Buick has embarked on a journey to rejuvenate its lineup, aiming to capture the attention of a younger, style-conscious demographic. The 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir, on the surface, seems to embody this fresh approach with its contemporary design and upscale features. However, beneath the glossy veneer, it struggles with deeper issues that may leave potential buyers questioning its true value. 

AESTHETICS OVER AUTHENTICITY 

At first glance, the 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir exudes a sense of modern elegance. The exterior has been reimagined to align with Buick’s latest design language, mirroring the aesthetics of the all-new Envista. The vehicle sports an updated front fascia with a more prominent grille, sleek LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned rear featuring stylish new LED taillights.

Yet, despite the exterior glow-up, there’s an awkward internal competition within Buick’s lineup. The Encore GX and the Envista, although differing in size slightly, occupy a similar space, raising questions about the strategic intent behind these models. The Encore GX, with its premium aspirations, finds itself in a perplexing position, overshadowed by the larger but cheaper and just as well equipped Envista.  

 A FAMILIAR POWERTRAIN

Beneath the hood, the 2025 Encore GX houses a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. This engine, carried over from the previous model, produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. While these figures might sound respectable on paper, the real-world experience tells a different story. 

LIKES: peppy little engine, competent ride quality, attractive interior & exterior refresh 

The power delivery is adequate for city driving, and the turbocharger does its best to make the small engine feel lively. However, acceleration is leisurely, taking nearly nine seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. The CVT, notorious for its high-revving, droning nature, attempts to simulate traditional gear shifts but ultimately fails to mask the inherent flaws of the powertrain. Compounding the issue is the lack of all-wheel drive, a feature available in the mechanically similar Chevrolet Trailblazer but conspicuously absent from the Encore GX.

PREMIUM IN APPERANCE, LACKING IN SUBSTANCE 

Stepping inside the 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir, the cabin initially impresses with its modern layout and premium aspirations. The dashboard is dominated by a large, single-pane glass panel that houses both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, giving the interior a tech-forward vibe. Our example with its white faux leather seats further enhances the illusion of luxury. However, upon closer inspection, the cracks in the Encore GX’s veneer begin to show. The screens, though stylishly integrated, are smaller than they appear, and the faux leather gives way to cloth fabric in areas less visible to the eye. The interior space is tight, particularly in the rear seats, where passengers may find legroom limited. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as some of its competitors, like the Dodge Hornet, but it also doesn’t offer the spaciousness one might expect from a vehicle in its class. 

The Encore GX’s premium aspirations are further undermined by the absence of features typically found in this segment. Automatic climate control, a feature that is standard in the less expensive Envista, is only available in the top-tier Avenir trim of the Encore GX. Rear-seat passengers are also left wanting, with no air vents or charging ports, a glaring omission in a vehicle that purports to offer a premium experience. 

THE HARSH REALITY

Perhaps the most significant challenge facing the 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir is its pricing. The base model, starting at $26,895, offers a smaller 1.2-liter engine and fewer features, making it a reasonably affordable option for those seeking entry into the Buick brand. However, the Avenir trim, with its additional options, pushes the price to $35,485—a figure that places it in direct competition with vehicles that offer more premium features and performance.  

Herein lies the Encore GX’s conundrum: it is neither affordable enough to compete with mainstream subcompact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V, nor premium enough to stand toe-to-toe with luxury subcompacts like the Lexus UX 250h or Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. Buick’s attempt to straddle the line between mainstream and luxury leaves the Encore GX in an uncomfortable middle ground, where it struggles to justify its price premium. 

DISKLIKES: Lower than expected MPG, cramped interior, not as premium as a Buick should be  

The internal competition within Buick’s own lineup only exacerbates the issue. The Envista Avenir, which offers similar features and a more spacious interior, is priced a full $5,000 less than the Encore GX Avenir. This price discrepancy raises difficult questions about the value proposition of the Encore GX, especially when consumers could opt for the larger, better-equipped Envista for significantly less. 

The 2025 Buick Encore GX Avenir is a vehicle caught between Buick’s ambitions and the harsh realities of the automotive market. Its fashionable design and updated interior give it the appearance of a modern, premium crossover, but these superficial enhancements cannot hide the fundamental flaws that lie beneath. The aging powertrain, lack of essential features, and cramped interior space undermine its premium aspirations, while its pricing positions it awkwardly against both mainstream and luxury competitors.