The slightly larger version of the Buick Encore, the Buick Encore GX, is one of the automaker’s best-selling models. In fact, 2021 sales figures showed it was about three times more popular than its smaller counterpart. Additionally, it accounted for nearly half of the brand’s total sales in the U.S. However, evidence suggests the automaker isn’t putting much effort into it, especially since the 2023 model year adds only an optional expensive color option and nothing else.

2023 Buick Encore GX specs and features

According to Buick, the 2023 Encore GX is offered in three trim levels, i.e., Select, Essence, and Preferred. Concerning exterior styling, buyers can even pick the Sport Touring Edition, which adds details like bumpers with red accents, 18″ high gloss wheels, a custom grille, etc. Additionally, there’s the Black Roof package.

Under the subcompact SUV’s hood, you get the option of a 1.2L inline-three or a 1.3L inline-three engine, both of which are turbocharged. The former produces 137 horsepower while the latter gets 155 horsepower, with the torque figures being 162 lb-ft and 174 lb-ft, respectively. Depending on whether you go for FWD or AWD, you could get a CVT transmission or a nine-speed automatic.

Also worth noting is that these are the same engine options in the 2022 model year vehicle. Consequently, buyers of the five-seater SUV may end up with the same 9.3-second 0-60 mph acceleration that Car and Driver clocked in the 2022 version of the vehicle.  

On the dashboard, you find an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen for the infotainment system in all three trims. Seat upholstery depends on the trim, and buyers either get full leather or cloth seats with leatherette trimming.

Some standard safety features of the Buick Encore GX include Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, etc. Other standard inclusions are daylight driving lamps and a flat-folding front passenger seat. Also, with the FWD options, the vehicle is expected to offer a combined 30 mpg, while the AWD alternatives have an EPA-estimated 27 mpg fuel economy.

The changes to the 2023 Encore GX

There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of updates for the 2023 Buick Encore GX SUV compared to the previous model year. The engine options, styling, interior, etc., are all the same, and a similar trend can be seen in the color options.

Notably, the 2022 version of the SUV came in eight color options, including Summit White, White Frost Tricoat, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Sunset Glow Metallic, Rosewood Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, and Cinnabar Metallic. According to Car and Driver, the last four were introduced in the 2022 model year.

As for 2023, there’s the addition of the color option Moonstone Gray Metallic, and buyers will have to pay extra for it. Inside the car, the Whisper Beige, Signet, and Ebony color options found in previous model years are likely to remain.

The Buick Encore GX current generation and buyer expectations

It’s worth mentioning that the Buick Encore GX is still in its first generation after debuting in the market in 2020. Consequently, fans of the SUV were likely expecting a redesign and will be disappointed for the 2023 model year.

Nevertheless, considering the sales figures for the model, it may be that Buick doesn’t want to interfere with a winning formula. After all, a new design could end up being a flop with the consumer base.

According to Motor1, some cars expected to get exterior updates for the 2023 model year include the Kia Niro and Honda HR-V. There’s also the Genesis G90, with the automaker having previously updated the design in 2020.