Price and Availability
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring has a starting price of $32,900 for the base trim level. The top-of-the-line Essence trim level starts at $37,900. The vehicle is expected to be available at dealerships in the fall of 2025.
Trim Levels and Features
The Encore GX Sport Touring is available in three trim levels: Base, Preferred, and Essence. The Base trim level comes standard with features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Preferred trim level adds features such as a sunroof, heated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system. The top-of-the-line Essence trim level adds features such as leather seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.
| Trim Level | Starting Price | Key Features |
|—|—|—|
| Base | $32,900 | 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
| Preferred | $35,900 | Sunroof, heated front seats, Bose premium audio system |
| Essence | $37,900 | Leather seats, head-up display, 360-degree camera system |
Comparisons to Competitors
The Buick Encore GX Sport Touring is a compact crossover SUV that competes with other vehicles in the same market segment. Some of the key competitors include the Acura RDX, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, the Cadillac XT4, the Infiniti QX50, the Lexus NX, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and the Volvo XC40.
The following table compares the Buick Encore GX Sport Touring to its competitors in terms of key specifications:
| Feature | Buick Encore GX Sport Touring | Acura RDX | Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | Cadillac XT4 | Infiniti QX50 | Lexus NX | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Volvo XC40 |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Price | Starting at $33,995 | Starting at $46,900 | Starting at $36,900 | Starting at $39,500 | Starting at $36,990 | Starting at $41,350 | Starting at $39,700 | Starting at $38,550 | Starting at $35,850 |
| Engine | 1.3L turbocharged inline-3 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 155 hp | 272 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp | 237 hp | 268 hp | 203 hp | 221 hp | 197 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy (city/highway) | 26/31 mpg | 22/28 mpg | 23/30 mpg | 23/31 mpg | 22/29 mpg | 22/28 mpg | 25/31 mpg | 23/31 mpg | 23/31 mpg |
| Cargo space (behind rear seats) | 23.5 cubic feet | 29.5 cubic feet | 23.7 cubic feet | 27.1 cubic feet | 25.7 cubic feet | 31.1 cubic feet | 17.7 cubic feet | 15.4 cubic feet | 20.3 cubic feet |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds | 3,500 pounds | 3,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
As you can see, the Buick Encore GX Sport Touring is comparable to its competitors in terms of price, performance, and features. However, it does have some advantages over its competitors, such as its spacious cargo area and its standard suite of driver-assist features.
Expert Reviews
Expert reviews of the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring have generally been positive, with praise for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive performance. However, some reviewers have also noted a few areas where the Encore GX could improve.
Positive Aspects
* Stylish design: The Encore GX’s sleek exterior and modern interior have been praised by many reviewers.
* Comfortable interior: The Encore GX offers a spacious and well-equipped cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
* Impressive performance: The Encore GX’s 1.3-liter turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and its handling is responsive and agile.
* Advanced safety features: The Encore GX comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Negative Aspects
* Fuel economy: The Encore GX’s fuel economy is not as good as some competitors, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
* Limited rear seat space: The Encore GX’s rear seat is not as spacious as some competitors, and it can be cramped for taller passengers.
* Price: The Encore GX is priced higher than some competitors, and its price can increase significantly with options.
Overall Consensus
Overall, the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring is a solid choice for buyers looking for a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped compact SUV. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a good option for a wide range of drivers.
Q&A
What is the engine size of the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring has an estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
What are the key safety features of the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
What is the infotainment system like in the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring has a starting price of $29,995.