Buick Gives More than a Facelift to the 2024 Encore GX

Barely three years after the second-generation crossover made its debut, the 2024 Buick Encore GX is getting a significant midcycle “refresh.”

The updated subcompact crossover picks up some design cues from the Buick Wildcat EV concept, while adding the new “Virtual Cockpit System.” Buyers now will have the option of the upgraded Avenir package.

“The new Encore GX delivers a sleek, sporty, sophisticated presence,” said Bob Boniface, director, Global Buick Design. “It’s inherently functional, yet the new exterior design creates a more stylish and modern persona that is unique in today’s small SUV segment.”

Virtual Cockpit

Don’t confuse the GX with the smaller, no-frills Buick Encore. For one thing, it’s nearly 3 inches longer, with a 1.6-inch addition to the wheelbase. It’s about 1.3 inches wider and nearly 2 inches taller. Think of it as a subcompact-plus, slotting between the base Buick Encore and Enclave models.

It’s not only bigger but adds some welcome features. On the 2024 Encore GX makeover that includes the new Virtual Cockpit System. It’s the first Buick to get this technology which features two screens totaling 19 inches under a single sheet of glass. It’s the largest infotainment display in the segment. The digital gauge cluster measure 8 inches diagonally, the touchscreen 11 inches.

The VCS touchscreen operates an infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless smartphone charging available as an option.

Interior updates

The interior of the Encore GX has been updated with new soft-touch materials and stitching patterns, Buick noted. And to help differentiate the crossover from similar Chevrolet products, Buick’s QuietTuning system helps reduce cabin noise.

Buick’s ST trim gets some distinguishing details, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

New Avenir package

And then there’s the new Avenir package, named after a popular Buick concept car — and first added as an option on Enclave and Envision crossovers.

Inside, Avenir gets new leather seats — with 10-way power controls for the driver, an 8-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, air ionizer, rearview auto dim mirror, embroidered Avenir headrests and Avenir door sills.

As with the rest of the Encore GX line, it features a number of styling updates for 2024, including a forward-leaning front end and fascia influenced by the Wildcat concept. But there’s a unique Avenir grille, clear lens LED taillights, 19-inch Avenir-specific wheels, chrome front and rear accents and black carbon metallic side moldings.

Drivetrain options

While targeting young, entry-minded buyers, Buick’s goal was to give the Encore GX a more “spirited and fun-to-drive (feeling), while providing the driver with a hushed and innately comfortable driving experience on a range of different road conditions,” said Seth Valentine, program engineering manager, Buick.

The base powertrain is a turbocharged 1.2-liter gas engine making 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbo package putting out 155 hp and 174 lb-ft.

A front-wheel-drive package uses a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel-drive versions of the 2024 Buick Encore GX turn to a 9-speed automatic.

Though final specs are yet to come, Buick estimates the FWD package will get a combined 30 mpg, the AWD version 27 mpg.

Safety, pricing and availability

Safety technology includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keep Assist with Lane-Departure Warning and IntelliBeam auto high-beams standard.

Options include Lane-Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Camera Mirror.

As for pricing and availability, a Buick release notes: “The Encore GX Preferred trim starts at just $26,895, with Sport Touring starting at $28,095 and Avenir starting at $33,195. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX on Buick.com starting in May 2023.”

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/02/buick-gives-more-than-a-facelift-to-the-2024-encore-gx/