Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST. If you're in the market for a small SUV that blends style, comfort, and tech, you've probably got this on your radar. Let's break down what makes the Encore GX ST tick, from its performance and interior to its standout features and how it stacks up against the competition. Buckle up; it's going to be a detailed ride!

Overview of the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST

The 2023 Buick Encore GX ST is a stylish and versatile subcompact SUV designed to appeal to urban drivers and small families alike. The “ST” in its name stands for Sport Touring, which hints at some sporty styling enhancements over the standard Encore GX models. It’s positioned as a slightly more upscale option in the crowded subcompact SUV segment, offering a blend of Buick’s signature comfort and modern tech features. It aims to provide a more engaging driving experience than some of its more pedestrian competitors, without sacrificing the practicality and efficiency that buyers in this class demand. The Encore GX ST distinguishes itself with unique exterior styling elements, such as a distinctive grille, sporty bumpers, and exclusive wheel designs. Inside, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating and a user-friendly infotainment system. Standard features include a suite of advanced safety technologies, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers. The Encore GX ST is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), catering to different driving needs and preferences. Under the hood, it offers a choice of two turbocharged engines, both designed to balance performance and fuel economy. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST is a compelling option for those seeking a small SUV that offers a touch of luxury and sporty flair.

Performance and Handling

When we talk about performance, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST offers a couple of engine options to suit different driving styles. The base engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, which produces around 137 horsepower. While it's adequate for city driving, some might find it lacking when it comes to highway merging or tackling steep inclines. However, the available 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder, which bumps the power up to 155 horsepower, provides a more satisfying experience. This engine feels more responsive and makes the Encore GX ST feel more confident on the road. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over sporty driving dynamics. While CVTs aren't always the most exciting, this one is well-tuned and does a decent job of keeping the engine in its optimal power range. Handling-wise, the Encore GX ST is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its small footprint and light steering. The ride is generally comfortable, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. However, it's not the most engaging SUV to drive, as the steering lacks feedback and the suspension is tuned more for comfort than sporty handling. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you'll get added confidence in slippery conditions, but it's worth noting that the AWD system is primarily designed for on-road use and isn't intended for serious off-roading. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST delivers a decent performance for its class, prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfort over outright speed and handling prowess.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the quality of materials used. The cabin feels more upscale than some of its competitors, with soft-touch surfaces and stylish accents. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. There's ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, although taller adults might find the rear seats a bit cramped on longer journeys. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to navigate, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Higher trims offer additional features like a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a premium sound system. One of the standout features of the Encore GX ST is its cargo space. With the rear seats up, there's a generous amount of room for groceries, luggage, or other gear. And when you need even more space, the rear seats fold down flat, creating a large, versatile cargo area. Sound insulation is also impressive, keeping road noise and wind noise to a minimum, even at highway speeds. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST offers a comfortable and refined interior that punches above its weight class.

Technology and Features

When it comes to technology, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST is packed with features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The centerpiece of the tech experience is the Buick Infotainment System, which features an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard. This system is intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and more. Higher trims offer a larger touchscreen display with enhanced features like built-in navigation and voice recognition. In terms of safety tech, the Encore GX ST comes standard with a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. These systems can help prevent accidents and make driving safer and less stressful. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Other notable tech features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to stay connected on the go, and a wireless charging pad, which keeps your smartphone powered up without the need for cables. The Encore GX ST also offers a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST offers a comprehensive suite of technology features that enhance the driving experience and provide peace of mind.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many buyers in the subcompact SUV segment, and the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST doesn't disappoint. With the base 1.2-liter engine and front-wheel drive, the Encore GX ST achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivers similar fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, fuel economy drops slightly to 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the class, making the Encore GX ST a fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting and long road trips. It's worth noting that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, habits, and maintenance. However, in general, the Encore GX ST is a frugal sipper, helping you save money at the pump. The Encore GX ST also features an automatic start/stop system, which shuts off the engine when you come to a complete stop, further improving fuel economy in city driving. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pricing and Trims

The 2023 Buick Encore GX ST is available in several trims, each offering a different level of features and equipment. The base trim is the Preferred, which comes standard with a generous array of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. Stepping up to the Select trim adds features like leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The top-of-the-line Essence trim offers even more luxury, with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a premium sound system. The ST trim adds sporty styling elements, such as a unique grille, sporty bumpers, and exclusive wheel designs. Pricing for the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST starts at around $26,000 for the base Preferred trim and can climb to over $30,000 for the top-of-the-line Essence trim with all the options. It's important to note that prices can vary depending on location, incentives, and dealer markups. When shopping for an Encore GX ST, it's a good idea to compare prices from multiple dealers and take advantage of any available incentives. Overall, the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST offers a good value for the money, with a wide range of features and equipment available at different price points.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST:

Pros:

• Stylish design: The Encore GX ST boasts a modern and eye-catching exterior design that sets it apart from the competition.
• Comfortable interior: The cabin is well-appointed and comfortable, with soft-touch surfaces and supportive seats.
• User-friendly technology: The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Generous cargo space: The Encore GX ST offers ample cargo space for its size, making it practical for daily use.
• Fuel-efficient engines: Both engine options deliver competitive fuel economy, helping you save money at the pump.

Cons:

• Engine performance: The base engine can feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded or on the highway.
• CVT transmission: The CVT transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency over sporty driving dynamics.
• Handling: The Encore GX ST is not the most engaging SUV to drive, with light steering and a suspension tuned for comfort.
• Rear seat space: Taller adults may find the rear seats a bit cramped on longer journeys.
• Price: The Encore GX ST can be more expensive than some of its competitors, especially in higher trims.

Competitors

The subcompact SUV segment is crowded with excellent choices. The 2023 Buick Encore GX ST faces stiff competition from several rivals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the key competitors include:

• Chevrolet Trailblazer: Offers similar styling and features to the Encore GX, but at a slightly lower price point.
• Mazda CX-30: Known for its sporty handling and upscale interior.
• Hyundai Kona: A stylish and fun-to-drive SUV with a long list of standard features.
• Kia Seltos: Offers a spacious interior and a variety of engine options.
• Nissan Kicks: A budget-friendly option with excellent fuel economy.

When choosing between these competitors, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style and comfort, the Encore GX ST is a strong contender. If you're looking for sporty handling, the Mazda CX-30 might be a better choice. And if you're on a tight budget, the Nissan Kicks is worth a look. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive several different models and see which one you like best.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2023 Buick Encore GX ST? Overall, it's a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and technology. While it may not be the sportiest or most affordable option in its class, it excels in areas like interior refinement, user-friendly tech, and fuel efficiency. If you're looking for a small SUV that feels more upscale than its price tag suggests, the Encore GX ST is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to test drive it and compare it to its competitors before making a final decision. Happy car hunting, guys!