2023 Buick Encore GX

This SUV comes in three different trim levels starting with the Preferred. It has 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated and power-adjustable side exterior mirrors, signature LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights, and foglights. Step up to the Select, and you'll get roof rails, or move up to the top-level Essence for LED headlights. The Essence also adds the option for a sunroof and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Encore GX Preferred and Select both get power from a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder gas engine that develops 137 horsepower. It works with a continuously variable automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. The Essence gets a 1.3-liter turbo tree-cylinder gas engine with 155 horsepower. It also uses a CVT with front-wheel drive models, but if you opt for all-wheel drive, it comes with a nine-speed automatic.

Either of the engines has plenty of power to propel the Encore GX efficiently up to cruising speed, but the 1.3-liter will get you there much quicker. The ride in this Buick stays comfortable and quiet due to the QuietTuning technology.

he Encore GX has an upscale cabin with room for up to five people. It has soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin and comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and a combination of cloth and faux leather upholstery. The Select makes a power-adjustable driver's seat standard and adds heated front seats, and the Essence comes with an in-cabin ionizer and heated steering wheel along with driver's seat memory settings. Standard technology features in the Encore GX start with an 8-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is optional as part of the Advanced Technology Package for the Select and Essence, and you can get wireless charging with the Convenience package for the Essence. A seven-speaker Bose stereo system is also available as an option.

Every 2023 Buick Encore GX comes standard with advanced safety features that include forward collision warning with automatic braking and lane-departure warning with mitigation. The Safety Package II for the Preferred adds adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, or you can bump up to the Select to get the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. The top-level Essence offers the Advanced Technology package as an option. It adds a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience Package is also available with a rearview camera and automated parking.