As new models are released by automakers every year, all kinds of upgrades and changes are constantly being rolled out. These can range from improved performance to more modern interior styling, but one of the most exciting features to focus on is the latest technology. Today we’ll be delving into the tech of the 2023 Buick Encore GX, from standard features to advanced options.
A subcompact SUV, the Encore GX debuted for the 2020 model year. Since it’s a fairly recent addition to the Buick lineup, it has always had a good suite of infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But even over the course of a few years, automotive tech has been evolving, so let’s check in with where the Encore GX is at for the 2023 model year.
Infotainment System
At this point, it’s hard to consider a car modern if it doesn’t have a top-notch infotainment system, and Buick is well aware of that. For its main interface, the 2023 Encore GX has an eight-inch touchscreen, plus a few physical buttons and a volume knob along the bottom. You can use this infotainment center to control everything from audio and hands-free phone calls to the built-in navigation system and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Head-Up Display
The available head-up display puts key information directly into the driver’s field of vision, so you can glance at it quickly, barely taking your eyes off the road. Instead of making you look down at the dash, the head-up display pops up at the touch of a button. The display itself is transparent, so it doesn’t obstruct your view of the road, and information is projected onto it. Using simple controls to the left of the steering wheel, you can open and close the display, adjust the image position and brightness, and toggle between the four main views: speed, performance, audio/phone, and navigation.
Rear Camera Mirror
The traditional rearview mirror is an important safety feature for every vehicle, but it does have some limitations. It has to be fairly small since a larger mirror would obstruct your view of what’s ahead of you. And if you’ve loaded up too much cargo in the back or have a backseat full of tall passengers, it can render the rearview mirror nearly useless. With the Rear Camera Mirror in the 2023 Encore GX, you can switch between the traditional mirror and a camera view that shows you a wider angle behind the vehicle and lets you adjust the brightness, zoom, and vertical tilt.
Wireless Features
Cables can be a mess, especially if you have friends or family members with different types of devices in your car. Wireless features keep things simple by eliminating the possibility of getting tangled up in cords and adapters. With a wireless charging pad, any compatible device can be powered up in the center console tray. And wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to connect your smartphone to the infotainment system in the Encore GX so you can access navigation apps, messages, music, and more through the touchscreen on the dash or via voice commands.
Alexa Built-in
With Amazon Alexa Built-in, you can use voice commands to control music, navigation, and more without taking your eyes off the road. You can also keep track of things like Amazon package deliveries on the go since the service connects to your Amazon account. And if you have any smart devices at home, you can control them from your vehicle. This unlocks incredible possibilities, like being able to turn on the lights right before you arrive home on a dark night.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Whether you need it for work or play, internet access can come in handy when you’re on the go. One available feature for the 2023 Encore GX is an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to seven devices can connect at once, so the whole family can be online on the road.
Teen Driver Mode
Teaching teenagers how to drive can be difficult and nerve-wracking, even with the most responsible kids. And once they’ve learned the ropes and are able to go off on their own, you’ll want to be able to make sure that they’re practicing good driving habits and staying safe. With Teen Driver Mode, you can set audio volume and speed limits and get an in-vehicle report card that keeps you updated on how your young driver is doing.
You can also prevent certain safety features from being turned off while your teen is driving. If you share your Encore GX with your young driver and don’t want to impose all of these limits on yourself, don’t panic. You can associate the Teen Driver settings with a particular key fob, so they’ll only be in effect while your teen is behind the wheel.
Buick Connected Services
With Buick Connected Services, you can unlock the utility of the myBuick mobile app, which has features that can help you with vehicle maintenance, remote access, and more. All trim levels of the 2023 Encore GX have the capability to connect to these features, but not all of the features come free. There are a few different service plans that drivers can choose from.
The Connected Access plan is complimentary for up to 10 years for anyone who purchases a new Buick. This level includes vehicle diagnostics, which gives you a monthly report of how your vehicle is doing and real-time notifications when problems are detected. You’ll also get notifications when it’s time for routine maintenance, like an oil change or a tire rotation. Then there’s Buick Smart Driver, which provides insight into your driving habits so you can hone your skills behind the wheel.
The App Access Plan includes all of the features from Connected Access plus a few extras. This one unlocks Alexa Built-in and in-vehicle apps, including The Weather Channel, Pandora, and Spotify, so even if your smartphone is out of commission, you can still get plenty of streaming content. You’ll also get Buick Maps+, a built-in navigation system that can give you directions and traffic updates in real time.
With the Remote Access Plan, you once again get all of the features from Connected Access, though this one won’t give you Alexa, In-Vehicle Apps, or Buick Maps+. Instead, you will get the ability to control a lot of your car’s functions directly from the app. Remote Key Fob lets you remotely start your Encore GX to get the climate control going before you get inside, honk the horn to help you find it in a crowded parking lot, and lock and unlock the doors. Vehicle Locate lets you view your vehicle’s location on a map, set boundary alerts, and get arrival notifications. With Vehicle Health, you can check your fuel level, oil life, tire pressure, odometer reading, and more from your phone and schedule service through the app.
The most comprehensive suite of features is the Connected Vehicle Plan. This option gives you all of the features of the Remote Access Plan along with Buick Maps+ and In-Vehicle Apps. It also throws in Unlimited Data for the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, so you don’t need to keep track of how many gigabytes your family is burning through each road trip.
Our Overall Impression
It’s clear that Buick is working to keep pace with the latest technology. As features like connected services and onboard Wi-Fi become more common, it becomes a problem if you don’t have them available in your vehicle. While no individual feature for the 2023 Encore GX is particularly unique or cutting-edge, the overall suite of features is comprehensive and should satisfy tech-savvy drivers who are looking for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
