The new Encore GX is a better Buick, but it is in a difficult position in the market.
By 2021, GM's high-end Buick brand has sold two different cars for the second year in a row, the rear of which is named "Encore". There are many good reasons for this, but if you remove one thing from this review, it is that you want Encore GX instead of regular Encore.
Although these two cars have a name, the versatility more or less stays here-Encore GX is manufactured in different factories, different countries, different platforms and different powertrain options. It is smarter, looks better, and is more efficient. Compared to the previous Opel-type car, the only detectable flaw in the Encore GX is the price tag. But this is not to say that GX has no other problems. This is a better Encore, but still an ultra-small crossover.
None of GM’s four brands offers an attractive vehicle like Buick. However, Encore GX has made significant progress on an already attractive car. GX is only 3 inches longer than its predecessor,But almost all the axles are between the axles-because of this gain, the ratio is much cleaner. But the subtle floating roof, sturdy wheel arches, and modern front and rear ends have also been significantly improved. Buick nailed the Encore GX's exterior design.
However, there is less progress in the cabin. It is neither upscale nor luxurious as its appearance implies, and it is similar to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GX's low-end brother. Plastic and artificial leather are littered with debris, and general-purpose switchgear abound. Although the Whisper Beige or Signet design on the Buick consumer page did not arouse any excitement, the black and black color scheme is dazzling.
Compared with the standard Encore, the extra length of the Encore GX wheelbase makes the overall cabin slightly larger and the cargo area significantly larger. However, if you want a better or more refined driving experience, then the GX is comparable to it, and in some respects less than its peers.
Total passenger traffic increased from 92.8 cubic feet to 94.3 cubic feet, which means that the first and second rows are significantly more spacious. The front seats provide enough space, have enough head room, and even have enough shoulder room. In addition to the basic interior, all other models are equipped with a 10-way electric driver's seat as standard, and the top Essence we tested is equipped with an interior that Buick claims to be leather. The material itself is not offensive, but lacks the richness or softness of real leather.
The second-row passengers can stretch a bit, the GX’s legroom is 36.0 inches longer than the regular Encore’s 35.7 inches-both models are better than the Mini Countryman (33.8 inches), but comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLA (38.0 inches) and other traditional competitors are not satisfactory). The cargo compartment is where GX leads the earlier Encore, with a space of 23.5 cubic feet to 18.8 and a maximum of 50.2 to 48.4.
However, the noises, vibrations and harsh sounds from under the hood will take a step back. Like the pioneers we tested last year, Encore’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine is awkward.The unpleasant singer, Buick's trademark QuietTuning does not mute the 1.3-liter engine. At least Encore's ride is plush, with enough sound blanking to hide suspension collisions and tire roars, and make appropriate adjustments to hide most small and medium-sized road defects.
Our first-class Encore GX Essence has an impressive collection of standard equipment. In cars priced under $30,000, wireless Apple CarPlay and a powerful suite of active safety equipment are very good value for money. Our tester adds a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging pad, rear view mirror and automatic parking functions, creating an undisputed excellent technology package.
Most devices can also work normally. Buick's current infotainment system (responding to the appearance that General Motors offers in Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac products) is sensitive, and the 8.0-inch touch screen provides good graphics fidelity. As we mentioned in other reviews, this layout is logical and easy to learn, so even consumers who are disadvantaged by technology will quickly grasp it. In our testing process, the wireless CarPlay function was flawless, the system can be quickly connected at startup, and did not show the bad behavior we have encountered in other vehicles.
Other features such as GM's rearview mirror and wireless charging pad make life easier. Head-up displays are useful, but the rent for flip-up glass panels is slightly lower and the image itself is small. However, at least the green font can be seen on polarized sunglasses.
Encore GX is equipped with one of two three-cylinder engines. The basic turbocharged 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine are classic examples of the series, where the maximum power of the latter engine is 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The performance is like diesel. The increase in low-end torque dominates the driving experience and makes low-speed city commuting a breeze. The peak twist only reaches 1,600 rpm, so there always seems to be torque available in urban driving.
