What Makes the Buick Encore GX So Special?

Looking at its modern lineup, it’s clear that Buick believes in doing one thing and doing it extraordinarily well: making SUVs. There are four such models available right now, including the Encore GX—a sporty subcompact option that’s perfect for a wide range of drivers, or at least those of us looking for a daily driver we’ll actually look forward to driving each day. 

Whether you’re already looking for a Buick Encore GX for sale or you’re simply curious about what this impressive SUV has to offer, we’re always happy to help and ensure you find the perfect model. So, let’s take a look at what the 2025 Encore GX has to offer compared to other subcompact models, such as the Nissan Kicks, and you’ll see why so many people find this Buick to be the perfect SUV for everything life has in store.

Exhilarating Performance Options

The small size of subcompact SUVs like the Buick Encore GX means that some manufacturers really skimp on the kind of power they pack under the hood. We’ll admit that a small SUV with a weak engine can still be drivable, but you’re not necessarily going to have a great time with it. Fortunately, Buick understands how important impressive power is for its vehicles—even its smallest vehicle—and so we find two engines for the 2025 Encore GX that can take your time on the road to the next level.

You’ll only find the standard engine in the starting Preferred trim and it’s a 1.2L turbo engine with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This is a great place to start, but let’s compare it to the 2025 Nissan Kicks, which is a subcompact SUV that has a 2.0L engine with 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. There’s very slightly more horsepower from Nissan (though you’ll likely not notice the difference) but much lower torque, which is a difference you surely will feel, and that difference will change the way your vehicle handles each day. What’s more impressive, however, is that Buick isn’t done.

There’s also a 1.3L turbo engine available for the Preferred (and comes standard in the Sport Touring and Avenir trims) that delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Now we get more horsepower and far more torque than the Nissan Kicks has to offer, which showcases just how well Buick understands what drivers need. Best of all, these aren’t the only options you have when it comes to performance. 

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but you can also choose all-wheel drive (AWD) instead; AWD is only offered with the more powerful 1.3L engine, which is fine with us, and it comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission rather than the CVT. The Nissan Kicks also has FWD standard with AWD available, but all models come with a CVT; we prefer the feel of an automatic with AWD, making the Encore GX a better pick across the board.

Gorgeous and Sophisticated Interior

Buick is well known for making luxurious vehicles, which include interiors that welcome you in and ensure you look forward to driving. The 2025 Encore GX is the perfect example of this, and you have three different trim levels to choose from, each offering a distinct experience that surrounds you in elegant sophistication. Looking at the starting Preferred trim, we find cloth seating with leatherette, including front bucket seats, with a six-way driver’s seat and a four-way front-passenger seat. A wrapped steering wheel is standard for an added touch of style, plus you get carefully designed lighting and more details throughout.

Moving up to the Sport Touring trim, you get an interior designed to highlight the sporty and powerful nature of this small SUV. Its leatherette seating looks great, feels even better, and is remarkably durable, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the upholstery. You also get a flat-bottom steering wheel in the Sport Touring, which perfectly punctuates the precise feel and handling of this trim. 

Finally, with the prestigious Avenir trim, you’ll enjoy enhanced features like perforated leather-appointed seating including an eight-way power driver’s seat and a six-way power front-passenger seat. The Avenir gives you heated front seats and a heated steering wheel (which is perfect for winter), plus dual-zone automatic climate control to ensure everyone inside your vehicle is completely comfortable.

Innovative Tech Inside and Out

Comfort, style, and luxury are all great, but it’s just as important that you have impressive tech features to enhance your time behind the wheel. That’s no problem with the 2025 Buick Encore GX, particularly thanks to the gorgeous 11-inch infotainment system that comes standard in every trim. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a seven-speaker sound system is standard even in the Preferred. By comparison, the Nissan Kicks has just a seven-inch infotainment system standard and a four-speaker sound system; a larger display and better sound system are available from Nissan, but the starting features don’t come close to what Buick gives you.

We should also mention that you can get a Bose sound system in the Encore GX if you want something with richer audio quality. The Encore GX also features an eight-inch Driver Information Center display standard in every model, along with keyless open and start, remote start, and cruise control. Available tech features for the Encore GX include a rear camera mirror, Rainsense automatic wipers, and a wireless charging pad. Plus, you get signature LED exterior lighting with the Encore GX, while available features like a power liftgate and panoramic moonroof elevate your experience every time you hit the road.

Safety Features You Can Count On

Nothing is more important than how well a vehicle can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Fortunately, Buick agrees, and you can see this quite clearly in the impressive selection of driver assistance features that come standard as part of the Buick Driver Confidence suite. These safety tools include a Forward Collision Alert to warn you about a potential crash, along with Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking to help you avoid a collision. You also get a Following Distance Indicator to warn you when you’re too close to a vehicle ahead of you.

Buick Driver Confidence also includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, which can warn you if you seem to be drifting from your lane, plus IntelliBeam auto high beams that can switch off automatically to avoid blinding other drivers. You also get a Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and even a Teen Driver system that’s perfect for helping new drivers build safe habits behind the wheel. While the Nissan Kicks has some impressive safety tech in every model, features like Teen Driver are nowhere to be found.

You Deserve to Love Your Drive

No matter what kind of vehicle you are interested in, you should get one that’s fun to drive and that you’ll look forward to getting into each day. Buick understands this, and the 2025 Encore GX beautifully showcases the care and attention they put into every vehicle. From its impressive performance—including diverse engine and drivetrain options—to the gorgeous interior, stylish features, and impressive technology, everything the Encore GX has going for it can enhance your time on the road. 

You have a lot of options available to you if you’re interested in a crossover SUV, but when you look at how so many other models fall short of what the Encore GX gives you, it’s clear that Buick delivers the kind of driving experience that every driver deserves.

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