Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX is Buick's volume subcompact crossover — sister to the Chevrolet Trailblazer (different from the smaller / older Buick Encore proper, which was discontinued after 2022). Single generation since 2020 model year. Built on GM VSS-F platform shared with Trailblazer. Built at GM Korea Bupyeong — Korea-build is the defining trait. Two engines: 1.2L turbo I3 (137 hp / 162 lb-ft, CVT, FWD only) and 1.3L turbo I3 (155 hp / 174 lb-ft, 9-speed automatic on AWD or CVT on FWD — same engine architecture as Trailblazer). Trims: Preferred (base), Select, Sport Touring (cosmetic sport), Avenir (top luxury — the Buick-equivalent of GMC Denali, premium-finished interior). 2024 facelift brought refreshed front fascia, larger 11-inch touchscreen on top trims, and refreshed cabin. Pricing $26k-$33k. The Encore GX has been Buick's strongest US seller in the late-2020s — replacing the older Encore in volume. Buick's strategy has been to simplify and premium-ize — discontinuing the smaller Encore, the lower-volume Regal, and the discontinued LaCrosse / Cascada — leaving Encore GX / Envision / Envista / Enclave as the modern Buick lineup, all crossovers, all positioned as 'attainable luxury'.