The 2026 Buick Encore GX Gives You a Standard Engine with Optional Performance

Drivers who are looking for more in a subcompact SUV have discovered the Encore GX. This sporty small SUV from Buick delivers the kind of performance and luxury appointments that you rarely find in this type of model. The result is a vehicle that is perfect for commuters who want to enjoy the ride to work, and young families looking for more upscale details in their subcompact SUV.

Buick is known for always innovating, making their models better. This is certainly the case with the 2026 Buick Encore GX, which offers a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine as the primary powertrain in most configurations. This means you get the same great engine no matter which one you choose, while also offering options to choose the performance profile that works best for your needs.

At Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia, we are happy to offer you this impressive model. Our friendly sales team will go over all of your options so you can choose one that you are sure to love.

A Standard Engine for All Trims

Since its introduction in 2020, the Buick Encore GX has offered two engines. The Preferred model got a smaller engine on its front-wheel drive editions, while all other trims came with a larger engine. This meant that drivers had to pay more to get the larger engine, whether by paying for all-wheel drive on the Preferred trim of the Encore GX or moving up to the mid-level Sport Touring trim. However, that is no longer the case.

For the 2026 Encore GX, Buick has made the larger standard on all models. This means that you will get a 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo I-3 on your Encore GX, no matter which trim and drivetrain you choose.

This is actually a fairly big deal for drivers. The difference in output between the two engines that were formerly available on the Encore GX is quite substantial. The 1.2.-liter EcoTec Turbo I-3 engine delivered 137 hp at 5000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 2500 RPM. This is significantly less than the 155 hp at 5600 RPM and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1600 RPM you will get from the 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo I-3 gas engine.

Improved Performance Across the Lineup

Making the 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo I-3 the standard engine across the lineup gives you great performance, no matter which trim you choose. The 2026 Encore GX with the 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo engine can go from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds. While that won’t win any races, it is certainly enough acceleration to safely get up to speed and merge into traffic during rush hour.

In contrast, the 2025 Encore GX Preferred with the smaller 1.2-liter EcoTec Turbo engine suffered from reduced performance. It could take up to 10.4 seconds to reach 60 mph in that model. That is rather sluggish, which is why drivers will be happy to now get the 2026 Encore GX Preferred with better output courtesy of the 1.3-liter engine.

Same Great Fuel Efficiency

One of the main reasons why folks choose to drive subcompact SUVs is their exceptional fuel efficiency. When you drive a subcompact SUV, you get the roominess and versatility of an SUV, while also getting the gas mileage of a compact model. This is certainly the case with the Encore GX.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, there is no real difference between the Encore GX with the 1.2-liter Turbo engine and the 1.3-liter Turbo engine with front-wheel drive. Both models get 30 MPG combined. They both get up to 31 MPG on the highway. The only difference is that the 2025 Encore GX with the 1.2-liter Turbo engine gets 30 MPG in city driving, while the 2026 Encore GX gets 29 MPG.

In other words, you are not losing any fuel efficiency when you buy a 2026 Encore GX. In this time of spiraling gas prices, it is good to know that this model will help you save money on your daily commute.

Two Great Options on the 2026 Encore GX

Buick has an interesting approach to the transmission and drivetrain on the Encore GX. When you buy a 2026 model, you get the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This is common to subcompact SUVs. What is uncommon is that each model has a different transmission.

The 2026 Encore GX with front-wheel drive has a continuous variable transmission (CVT). This constantly adjusts engine speed to driving conditions. If you opt for the available all-wheel drive on your 2026 Encore GX, you will get a vehicle equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This is because Buick understands the performance needs of both types of drivers.

In general, people who are looking for a front-wheel drive vehicle are most concerned with fuel economy. This is reflected in the very impressive 30 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2026 Encore GX with front-wheel drive. Drivers who want all-wheel drive are willing to sacrifice a little fuel efficiency for better traction, handling, and performance. As a result, the 2026 Encore GX with all-wheel drive gets 27 MPG combined. This is a solid number, but not as impressive as the front-wheel drive model.

A New Studio for the Encore GX

In addition to making the 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo engine standard across the entire Encore GX lineup, Buick has another exciting thing for folks interested in this small SUV. The brand is offering a new Studio Series package on the all-wheel drive addition of the Sport Touring trim. This adds cool looks to go along with the model’s sporty design.

Each 2026 Encore GX Sport Touring Studio model comes with a unique ceramic exterior color. This is offset by a black roof, black sideview mirrors, and black roof rails, adding contrast to the ceramic paint. The vehicle rides on a set of 19-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels wrapped with all-season tires, delivering improved highway performance.

Buick carries these looks into the Sport Touring Studio’s interior. The ebony seats feature Whisper Beige stitching. The front seats and steering wheel are heated, which will come in handy on your morning commute on a chilly day. The driver’s seat has two-way power lumbar support, providing added comfort on long drives. You also get a sport pedal kit featuring brushed, polished metal pedals that have raised rubber traction surfaces for better grip.

The Studio Series package is not just about exceptional looks. You also get improved technology on this model. The Buick driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts your Encore GX’s speed to match traffic conditions. You also get Rear Park Assist, which will help guide your Encore GX into a tight parallel parking space.

The infotainment system has an 11-inch touchscreen that features HD Surround Vision, giving you more viewing space when you are in reverse. You can connect your smartphone to the infotainment system on the 2026 Buick Encore Sport Touring Studio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard wireless smartphone charging pad will keep your phone charged, so you don’t have to worry about wireless connectivity depleting your phone’s battery.

Buick finishes off the Studio Series package with a power liftgate, panoramic power moonroof, and a set of all-weather floor mats. These are the types of comfort and convenience features that Buick is known for, and which make the Sport Touring Studio a great option for folks interested in driving a 2026 Encore GX.

Make Your Next SUV a 2026 Encore GX

By making the 1.3-liter EcoTec Turbo engine standard on all 2026 Encore GX models, Buick has given drivers the efficient performance they love in this vehicle without paying extra to experience it. This is why Buick stands out among brands for its attention to detail and the overall driving experience it provides its customers. Come in today and see why your next subcompact SUV should be a 2026 Buick Encore GX!