When Buick announced that it was going to focus solely on building SUVs and would be adding to that lineup with a larger version of its subcompact SUV, the Encore, many folks may have raised an eyebrow or two. The Encore GX sounded like a niche vehicle to fit in between the smaller Encore and larger Envision. However, with the 2022 Buick Encore GX, the company is taking a step toward exploiting the popularity of this model, which has quickly become the most popular vehicle manufactured by Buick.
This may have something to do with the fact that the Encore GX gives you more overall trunk space than the Encore, a full 50.2 cubic feet as compared to 48.4 cubic feet on the smaller SUV. It could be due to the roomy interior, with plenty of space for up to 5 passengers. It may be due to the sportier performance of the Encore GX when compared to the other models in Buick’s lineup. Whatever the reason, the Encore GX is now Buick’s flagship model, and it doesn’t appear likely that this SUV will be handing over the reins any time soon, not if the 2022 model is any indication. As Duncan Aldred, the vice president of Global Buick and GMC, makes clear, “As we look to the future of Buick, the Encore GX positions us strongly as a consideration for those who want to purchase small or compact SUVs.”
What’s New for 2022?
As with other automakers, Buick is constantly making incremental innovations to its lineup of great SUVs. This is certainly the case with the 2022 Buick Encore GX. While Buick will retain the three trim levels on the Encore GX, running from the entry-level Preferred to the mid-level Select and then to the fully loaded Essence, it is also offering the 2022 Encore GX in two special editions. The Black Roof Package adds a black-colored roof to the model for a two-tone look. The Sport Touring features integrated roof rails, and an exclusive grille, giving this SUV a more sophisticated look.
Unlike prior years, Buick has decided to go with one standard engine on all models of the 2022 Encore GX. Gone is the 1.2-liter Turbo I-3 gas engine. Instead, you will get the more powerful and, surprisingly, fuel-efficient 1.3-liter Turbo I-3 engine. This features a selectable stop/start system to reduce emissions while improving overall fuel economy. It is selectable in the sense that you can easily disengage the system if you don’t like driving with the engine turning off every time you bring the Encore GX to a complete stop. Admittedly, driving with a stop/start system does take a little getting used to and requires that you anticipate light changes.
Just like the prior models of the Encore GX, Buick pairs the 1.3-liter Turbo I-3 engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on front-wheel drive models, which does not have set gear speeds. Instead, a CVT constantly adjusts your engine’s speed to driving conditions. Also, Buick offers a 9-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel drive models of the 2022 Encore GX that is electronically controlled, giving you more control over the engine performance on your Encore GX.
Buick has also added a number of new exterior colors to the 2022 Encore GX. If you’d like to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd, you can choose from Cinnabar Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, Sunset Glow Metallic, and Rosewood Metallic. Each is available for a nominal extra charge, and join the other palette colors available for your Encore GX. Whichever you choose, your 2022 Encore GX is sure to look hot, and you’ll have fun deciding between the three interior options of ebony with ebony accents, signet with ebony accents, and whisper beige with ebony accents.
Saving You Money at the Gas Pump
The 2022 Buick Encore GX continues this model’s tradition of providing you with exceptional fuel economy. With gas prices spiking nationwide, it’s good to know that you are going to save some money with the Encore GX as it provides you with great mileage each time you fill up, so you’ll spend less time and money at the service station and more time going places in your Encore GX, while you can use that money to buy tickets to a sporting event or concert.
This model is offered in standard all-wheel drive with available selectable all-wheel drive, which allows you to adjust the traction on your Encore GX to better suit situations like rain, sleet, snow, and clear highway driving. This gives you the ability to provide all-wheel drive traction when you need it, as well as front-wheel drive fuel economy when you’re driving on the highway. The standard front-wheel drive 2022 Encore GX is expected to deliver 29 miles per gallon in city driving, 32 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 30 miles per gallon. If you go for the selectable all-wheel drive on your 2022 Encore GX, you can expect to get 26 miles per gallon in city driving, 29 miles per gallon while out on the highway, and 27 miles per gallon combined. All of this great fuel economy means saving money for you!
Setting Safety Standards
When Buick debuted the Encore GX for the 2020 model year, it was determined to make safety standard on all models of this subcompact SUV. This included providing standard active safety features on all models of the Encore GX. Buick continues this with the 2022 model.
Each 2022 Encore GX is equipped with an amazing assortment of driver assistance and safety features, all part of the standard Buick Driver Confidence package. The Standard HD Rear Vision Camera gives you a clear picture behind your Encore GX on the 8-inch touchscreen when you put your vehicle in reverse. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning will alert you if your Encore GX strays across the line and will use slight adjustments to the steering to keep in your lane.
Automatic Emergency Braking will engage if the system detects an imminent collision and will provide additional braking force in an emergency situation. This will reduce the chances and damage from a crash. Front Pedestrian Braking will automatically engage the Encore GX’s brakes if the system detects a pedestrian in your path. Similarly, Forward Collision Alert will sound if the system thinks you are about to crash into the car in front of you. To avoid this, the Following Distance Indicator will let you know if you are following the vehicle in front of you too closely. Finally, IntelliBeam headlights automatically engage when you enter a particularly dark part of the road and then will turn off when the system detects another vehicle to avoid distracting another driver.
Buick’s decision to equip every model of the 2022 Encore GX with the standard Buick Driver Confidence Package has paid off in greater safety for drivers and passengers of this SUV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Encore GX all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models 5-star overall safety ratings for 2021, including 5-stars for frontal and side-impact crash tests.
Get a 2022 Buick Encore GX Before the Next Curtain Falls
The 2022 Buick Encore GX provides you with plenty of benefits, from a gorgeous and roomy interior cabin to an exceptionally fuel-efficient engine. You know you will get wherever you are going safely in a 2022 Encore GX and have a great time driving there. With all of these awesome features, the 2022 Buick Encore GX won’t be around your local Buick dealership for long. So hurry over and get your own 2022 Encore GX, and watch your passengers give you a bow after you’ve taken them out for a ride!
