Buick Encore vs. Encore GX: What’s the Difference?
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Summary: The Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX are different small SUVs, not different trims of the same vehicle. The original Encore was the smaller, older crossover that Buick ended up dropping after the 2022 model year. On the flip side, the Encore GX showed up around 2020 as a slightly bigger, totally refreshed vehicle, and it’s still hanging around in Buick’s lineup today.
It gets super confusing because they shared showroom floor space for a few years & have almost the exact same name. But under the skin, they don’t really share much. We’re talking different dimensions, different engine options, different transmissions, and completely different tech setups. The GX isn't just a rebranded base model or an appearance package, either.
If you’re out there browsing used car listings, trying to order the right replacement parts, or just trying to figure out what’s sitting in a driveway, getting these two straight can save you a whole lot of headache. Pulling a quick VIN lookup is usually the best way to double-check and confirm which one you’re actually dealing with.
Encore vs. Encore GX at a Glance
The Encore GX is roughly 3 inches longer than the Encore and offers more cargo room in comparable specifications. Buick's current 2026 Encore GX measures 171.1 inches long and seats up to five people. Here’s a quick comparison:
Category | Buick Encore | Buick Encore GX |
Model years | 2013–2022 in the U.S. | 2020–present |
Current status | Discontinued | Current Buick model |
Vehicle type | Smaller subcompact crossover | Larger small crossover |
Seating | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
Length | About 168.4 inches on late models | About 171.1–171.4 inches, depending on year |
Cargo space | Up to about 48.4 cu. ft. | Up to about 50.2 cu. ft. |
Base engine | 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder on late models | 1.2L or 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder, depending on year |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT or 9-speed automatic, depending on configuration |
AWD | Available on certain versions | Available on current trim range |
Current trims | Discontinued | Preferred, Sport Touring, Avenir |
Specifications can vary by model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and market. Use the VIN to confirm the exact vehicle before relying on a comparison for parts, insurance, fuel economy, or factory-equipment decisions.
Buick Encore Overview: Model Years, Size, and Features
The Buick Encore was basically Buick's first shot at an extra-small crossover. It hit the scene way back for the 2013 model year and stuck around all the way through 2022.
Buick officially pulled the plug after 2022, but for a good three years there, it was actually being sold right alongside the newer Encore GX. That overlap is pretty much the main reason so many used car shoppers get them mixed up today.
Buick Encore Model-Year Timeline
The original Encore lineup goes a little something like this:
- Debuted for 2013 as Buick’s go-to subcompact option, way before the GX was even a thing.
- Kept right on selling even after the bigger Encore GX launched in 2020.
- Wrapped up production for good after the 2022 model year.
- Shows up a lot on used car lots today, even though you can't buy a new one anymore.
A listing for a 2022 Encore can therefore look like a relatively new Buick, but the vehicle belongs to the older Encore design rather than the newer GX family.
Encore Size and Practicality
The original Encore has a pretty tight footprint, which makes it handy if you spend a lot of time navigating tight city streets or crammed parking spots. It technically seats five, but it’s definitely noticeably smaller than the GX inside.
If you look at the specs on late-model Encores, they measure right around 168 inches long. You’re getting about 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, & if you fold those down, it opens up to roughly 48.4 cubic feet.
That compact cabin is totally fine if you don’t carry tons of bulky gear around, and it can make the original Encore a pretty tempting, budget-friendly option when you're shopping the used crossover market.
Encore Engines and Drivetrain
Late Encore models use a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Comparison data lists approximately 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque for these later models. Front-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was available on certain versions.
The important point is that the Encore uses a very different powertrain setup from the Encore GX. That’s a pretty big deal to keep in mind, especially when you start looking into stuff like fuel mileage, long-term upkeep, ordering replacement parts, or just how the vehicle actually feels when you step on the gas.
Who Should Consider a Used Encore?
A used Encore may make sense for buyers who want:
- A smaller Buick crossover
- A potentially lower used-car purchase price
- A traditional turbocharged four-cylinder
- A conventional six-speed automatic
- A compact vehicle for everyday driving
- A Buick that does not need the GX's additional cargo space
Price alone should not determine the choice. Compare mileage, condition, maintenance, title history, accident history, trim, drivetrain, tires, and factory equipment before choosing one.
