smaller 1.2-liter engine was, dropped. But it returned in 2023. A 2024 refresh brought a new 11-inch infotainment system, revised interior and exterior designs, and new trim names.