2026 Buick Encore GX: Preferred vs. Sport Touring vs. Avenir
2026 Buick Encore GX: Preferred vs. Sport Touring vs. Avenir
Trims, engines, EPA-rated MPG, and cargo space compared for Miami shoppers. Published 08/18/2026 · Last reviewed 08/26/2026.
Quick answer: The 2026 Buick Encore GX comes in three trims, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, with base MSRPs of $26,200, $27,400, and $31,700 (plus a $1,795 destination charge). The Preferred pairs a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder with front-wheel drive; choosing all-wheel drive on any trim, or stepping up to Sport Touring or Avenir, brings the 1.3L turbo, and all-wheel-drive models add a nine-speed automatic. All three seat five, all three offer available AWD, and every trim includes the Buick Driver Confidence suite of safety features and an 11-inch touchscreen as standard. In short: Preferred is the value pick, Sport Touring adds style and a stronger engine, and Avenir is the top, most comfortable choice.
2026 Buick Encore GX trim overview
The Encore GX is Buick's subcompact SUV, and the name "GX" stands for Grand Crossover. For 2026 the lineup is straightforward: three trims that walk up in price and equipment from the value-focused Preferred to the near-luxury Avenir. The table below shows where each trim starts and what powers it.
| Trim | Base MSRP* | Standard engine | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred | $26,200 | 1.2L turbo (FWD) | Value shoppers who want standard safety and tech |
| Sport Touring | $27,400 | 1.3L turbo | A sportier look and the stronger engine for little more money |
| Avenir | $31,700 | 1.3L turbo | Buyers who want leather, heated wheel, and the most comfort |
*Base MSRP excludes the $1,795 destination charge, taxes, title, license, and dealer fees. With destination, starting prices are approximately $27,995 (Preferred), $29,195 (Sport Touring), and $33,495 (Avenir). Final pricing is set by the dealer.
From Preferred to Avenir is about $5,500 in base MSRP before options, a meaningful walk, but each step adds real equipment rather than just badges. Sport Touring sits only about $1,200 above Preferred yet brings the larger engine and a sportier appearance, which is why many shoppers find it the sweet spot.
Engine and transmission: what actually changes
This is the point that confuses most Encore GX shoppers, so here it is plainly. The Preferred comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (around 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque) paired with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). That 1.2L is also a flex-fuel engine, so it can run on regular gasoline or E85.
Step up to Sport Touring or Avenir, or add all-wheel drive to any trim, and you get the larger 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (around 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque). On front-wheel-drive models the 1.3L keeps a CVT; when you choose all-wheel drive, the Encore GX switches to a nine-speed automatic transmission. So the simple rule is: Preferred in front-wheel drive uses the 1.2L; all-wheel drive, Sport Touring, and Avenir use the 1.3L.
For most Miami driving (city streets, causeways, and highway merges), the 1.3L's extra torque makes everyday acceleration feel more relaxed, while the 1.2L is the efficiency and value play.
EPA-rated MPG by configuration
Fuel economy is close across the front-wheel-drive engines and dips slightly with all-wheel drive. These are EPA estimates on regular gasoline.
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L, FWD, CVT | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.3L, FWD, CVT | 29 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.3L, AWD, 9-speed automatic | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
The 1.2L front-wheel-drive and 1.3L front-wheel-drive versions both land at a 30-mpg combined estimate. All-wheel drive trades a few mpg (27 combined) for added traction in heavy rain, a fair trade during South Florida's storm season.
Cargo and passenger space
Cargo capacity is identical across the three trims, so choosing Avenir over Preferred does not cost you any space. Behind the rear seats there is roughly 23.5 cubic feet of cargo volume; fold the rear seating down and that grows to about 50.2 cubic feet, enough for a Costco run, beach gear, or a weekend's worth of luggage. All three trims seat five, ride on a 102.2-inch wheelbase, and measure about 171.4 inches long, which keeps the Encore GX easy to park in Brickell garages and along Calle Ocho.
Interior and technology by trim
Every 2026 Encore GX includes an ultrawide 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch Driver Information Center, and the full Buick Driver Confidence suite of standard safety features: Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Here is what each trim adds on top.
Preferred
The value trim covers the essentials well: 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start, remote start, heated mirrors, and Buick's QuietTuning cabin insulation, alongside the standard 11-inch screen and safety suite. It is the trim tied to the smaller 1.2-liter engine in front-wheel drive.
