The 2024 Buick Encore GX is set to receive a much-anticipated update, with a significant emphasis on the interior. The incoming iteration of Buick’s higher-ranking Encore is slated to showcase a fresh and invigorating face that incorporates the latest rendition of the Buick badge. The interior is also set to undergo a significant digital transformation that is expected to captivate even the most discerning of tech aficionados.
Interior
The Encore GX will wave goodbye to the dated instrument dials and banks of switches that weighed down the outgoing model. In their stead, Buick has unveiled what it terms the Virtual Cockpit System. The highlight of this upgrade is the incorporation of a digital driver display and a central infotainment display, forming a seamless single screen. The screen display measures 19 diagonal inches, of which the driver display accounts for 8 inches, while the central unit measures a generous 11 inches. The avant-garde screen size qualifies as the largest infotainment screen in the Encore GX’s segment, though it does have a shared inch-for-inch stature with the recently unveiled 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The icing on the cake for the Encore GX is that the plush Avenir trim is now accessible to those seeking more luxury without the hefty price tag. The option of the Avenir trim is bound to make the Encore GX even more attractive to those in the market for a well-appointed vehicle.
The new Encore GX receives a digital overhaul that seamlessly blends the tactile controls with modern technology. The resultant cleaner greenhouse is a testament to the successful integration of past and present technologies. While tactile controls may not have been entirely eradicated, dials and buttons for climate functions have been tactfully positioned below repositioned vents, while the traditional transmission stalk still extends upward from the center console.
In a bid to stand out in a saturated market, the new range-topping Avenir trim furnishes the cabin with an array of beige leather, providing a striking contrast against the black backdrop. Avenir branding also features prominently on the headrests and door sills in an attempt to exude a feeling of exclusivity. The inclusion of power seats for both the driver and passenger is a thoughtful touch that is expected to appeal to those who prioritize comfort. The revised ST trim provides an alternative to the Avenir trim, with special branding that exudes a more athletic feel.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior, the 2024 Encore GX is in sync with previous spy photos released in December 2022. The redesigned grille and lower fascia, now flanked by thin headlights, reveal Buick’s new tri-shield badge positioned up high between the lights. This design, heavily borrowed from the Buick Wildcat concept from June 2022, alludes to the direction Buick is taking with its future models. Remarkably, the 2024 Encore GX also marks the inaugural use of Buick’s new badge in North America, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the vehicle’s already fascinating design.
The Encore GX doesn’t skimp on the exterior’s finer details. LED headlights come standard on all models, with LED lights at the back exclusive to the Avenir and ST trims. The Avenir trim’s clear taillight lenses evoke a sense of sophistication, complementing the vehicle’s exterior perfectly. Meanwhile, the Avenir’s upscale grille, chrome accents in the bumpers, and 19-inch chrome wheels all contribute to the trim’s high-end aesthetic. In contrast, ST models convey a sporty vibe through black wheels and dark accents along the side and rear.
Powertrains
Regarding the powertrain, there’s nothing new to report as it carries over from the current model. For those who need a reminder, the options are either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, maxing out at 155 horsepower. The transmission depends on the drivetrain: front-wheel-drive models receive a CVT, while all-wheel-drive versions utilize a nine-speed automatic. These options contribute to a smooth ride and optimal performance, enabling the driver to customize their experience to their liking.
Price and Availability
The 2024 Buick Encore GX has a broad range of prices, beginning at $26,895 for the Preferred trim with FWD. If you’re interested in the Encore GX ST, you’ll have to shell out $28,095, while the top-of-the-line Avenir trim is priced at $33,195. Destination fees are included in these prices, and the ordering process is expected to commence in May. However, production starts earlier in March, so Buick enthusiasts should prepare themselves for an imminent release.
Source and Images: Motor1