READ ALSO: How to Tell What Trim Your Buick Is
Buick Encore GX Overview: Model Years, Size, and Features
The Buick Encore GX is a separate vehicle that launched for the 2020 model year. It was designed as a larger small crossover and continued after the original Encore was discontinued.
Today, the Encore GX remains in Buick's lineup. Buick currently lists the Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims for the 2026 model.
Encore GX Model-Year Timeline
The Encore GX:
- Arrived for the 2020 model year.
- Was sold alongside the original Encore from 2020 through 2022.
- Continued after the original Encore was discontinued.
- Offers a larger body and more cargo capacity than the Encore.
- Has a newer cabin and technology architecture.
- Is currently available in Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims.
This is why the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years can be particularly confusing. Buick sold both models during those years.
Encore GX Size and Cargo Space
The Encore GX is larger than the original Encore, although the difference is not dramatic from the outside.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX, for example, measured 171.4 inches long with a 102.2-inch wheelbase. Buick's specifications listed 23.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
That extra room can make a noticeable difference for people who regularly carry luggage, groceries, pets, sports equipment, or other larger items.
Encore GX Engines, Transmissions, and AWD
The Encore GX uses a different engine family from the original Encore.
Depending on model year and configuration, the GX has used turbocharged 1.2-liter and 1.3-liter three-cylinder engines. Buick's 2021 specifications listed 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque for the 1.2-liter engine, while the 1.3-liter produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission and drivetrain combinations vary. FWD configurations can use a CVT, while AWD configurations use a nine-speed automatic in the cited model-year setup.
Current specifications can change by model year, so check the VIN and the correct model-year data before assuming an Encore GX has a particular engine or transmission.
Current Encore GX Buyer Profile
The Encore GX may appeal to shoppers who want:
- A current Buick small SUV
- More cargo room than the original Encore
- A newer cabin and technology setup
- Current trim choices
- Available AWD
- Sport Touring or Avenir equipment
The current 2026 lineup includes Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir. Buick describes Avenir as its highest expression of luxury within the Encore GX lineup.
Looking at a top-trim GX? Read How to Check if a Buick Is Really an Avenir
The Biggest Differences: Encore vs. Encore GX
The biggest takeaway is simple: Encore and Encore GX identify two different vehicles.
Feature | Buick Encore | Buick Encore GX | Why It Matters |
Relationship | Original Buick small crossover | Separate, newer crossover | GX is not an Encore trim |
Availability | Ended after 2022 | Still sold today | Affects model-year choices |
Size | Smaller | Larger | GX provides more room |
Length | About 168.4 inches | About 171.1–171.4 inches | GX is roughly 3 inches longer |
Cargo space | Up to about 48.4 cu. ft. | Up to about 50.2 cu. ft. | GX offers more carrying space |
Engine architecture | 1.4L turbo four-cylinder | 1.2L or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder | Different powertrain setup |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT or 9-speed automatic | Important for service and parts |
AWD | Available on some versions | Available on current models | Verify the exact configuration |
Technology | Older architecture | Newer architecture | GX generally has newer features |
Current trims | Discontinued | Preferred, Sport Touring, Avenir | Trim names should not be compared directly |
Best fit | Compact used SUV | Newer, roomier small SUV | Depends on budget and priorities |
Model-Year Overlap: Why 2020–2022 Listings Cause Confusion
From 2020 through 2022, Buick sold both the Encore and Encore GX. That overlap is the biggest source of confusion when shopping for a used Buick.
You could see two Buick vehicles from the same model year carrying the Encore name while having different engines, dimensions, transmissions, trim structures, and technology.
