The second-generation Buick Encore has got a slightly larger sibling called ‘Encore GX’. It also gets a Sport Touring package that adds visual enhancements. There are subtle styling changes between the regular Encore and the GX, but most of them will go unnoticed.
Speaking of which, the styling changes can be found on the front bumper design, rear doors, C-pillars, taillamps and of course, the rear bumper.
Encore GX ST
Compared with the regular Encore, the GX measures 4,463 mm (+168 mm) in length, 1,813 mm (+15 mm) in width and 1,644 mm (+28 mm) in height. Wheelbase measures 2,640 mm, which is 70 mm more than the regular Encore.
On the exterior, the Encore GX gets LED headlamps with auto on/off feature, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, LED taillamps, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, and a panoramic power moonroof. Buyers can also go for a Black Roof package with complementary Black mirrors and roof rails.
Encore GX ST
The Sport Touring package gets a custom grille with Red accents, sporty front & rear bumpers with Red accents, body-colored rocker panels, exclusive 18-inch wheels in a styling called Medium Android High Gloss with Dark Android High Gloss inserts, and the obligatory Sport Touring badge.
The interior styling of the Encore GX is different too. Unlike the Encore’s floating-style infotainment system, the GX’s unit is neatly integrated into the dashboard. While the Encore gets a flat-bottom steering wheel, the GX has a normal, circular wheel.
Depending on the trim, feature list of the GX includes 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar, 8-way power front passenger seat with power lumbar, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control.
Options list also includes navigation, Bose premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and Head-Up Display.
Standard safety and driver assistance systems include Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam headlamps with automatically-adjusting high/low beams.
Buyers can opt for Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Camera Mirror, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, and High Definition Surround Vision camera system.
The options list further includes a hands-free power liftgate with logo projection, claimed to be one of only two vehicles within the compact SUV segment to offer this feature. The Encore GX claims to offer a cargo capacity of 25.3 cubic feet (716 litres) behind the second row.
Powering the Encore GX are two turbocharged ‘Ecotec’ 3-cylinder petrol engines. The 1.2-litre unit puts out 137 hp at 5,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) of torque at 2,500 rpm. The bigger 1.3-litre unit develops 155 hp at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque at 1,500 rpm. A CVT sends power to the front wheels.
For all-wheel drive (AWD) models, the 1.3L engine will be paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The AWD models will also have a disable switch, giving drivers the choice between AWD, when more traction is needed, or FWD, for improved fuel economy.
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