Sport Touring
Sport Touring (ST) leans into style: 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, leatherette (synthetic-leather) seating with ST logos embroidered on the front-seat head restraints, and gloss-black exterior accents. Because it also carries the 1.3-liter turbo, it delivers both the sportier look and the stronger engine for only a small step up from Preferred.
Avenir
Avenir is the top, most premium trim. It adds perforated Leather-appointed front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and distinctive 19-inch aluminum wheels in a Pearl Nickel finish, with Avenir logos embroidered on the front-seat head restraints. Optional Avenir packages bundle features such as wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, a Rear Camera Mirror, HD Surround Vision, a hands-free power liftgate, and a Bose audio system. If your priority is comfort and a quiet, upscale cabin, this is the one.
Which trim should you choose in Miami?
Buy Preferred if you want the lowest price and are happy with the 1.2L and front-wheel drive. You still get every standard safety feature and the big touchscreen.
Buy Sport Touring if you want the stronger 1.3L engine and a sportier look without jumping to the top price, often the best balance of value and content.
Buy Avenir if leather seating, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate, and the most refined ride matter most to you.
All-wheel drive is available on any trim if you want extra grip for heavy summer downpours; just remember it moves you to the 1.3L and the nine-speed automatic and trims combined MPG to 27.
How the 2026 Encore GX compares to other subcompact SUVs
Shoppers cross-shopping the Encore GX often look at the Chevrolet Trailblazer (its platform-mate), Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek, and Nissan Kicks. Against that group, the Encore GX's pitch is a quieter, more upscale cabin, especially in Avenir trim, plus a standard safety suite on the base trim and a genuinely premium option in the lineup. If you value interior refinement and standard driver-assistance technology over outright ground clearance or off-road hardware, the Encore GX is an easy one to shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Encore GX trims?
Base MSRP runs $26,200 for Preferred, $27,400 for Sport Touring, and $31,700 for Avenir, plus a $1,795 destination charge. That is roughly $5,500 between the least and most expensive trims before options.
Is the 1.2L engine still offered on the 2026 Encore GX?
Yes. The 1.2-liter turbo remains the standard engine on the front-wheel-drive Preferred for 2026, and it is flex-fuel capable (regular gas or E85). The larger 1.3-liter turbo comes with all-wheel drive or on the Sport Touring and Avenir trims.
Does cargo space change between trims?
No. All three trims offer about 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to roughly 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Is the bigger 1.3L engine worth it?
If you regularly carry passengers or want more relaxed highway merging, the 1.3L's extra torque is noticeable. Sport Touring is the least expensive way to get it. If efficiency and price are your priorities, the 1.2L Preferred is a smart pick.
Is all-wheel drive worth it for Miami driving?
Miami does not see snow, but heavy rain is frequent. AWD adds traction and stability in wet conditions; the trade-off is a few mpg (27 combined) and a step to the 1.3L engine. Many local drivers are perfectly happy with front-wheel drive.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Encore GX?
Every trim includes the Buick Driver Confidence suite: Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
How many people does the Encore GX seat?
All 2026 Encore GX trims seat up to five passengers.
Can I test drive more than one trim at Brickell Buick GMC?
Yes. The easiest way to feel the difference between the 1.2L and 1.3L, or between leatherette and leather-appointed seats, is back-to-back drives. Contact our team and we will line up the trims you are considering.
See the 2026 Encore GX at Brickell Buick GMC
Brickell Buick GMC is located at 665 SW 8th St in Miami, on Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana, convenient to Brickell, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Doral, Miami Beach, and Key Biscayne. Our sales team can walk you through Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir side by side and help you match the right engine and drivetrain to how you drive. Sales hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.
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Pricing, specifications, and equipment are based on manufacturer-published information as of 08/26/2026 and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination charge, taxes, title, license, and dealer fees. EPA estimates are for comparison only; your mileage will vary. Confirm current pricing, availability, and equipment with Brickell Buick GMC.
About Brickell Buick GMC
Brickell Buick GMC is a Buick and GMC dealership at 665 SW 8th St in Miami, serving Brickell, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and the surrounding communities with new and pre-owned vehicles, financing, and Certified Service.