2023 Buick Encore GX

The entry-level GX Preferred comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, an active front grille shutter, LED fog lights, automatic halogen headlights, and an acoustic laminated front windshield. It also comes with heated side exterior mirrors and a rear privacy glass. Stepping up to the Select adds roof rails and the option for the Experience Buick Package with a panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels. The top-level Essence has LED headlights and LED taillights and also offers the Experience Buick Package. Additional options, depending on the trim, include a hands-free liftgate and a sunroof.

The Preferred and Select models get power from a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder gas engine that puts out 137 horsepower. The Essence has some extra pep with its 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower, and this engine is optional for the Select and Preferred. All Encore GX trims come standard with front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option. Front-wheel-drive models get a CVT, and opting for all-wheel drive gets you a nine-speed automatic.

The Encore GX provides a smooth ride and is fuel efficient. You can expect to get up to 31 mpg on the highway with the base engine and up to 32 mpg on the highway with the more powerful option. This Buick feels peppy around town, and its small size makes it easy to maneuver around city streets and in tight parking spots. The steering is light and easy, and it has an excellent suspension system that soaks up road imperfections.

There's room for up to five people in the Encore GX. The Preferred comes with a combination of cloth and faux leather upholstery, and it has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver's seat. The Select adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, and the Essence comes with driver's seat memory settings and leather upholstery. Tech features in the Encore GX include an 8-inch touch-screen, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Every 2023 Encore GX has several advanced driver aids. In addition to the standard rearview camera, it comes with forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane-departure mitigation, and automatic high-beam headlights. The optional Safety Package adds adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. There's also the optional Advanced Technology Package for the Select and Essence, which comes with a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. The optional Convenience Package for the Essence has an automated parking system.