They are an attractive choice for automotive buyers, with elegant designs, premium features, comfortable cabins and high quality craftsmanship. However, they tend to be expensive and are not an affordable option for most drivers. There is one exception, though. It’s the 2023 Buick subcompact, the new cheapest luxury SUV. And in a sea of name-brand models getting more hype, the Encore GX is an overlooked hidden gem.
2023 Buick Encore GX is the cheapest new luxury SUV
The 2023 Encore GX has a starting price of $25,900 MSRP, making it the cheapest new luxury SUV. The next most affordable new luxury SUVs are also Buicks: the 2023 Encore GX Sport Touring ($27,495 MSRP), the 2023 Envision ($33,400 MSRP), and the 2023 Envision Sport Touring ($35,340 MSRP).
($35,925 MSRP), followed by the 2023 Cadillac XT4 ($36,295 MSRP) and 2023 Volvo XC40: $36,350 MSRP. However, if you want the most affordable new luxury SUV available, then the Encore GX is the way to go.
Buick Encore GX gets overshadowed by other luxury SUVs, but it has a lot going for it
With many models to choose from, the 2023 Buick Encore GX is overshadowed by other luxury SUVs. Part of this oversight is because Buick isn’t as popular as it once was, at least in the United States. While the automaker is , Buick vehicle sales are low in America. In the US, brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz get much more attention, while Buick is often an afterthought.
However, the neglected nature of the Encore GX contributes to its affordability. Lower demand results in a lower price. Despite its affordability, however, it has a lot going for it and has an upmarket feel. And the low cost of the luxury SUV does not mean that it has cheap quality. In fact, the opposite is true. This is demonstrated by giving it a ‘very good’ quality and reliability rating of 90/100. It is rare for the media site to give such a high rating.
Also, the Encore GX has good driving dynamics. For driving experience, JD Power gives it a “very good” score of 84/100. The site describes the luxury SUV as fun to drive around town, especially with its tight turning circle for excellent maneuverability. It also has an optional peppy 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While it won’t blow your mind in a drag race, it does provide quick enough acceleration to make overtaking other vehicles easier.
It also offers a quiet ride, thanks to its Buick QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies. Plus, it has a generous amount of cargo space compared to many other compact SUVs. The luxury SUV also gets respectable efficiency, with gas mileage estimated at up to 30 mpg combined, adding to its affordability with fuel savings.
What’s new for Encore GX 2023?
The Encore 2023 is a carryover model. The only addition for the new model year is the Moonstone Gray Metallic exterior paint option. However, for the 2024 model year, the luxury SUV has a refreshed design. This includes sportier exterior styling and a refreshed cabin with the new Virtual Cockpit System. The redesigned 2024 version costs nearly $1,000 more than the 2023 model, with a starting price of $26,895 MSRP.
The affordable 2023 Encore GX is an affordable choice for a luxury SUV. It’s the cheapest new luxury SUV and an overlooked gem with its many positive attributes.
