The Cheapest New Luxury SUV Is an Overlooked Hidden Gem
With elegant styling, premium features, comfortable cabins, and high-quality craftsmanship, luxury SUVs are appealing vehicles. However, they’re typically expensive and beyond most car shoppers’ budgets. But there’s an exception. It’s the 2023 Buick Encore GX, the cheapest new luxury SUV. In a sea of rivals that get more fanfare, the Encore GX is an overlooked hidden gem.
The 2023 Buick Encore GX is the cheapest new luxury SUV
Buick starts the 2023 Buick Encore GX at $25,900, making it the cheapest new luxury SUV. The next most affordable new luxury SUVs are also Buick models. They are the 2023 Encore GX Sport Touring ($27,495), the 2023 Envision ($33,400), and the 2023 Envision Sport Touring ($35,340).
Here are the 10 cheapest new luxury SUVs, in order of lowest to highest MSRP:
- 2023 Buick Encore GX: $25,900
- 2023 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring: $27,495
- 2023 Buick Envision: $33,400
- 2023 Buick Envision Sport Touring: $35,340
- 2023 Lexus UX: $35,925
- 2023 Cadillac XT4: $36,295
- 2023 Volvo XC40: $36,350
- 2023 BMW X2: $36,600
- 2023 Audi Q3: $36,800
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: $37,500
Beyond the Buick lineup, the next cheapest is the 2023 Lexus UX ($35,925), followed by the 2023 Cadillac XT4 ($36,295) and the 2023 Volvo XC40 ($36,350). However, if you want the most affordable new luxury SUV, the Encore GX is the way to go.
The 2023 Buick Encore GX offers plenty despite not being the most popular luxury SUV
The 2023 Buick Encore GX sits in the shadows of many other luxury SUVs. One reason American consumers overlook this SUV is that the car brand is not as popular as it once was in the United States. Though China loves Buick, the automaker’s U.S. sales are low. Stateside, luxury marques like BMW and Mercedes-Benz get much more attention than Buick.
However, the Encore GX’s unpopularity contributes to its affordability. Lower demand results in a lower price. But despite its affordability, this small luxury SUV offers plenty. For instance, it has upscale styling. And the low cost doesn’t mean inferior quality either. J.D. Power gave the 2023 Encore GX a “great” Quality & Reliability rating of 90/100. That high score is rare.
Also, the Encore GX has good driving dynamics. J.D. Power also gave it a “great” Driving Experience score of 84/100. The data analytics firm describes the luxury SUV as fun to drive in the city, thanks to its tight turning radius and excellent maneuverability. It also has a lively optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Though it won’t impress in a drag race, the Encore GX has ample acceleration for highway passing.
Additionally, the Encore GX provides a quiet ride thanks to its Buick QuietTuning and active noise-cancellation technologies. Plus, it has generous cargo space for a subcompact crossover.
Furthermore, this luxury SUV gets decent gas mileage, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. Those fuel savings enhance the Encore GX’s affordability.
What’s new in the 2023 and 2024 models?
The 2023 Encore GX is a carryover model. The only addition is the Moonstone Gray Metallic exterior paint color. However, the luxury SUV’s 2024 model will get a refreshed design. It includes sportier exterior styling and a revamped cabin with the new Virtual Cockpit System. Starting at $26,895, the redesigned 2024 Encore GX will cost nearly $1,000 more than the 2023 model.
The affordable 2023 Buick Encore GX is a budget-friendly premium crossover. It’s the cheapest new luxury SUV — and an overlooked gem due to its many positive attributes.
