Model Overview
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is a compact crossover SUV that combines style, performance, and technology.
It features a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine, all-wheel drive, and a spacious interior with premium amenities.
Key Features
- Turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque
- All-wheel drive with active torque control
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bose premium audio system
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- LED headlights and taillights
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
Specifications
| Length | 174.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.0 inches |
| Height | 64.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,300 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway |
Pricing and Packages
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST offers a competitive pricing structure with two available packages that cater to diverse needs and preferences.
The base MSRP for the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST starts at $28,500, providing an excellent value proposition for a premium subcompact SUV.
Convenience Package
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Remote start
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Priced at $1,500, the Convenience Package enhances comfort and convenience, making daily commutes and longer journeys more enjoyable.
Premium Package
- Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Bose premium audio system
- Navigation system
- Adaptive cruise control
For those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced experience, the Premium Package is available for $2,500, offering a suite of premium features that elevate the driving experience.
Interior Features
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST features a premium and stylish interior that combines comfort and technology. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and ambient lighting. The front seats provide ample support and offer adjustable lumbar support for enhanced comfort.
Advanced Technology
The Encore GX ST comes equipped with a suite of advanced technology features that enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system also includes a built-in navigation system, a premium Bose sound system, and wireless charging for compatible devices. Additionally, the vehicle offers a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST exudes a bold and athletic presence. Its sleek lines and sculpted surfaces create a dynamic silhouette that turns heads. The front fascia features a signature Buick grille with a mesh pattern and chrome accents, flanked by LED headlights and fog lights. The muscular hood and prominent wheel arches add to the sporty character of the vehicle.
Color Options
The Encore GX ST is available in a vibrant palette of colors, including:
* Sapphire Blue Metallic
* Cinnabar Red Tintcoat
* White Frost Tricoat
* Black Cherry Metallic
* Dark Moon Blue Metallic
Engine and Performance
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is powered by a 1.3L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
With its powerful engine and responsive CVT, the Encore GX ST offers a spirited and engaging driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides ample power for city driving and highway cruising, while the CVT ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The available all-wheel drive system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions.
Fuel Economy
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is rated for up to 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models are rated for up to 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Performance Upgrades
For those seeking even more performance, the Encore GX ST offers an optional Sport Touring Package. This package includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and performance tires. With the Sport Touring Package, the Encore GX ST delivers even sharper handling and a more exhilarating driving experience.
Safety Features
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST offers a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features to protect drivers and passengers alike. These features are designed to prevent accidents, mitigate their severity, and provide peace of mind on every journey.
Standard safety features on the Encore GX ST include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection: Uses sensors to detect imminent collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and applies the brakes automatically to avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA): Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. LKA gently steers the vehicle back into its lane.
- Forward Collision Alert (FCA): Warns the driver of potential collisions with vehicles ahead and prompts them to take evasive action.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Detects vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing and alerts the driver to potential collisions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and alerts them with a visual indicator on the side mirrors.
Available safety features on the Encore GX ST include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to match the flow of traffic.
- Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects important driving information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road while staying informed.
- Surround View Camera: Provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of collisions during parking maneuvers.
- Automatic Parking Assist: Uses sensors to detect suitable parking spaces and automatically steers the vehicle into the space.
- Teen Driver Mode: Customizes vehicle settings to encourage safe driving habits among teenage drivers, including speed and audio volume limits, and a “report card” feature for parents to monitor driving behavior.
These advanced safety features work together to create a protective shield around the Encore GX ST, giving drivers confidence and peace of mind on every journey.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is equipped with a comprehensive suite of infotainment and connectivity features, designed to keep you entertained and connected on the road. At the heart of the system is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which provides access to a wide range of features, including navigation, music, and vehicle settings. The system is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle.
One of the most unique features of the Encore GX ST’s infotainment system is its built-in Amazon Alexa integration. With Alexa, you can control a variety of vehicle functions using just your voice, such as changing the radio station, setting the navigation, or checking the weather. The system also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you can stay connected even when you’re away from home.
In addition to its infotainment features, the Encore GX ST also offers a variety of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. These features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX ST also comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what’s behind you when backing up.
Overall, the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST offers a comprehensive suite of technology and connectivity features, designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable and safer.
Connectivity Features
In addition to the features mentioned above, the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST also offers a variety of other connectivity features, including:
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- USB ports for charging and connecting devices
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Bose premium audio system
With its wide range of connectivity features, the Encore GX ST makes it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road.
Comparisons to Competitors
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST stands out in the compact luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of style, features, and performance. When compared to its rivals, it showcases several strengths and areas for improvement.
Price-wise, the Encore GX ST is competitively priced within its class. It offers a well-equipped base model at a reasonable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, some competitors may offer more features or a lower starting price for comparable trims.
In terms of features, the Encore GX ST boasts a generous list of standard amenities, including a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, certain competitors may offer more advanced features, such as larger touchscreens, premium audio systems, or semi-autonomous driving aids.
Performance-wise, the Encore GX ST’s turbocharged engine provides ample power and responsive handling. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it suitable for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. However, some competitors may offer more powerful engines or sportier driving dynamics for those seeking a more exhilarating experience.
Overall, the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is a well-rounded compact luxury SUV that offers a competitive combination of price, features, and performance. While it may not excel in every aspect compared to its rivals, it remains a solid choice for buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and feature-packed vehicle.
Target Audience
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST is designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers, including young professionals, families, and retirees. Potential buyers are likely to be tech-savvy, value style and functionality, and prioritize safety and convenience features.
Lifestyle
The target audience for the Encore GX ST leads active lifestyles and values versatility. They seek a vehicle that can accommodate their diverse needs, from daily commutes to weekend adventures. They appreciate the spacious interior, advanced technology, and sporty design that the Encore GX ST offers.
Demographics
Potential buyers of the Encore GX ST are typically in their 30s to 50s and have an income that allows them to afford a premium subcompact SUV. They are likely to be college-educated and live in urban or suburban areas.
Q&A
What is the MSRP of the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The MSRP for the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST starts at $28,400.
How many packages are available for the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
There are three available packages for the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST: Preferred, Essence, and Sport Touring.
What are the key differences between the Preferred, Essence, and Sport Touring packages?
The Preferred package includes features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Essence package adds leather seats, a Bose premium audio system, and navigation. The Sport Touring package includes unique 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a performance exhaust system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
What safety features are available on the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST comes standard with a variety of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and rear cross-traffic alert.