Buick Encore vs Encore GX

From a distance, it would be easy to think that the Encore and Encore GX are virtually the same vehicle. And, they are indeed extremely similar, but some key differences will dictate which one is right for your needs. If you’d like to possibly add one of these two to your driveway in the near future, this article will help you sort out that choice and land on the right pick.

As you get closer to making a purchase, remember that you don’t have to go through the process alone. Rather, you can lean on the team here at Lafayette GMC to help you figure out which Encore version lines up best with your needs. Check out the inventory here on our site or come by to see us and we’ll be proud to serve you.

What’s the Difference?

Let’s get right into the difference between the Encore and Encore GX models. When you boil it down, there are two key distinctions – virtually everything else is shared from one model to the next.

First, let’s talk about size. The GX version of the Encore is just a little bit bigger than the regular Encore model. This difference is noticeable when you look over the specs that come with each vehicle. On the outside, the Encore GX is about three inches longer, just over an inch wider, and roughly an inch shorter. So, while the GX is bigger overall, you can see that we are not talking about large margins – to the naked eye, you might not even notice these differences at first glance.

Going inside the vehicle, the small margins continue. The Encore GX offers owners 50.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, while the regular Encore comes in at 48.4 cubic feet. The trunk capacity – meaning cargo space when the rear seats are up and in use – is probably the biggest difference of all between these two models. In the Encore GX, there is 23.5 cubic feet of room in the trunk, while only 18.8 cubic feet of space is offered in the Encore. So, if you regularly have passengers in the backseat and you still want plenty of space for cargo, the GX is likely the way to go.

It is worth noting that, despite the bigger size of the GX, the legroom and headroom provided to the driver and passengers are virtually identical. So, this size difference only makes an impact in terms of the cargo you can carry, and it won’t mean anything in terms of passenger comfort as you ride down the road.

Under the Hood

We mentioned that there were two key differences between the Encore and Encore GX, and so far we have only talked about size. That now brings us to engines, where you’ll have a single option in the Encore and two available options in the GX. In the Encore, the only engine option is a very capable 1.4L four-cylinder that uses turbocharging to produce 155 horsepower. This Encore model can reach 24 MPG in the city and 32 on the highway, and it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For the Encore GX, the base engine is a 1.2L three-cylinder that is also turbocharged and reaches 137 horsepower. Upgrading to a more powerful engine will still leave you with a three-cylinder, but, in this case, it’s a 1.3L turbo that offers 155 horsepower. Both of these options feature similar fuel efficiency numbers, coming in at about 29 MPG in the city and 31-32 MPG on the highway. Each of the engines uses a continuously variable transmission to distribute the power it creates.

Enjoyable Ride Either Way

Once sitting down inside the Encore or Encore GX, you will find a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere filled with plenty of technology. You can access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as information on the dash display. Plus, get comfortable behind the wheel using an eight-way power driver’s seat. There is even the option of adding a power moonroof to open up the interior and let in more natural light.

Now that you have a clearer picture of how the Encore and Encore GX compare, you can easily choose the one that suits your needs and tastes. And, if it happens that neither the Encore nor Encore GX is quite the right pick, we are sure to have something here at Lafayette GMC that will be. Let’s get started today!