2022 Buick Encore vs. 2022 Buick Encore GX
Example | 2022 Buick Encore | 2022 Buick Encore GX |
Vehicle identity | Older Encore design | Newer, separate GX design |
Engine family | 1.4L turbo four-cylinder | 1.2L or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder, depending on configuration |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT or 9-speed automatic, depending on drivetrain |
Cargo space | Smaller | Larger |
Technology | Earlier architecture | Newer architecture |
After 2022 | Discontinued | Continued |
So, if a seller describes a 2022 vehicle as an "Encore GX" simply because it has a GX-style feature or badge, do not take that description at face value.
Never assume "GX" is a package code or trim upgrade. It identifies a different Buick vehicle.
READ ALSO: How to Check Buick Factory Options by VIN
How to Identify an Encore or Encore GX by VIN
If you are looking at a used Buick and cannot tell which model it is, the VIN is one of the easiest ways to verify it.
Step 1: Locate the 17-Character VIN
You can usually find the VIN:
- Through the windshield on the driver's side
- On the driver's door-jamb label
- On the vehicle title
- On registration documents
- On insurance documents
- On service records
- In a dealer listing or vehicle-history report
Step 2: Confirm the Model Year
The 10th character of a standardized 17-character VIN identifies the model year. However, do not use that character by itself to identify the complete vehicle.
The full VIN provides the information needed to identify the vehicle more accurately.
Step 3: Use the Full VIN to Verify the Vehicle
A VIN lookup can help confirm:
- Buick Encore or Buick Encore GX
- Model year
- Engine configuration
- Basic drivetrain information
- Body type
- Assembly information
- Available trim information
- Available factory specifications
This is especially useful for 2020–2022 vehicles because both Encore models were being sold during that period.
Step 4: Compare VIN Data With the Listing
Once you have the VIN results, compare them with the seller's description.
Check the:
- Model
- Model year
- Engine
- FWD or AWD configuration
- Trim
- Exterior color
- Major factory equipment
- Vehicle-history information
If the VIN says Encore and the listing says Encore GX, stop and investigate before buying.
Free Buick VIN Decoder!
Avoid confusing an Encore with an Encore GX. Enter the VIN to verify the exact Buick model, model year, engine, drivetrain, trim, and available factory specifications before you buy, sell, insure, or order parts.
Tips for Buying a Used Encore or Encore GX
Once you know the difference between the two models, there is another important question: What happened to the vehicle after it left the factory?
The VIN can help you establish the vehicle's identity, but that is only one part of researching a used Buick.
Before Buying Either Model
Before handing over your money:
Request the full VIN from the seller.- Confirm Encore vs. Encore GX.
- Verify the model year.
- Check the engine.
- Confirm FWD or AWD.
- Verify the trim.
- Check the original factory equipment.
- Review RPO information when available.
- Check title brands.
- Look for accident and damage records.
- Check theft records.
- Review odometer information.
- Check liens when available.
- Review auction and sales history.
- Look at service and maintenance records.
- Inspect tires, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- Compare the asking price with similar vehicles.
Which Tool Should You Use?
The VIN decoder tells you what the vehicle is. A vehicle-history report can then help you understand what happened to it after it left the factory.
What You Want to Know | Useful Tool |
Model, year, engine, basic specs | Free Buick VIN decoder |
Factory options and trim | Buick RPO/window sticker lookup |
Original MSRP and option pricing | Buick window-sticker lookup |
Original colors and equipment | Buick window sticker/build information |
Title and accident history | Buick vehicle-history report |
Mileage and ownership records | Buick vehicle-history report |
Auction and sales records | Buick vehicle-history report |
Avenir verification | Buick Avenir verification guide |
Conclusion on Buick Encore vs. Encore GX
The Buick Encore and Encore GX share a name, but they are different vehicles. The Encore is the smaller, older crossover that Buick discontinued after 2022. The Encore GX arrived for 2020, brought a larger body and newer technology, and continues as a current Buick model.
The difference becomes especially important when shopping for a 2020, 2021, or 2022 Buick because both models were available during those years. Their engines, transmissions, dimensions, cargo space, trims, and equipment can be different even though both carry the Encore name.
Before comparing prices, ordering parts, or trusting a used-car listing, check the VIN. It gives you a much better starting point for confirming exactly which Buick you are looking at.