2027 Buick Encore GX: 155 HP Turbo, AWD, Price, MPG & Best Trim
The 2027 Buick Encore GX simplifies its engine lineup by making the stronger 155-hp 1.3-liter turbo standard, while continuing to offer front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, an 11-inch touchscreen and three distinct trims: Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir.
The biggest 2027 change is under the hood. Buick drops the previous 137-hp 1.2-liter turbo, meaning every Encore GX now starts with the more desirable 1.3-liter engine.
That makes the small Buick easier to shop and gives entry-level buyers the same core engine previously reserved for higher trims or optional configurations.
| Starting Price | About $28,695 MSRP |
| Engine | 1.3L turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 155 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft |
| FWD Transmission | CVT |
| AWD Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| AWD | Available |
| Touchscreen | 11 inches |
| Driver Display | 8 inches |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 50.2 cu. ft. |
| Seats | 5 |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 1,000 lb when properly equipped |
What's New for the 2027 Buick Encore GX?
The 2027 Encore GX is primarily a powertrain simplification rather than a full redesign.
The most important change is the removal of the smaller 1.2-liter turbo engine.
For 2027, the stronger 1.3-liter turbo becomes the standard engine throughout the lineup.
Key points include:
- 1.2L turbo discontinued
- 1.3L turbo now standard
- 155 hp across the lineup
- 174 lb-ft of torque
- FWD or available AWD
- CVT with FWD
- 9-speed automatic with AWD
- Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims continue
- 11-inch touchscreen remains a major standard feature
155-HP 1.3L Turbo Is Now Standard
Every 2027 Encore GX uses Buick's 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
It produces 155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque.
The torque arrives low in the rev range, which helps the small SUV feel reasonably responsive in normal urban driving.
Is 155 HP Enough?
The Encore GX is not designed as a performance SUV.
Independent testing of the same 1.3-liter AWD powertrain has put 0–60 mph at roughly 8.8 seconds.
That is adequate for commuting, highway merging and normal family use, but buyers looking for genuinely quick acceleration should consider a more powerful compact SUV.
FWD Gets a CVT
Front-wheel-drive Encore GX models use a continuously variable transmission.
This configuration is likely to appeal most to buyers who prioritize fuel economy and lower purchase cost.
AWD Gets a 9-Speed Automatic
Choosing all-wheel drive changes more than traction.
AWD models use a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the CVT.
That can give the AWD version a more traditional shifting feel, which some drivers may prefer.
FWD vs AWD: Which Should You Buy?
| Priority | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price | FWD | Lower-cost configuration |
| Best fuel economy | FWD | Generally more efficient |
| Snow / winter traction | AWD | Additional driven axle improves traction |
| Traditional automatic feel | AWD | Uses a 9-speed automatic rather than CVT |
2027 Encore GX MPG
The latest Buick figures for this powertrain family have been approximately:
| Drivetrain | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|
| FWD | About 29 mpg | About 31 mpg |
| AWD | About 26 mpg | About 28 mpg |
11-Inch Touchscreen
One of the strongest standard features is Buick's 11-inch HD infotainment touchscreen.
It supports:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Voice commands
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability with compatible service
For an SUV in this price range, the standard display size remains competitive.
8-Inch Digital Driver Display
An 8-inch Driver Information Center sits ahead of the driver and works alongside the central touchscreen.
The combined screen arrangement gives the Encore GX a more modern dashboard than many budget-oriented small SUVs.
Buick QuietTuning
Buick's positioning is slightly different from mainstream rivals such as the Trax or Trailblazer.
QuietTuning technology focuses on reducing unwanted road, wind and powertrain noise.
That quieter cabin is one of the reasons the Encore GX can appeal to buyers who want a more refined small crossover without moving into a much more expensive luxury brand.
Preferred, Sport Touring or Avenir?
| Trim | Main Focus | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred | Value | 155-hp turbo, 18-inch wheels, 11-inch touchscreen, core safety tech |
| Sport Touring | Style | Gloss-black accents, ST appearance, black wheels, flat-bottom steering wheel |
| Avenir | Luxury | Leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, 19-inch wheels |
Preferred: Best Value
Preferred is the logical choice for buyers who want the Encore GX's core strengths without paying heavily for appearance or luxury upgrades.
For 2027, it becomes more appealing because the 155-hp 1.3L engine is now standard rather than optional.
Sport Touring: Best Balance
Sport Touring adds a more aggressive appearance without pushing pricing as high as Avenir.
Typical ST upgrades include:
- 18-inch gloss-black wheels
- Gloss-black grille details
- Dark exterior accents
- ST badging
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Sportier seat detailing
Avenir: Small-SUV Luxury
Avenir is the premium Encore GX.
It typically adds:
- Perforated leather-appointed front seats
- Avenir embroidery
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 19-inch wheels
- Premium exterior trim
The question is whether buyers value those features enough to justify moving well above the base price.
Which Encore GX Trim Should You Buy?
50.2 Cubic Feet of Maximum Cargo Space
The Encore GX offers approximately 23.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row.
Folding the rear seats increases maximum volume to about 50.2 cubic feet.
A configurable cargo floor helps owners make better use of the available space.
Flat-Folding Front Passenger Seat
One useful feature is the flat-folding front passenger seatback on supported trims.
That allows longer objects to extend farther into the cabin than they could in many similarly sized SUVs.
Five-Passenger Interior
The Encore GX seats five.