Despite this, Encore had to commute at high speed and encountered the same problem that plagued most turbocharged three-cylinder and diesel engines: it quickly lost power.There is almost no power at speeds above 3500 rpm, so any time you step on the accelerator pedal, the speedometer will climb up, which is puzzling.
A nine-speed automatic transmission can be used, but pairing front-wheel drive with a larger 1.3-liter engine requires a continuously variable transmission. When full power is required, this type of CVT will have some rubber bands, but it is generally competent. Our biggest problem is that it exacerbates the 1.3-liter horror vocal cord. Like the Trailblazer we tested last year, this engine sounds harsh and rough, almost for agricultural use.
Encore GX's driving performance is quite good, but this is at the expense of handling. The steering is more deadly than Generalissimo Francisco Franco, and Encore's body can move freely when handling turns.
We don't write this article often, but support General Motors, because it includes a comprehensive active safety kit in every trim. Regardless of the Encore GX you order, it will have automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane keeping assist with lane departure warning. The only active safety item that requires an additional charge-adaptive cruise control and surround view cameras-comes with an advanced technology package, which includes a head-up display and rear-view mirror, and costs $1,790.
Actually, our Encore GX tester works well. The lane keeping boost has received the most criticism because it lacks the advanced features of higher-priced competitors like Mercedes-Benz GLA or Audi Q3. However, it is commensurate with the status of the middleman, on par with what you find in the Mazda CX-30, and occasionally plays table tennis between the lane markings. The camera-based adaptive cruise control system is also absolutely mid-level, which does not allow us to manage the speed of the traffic in traffic, nor does it scare us due to sudden braking events.
One thing we need to pay attention to is GM's "Young Driver Assistance System". "Teenage Driver Assistance" is standard on most models, and it is a useful way for parents to monitor their children's driving behavior and set limits such as speed and volume. We hope that more automakers can lead GM in this technology.
Except for Encore's three-cylinder engine problem, it is an efficient bug. With a continuously variable transmission that transmits power to the front wheels, no matter which competitive product you are looking for, you can take the lead in fuel saving. Our tester is the most effective configuration, returning the EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon city, 32 highways and 31 total.
If you think of Encore as a small and compact crossover (just like we did), then it will greatly increase your competitive advantage in price. All-wheel drive Audi Q3 (19 cities, 27 highways and 22 combinations) and BMW X1 (24 cities, 33 highways and 27 combinations) and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (25) The precursor version of the road, 34 roads and 28 total) to fight Encore. In other words, each of these vehicles has more power and increased powertrain improvements. Nevertheless, only Buick is still close to our combined goal of 32 mpg.
Encore GX starts at $24,200, easily defeating Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz that we consider to be competitors. Buick can't even compete with mainstream competition from Mazda, Mini and Fiat-CX-30 is cheaper, but Encore is even more affordable than Countryman, like Fiat. At the same time, our top smart tester starts at $29,595, which is similar to Mini and top 500X, but still far lower than the Germans.
However, if you dig into these options, things will quickly fall apart. First of all, Buick offers only one standard color regardless of the decoration. Unless you are willing to live with white, plan to buy other shades for at least $495 or up to $1,095.
The $770 handy package is very good value for money, adding a rearview mirror, automatic parking assist system, wireless charging pad and front/rear parking sensors.
All in all, the price of our Encore GX tester is $34,965, even without all-wheel drive (it also costs $2,000). Coincidentally, the price of $35,000 is about Q3.X1 and the starting position of GLA 250. Although you won't spend that much money to get the equipment, each of these vehicles has better driving performance, more powerful features, more refined performance, and has more brand awareness. At the same time, you can buy a fully equipped Cooper Countryman or the new 250-horsepower Mazda CX-30 for US$35,000. Encore GX is worth US$28,000 or even US$30,000, but paying US$35,000 to US$37,000 is not a good idea.
Competitors:
Audi Q3
BMW X1
Lexus UX
Mercedes-Benz GLA class
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