The front seats provide the most comfortable space, while the second row is better suited to normal adults or children rather than buyers expecting midsize-SUV room.
Buick Driver Confidence
Every Encore GX includes Buick's core Driver Confidence safety suite.
Key systems include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
Available Safety and Convenience Tech
Depending on trim and package, the Encore GX can also offer:
- Surround-view camera system
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Bose premium audio
Up to 1,000 Pounds of Towing
When properly equipped with the available trailering hardware, the Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
That is enough for a small utility trailer or lightweight recreational equipment, but it is not designed for heavy towing.
2027 Encore GX vs Chevrolet Trax
Because both vehicles come from General Motors, this is an important comparison.
| Feature | Buick Encore GX | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | More premium | Value-focused |
| AWD | Available | Not available |
| Power | 155 hp | Final 2027 spec pending |
| Max Cargo | 50.2 cu. ft. | 54.1 cu. ft. |
| Touchscreen | 11 inches | 11.3 inches |
| Best For | Refinement + AWD | Lower-cost road use |
Choose Trax if value and cargo space matter most.
Choose Encore GX if you want AWD, a quieter cabin and more premium trim options.
Also read: 2027 Chevrolet Trax Guide .
Encore GX vs Chevrolet Trailblazer
Trailblazer and Encore GX share a similar overall size class but target different buyers.
The Trailblazer Z71 places more emphasis on light off-road capability, while the Buick focuses more on refinement, comfort and premium presentation.
If you need snow and mild off-road hardware, Trailblazer Z71 is the more adventurous choice.
If you want AWD without rugged styling, Encore GX is the cleaner fit.
Also read: 2027 Chevrolet Trailblazer Z71 .
Encore GX vs Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is one of the tougher comparisons because it offers available AWD and a stronger optional turbo powertrain.
| Area | Encore GX | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Power | 155 hp | 147 hp |
| Available Higher Output | No | 190 hp turbo |
| AWD | Available | Available |
| Hybrid | No announced hybrid | Hybrid coming |
| Main Advantage | Refinement | Powertrain choice |
Also read: 2027 Kia Seltos Guide .
Should You Buy the 2027 Encore GX?
The 2027 model makes more sense than before because Buick has eliminated the weaker engine.
You should consider it if:
- You want a small SUV with available AWD
- You prefer a quieter, more refined cabin
- You want a large standard touchscreen
- You prefer traditional SUV proportions
- You want a more upscale alternative to Trax or Trailblazer
You may want to shop elsewhere if:
- You want strong acceleration
- You need more than 1,000 lb of towing capacity
- You want hybrid fuel economy
- You want maximum cargo room for the money
Should You Buy a Discounted 2026 Instead?
This is a particularly important question for the Encore GX.
The 2027 model's main mechanical advantage is that the 155-hp engine becomes standard.
If you find a heavily discounted 2026 Sport Touring or Avenir with the same 1.3-liter engine, it may offer very similar everyday performance for less money.
However, a 2026 Preferred equipped with the older 1.2-liter engine is less attractive compared with the standardized 2027 powertrain.
What Still Needs Final Confirmation?
- Final official Buick 2027 trim pricing
- Final destination charge
- Final 2027 EPA ratings
- Exact option-package pricing
- Any late model-year equipment changes
- Real-world pricing after dealer discounts
DriveSpecLab Take
The 2027 Buick Encore GX becomes a simpler and better product by eliminating its weakest engine.
Making the 155-hp 1.3L turbo standard means every buyer now gets the powertrain that made the most sense in earlier model years.
The Encore GX still is not fast, but performance is adequate for daily commuting and the available AWD system gives it an advantage over front-wheel-drive-only alternatives such as the Chevrolet Trax.
Its strongest selling points remain the quiet cabin, large standard touchscreen, traditional SUV shape and more premium Avenir trim.
The Sport Touring looks like the best overall choice because it adds meaningful visual upgrades without moving as far into luxury pricing as Avenir.
The biggest threat comes from less expensive mainstream rivals that offer more cargo space, stronger engines or hybrid options.
So the Encore GX makes the most sense for buyers who value refinement and AWD more than raw performance or maximum practicality.
2027 Buick Encore GX FAQ
How much does the 2027 Buick Encore GX cost?
Current 2027 model-year listings place the starting MSRP at approximately $28,695. Check Buick's final consumer pricing and destination charge before purchase.
How much horsepower does it have?
Every 2027 Encore GX uses a 1.3L turbo engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Did Buick discontinue the 1.2L engine?
Yes. The smaller 137-hp 1.2L turbo is no longer offered for 2027.
Does the Encore GX have AWD?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available across the Encore GX lineup.
What transmission does it use?
Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while AWD models use a 9-speed automatic transmission.
What MPG does the Encore GX get?
Recent figures for the 1.3L powertrain are around 29/31 mpg city/highway with FWD and 26/28 mpg with AWD. Final 2027 EPA labels should be checked.
How much cargo space does it have?
Maximum cargo volume is approximately 50.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.
How much can the Encore GX tow?
When properly equipped, maximum towing capacity is up to 1,000 pounds.
Which Encore GX trim is best?
Preferred offers the strongest value, Sport Touring provides the best balance of style and price, and Avenir is aimed at buyers prioritizing luxury equipment.
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Browse Car Database →2027 model-year information reflects data available as of October 13, 2026. Buick's full dedicated 2027 consumer specification page was not yet available when this guide was updated, so final pricing, destination charges, EPA ratings and equipment should be confirmed before purchase.
