Complete current model dossier
2026 Buick Encore
Car and Driver says apart from a new Brilliant Red exterior color option and a newly available 16-inch spare wheel, the Encore GX carries over into 2026 unchanged. Power comes from a base 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder or an optional 1.3-liter version. MSRP runs $27,995-$35,095. MotorTrend adds a standard tire inflator kit now replaces the previous standard spare tire (which becomes optional), the rear cargo net has been discontinued, and Brilliant Red paint replaces Cinnabar Metallic; MotorTrend lists competitors as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V, noting the Encore GX is the least expensive way to get an AWD SUV from Buick.
Configurations3
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency27–30 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers15
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says apart from a new Brilliant Red exterior color option and a newly available 16-inch spare wheel, the Encore GX carries over into 2026 unchanged.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) adds that a tire inflator kit is now standard and replaces the previous standard spare tire, which becomes optional, and the rear cargo net has been discontinued.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $27,995-$35,095. The Encore GX lineup relies on a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a base 1.2-liter making 137 horsepower and an optional 1.3-liter.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Encore GX is the least expensive way to get an AWD SUV from Buick, competing in the subcompact SUV segment against the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a new Brilliant Red color option and a newly available 16-inch spare wheel.
How much does the 2026 Buick Encore GX cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $27,995 to $35,095.
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49479Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Regular | 26 | 28 | 27 | N/A |
| 49441Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 29 | 31 | 30 | N/A |
| 49440Encore GX FWD FFV | 1.2L 3-cyl SIDI; FFVFFV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Gasoline or E85 | 30 | 31 | 30 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
17 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Buick Encore versus the 2025 Buick Encore?
Model year
Against the 2025 Buick Encore: Model/option labels added: Encore GX FWD FFV.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02Which current models share the 2026 Buick Encore's EPA class?
Comparison
Class peers of the 2026 Buick Encore in the current EPA data include 2026 Acura MDX, 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, 2025 Cadillac XT4, 2026 Cadillac XT5, 2025 Cadillac XT6, 2027 Chevrolet Blazer, and 46 more.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q03Which engine oil does each 2026 Buick Encore engine take?
Maintenance
The 2026 Buick Encore owner's manual lists SAE 0W-20 for the 1.2L L3 Gas Engine (4.2 US quarts), and SAE 0W-20 for the 1.3L L3 Gas Engine (4.8 US quarts). Source: 2026 Buick Encore owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q04What torque do the 2026 Buick Encore's wheel nuts need?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Buick Encore owner's manual gives 100 lb-ft as the wheel-nut tightening torque. Source: 2026 Buick Encore owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q05Is the 2026 Buick Encore front-, rear- or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive standard with CVT; all-wheel drive available with 9-speed automatic, +$1,605 Preferred / +$1,600 Sport Touring and Avenir. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in carsdirect.com/buick/encore-gx/2026/specs and cars.com research page agree on FWD stand…, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q06What fuel does the 2026 Buick Encore take?
Fuel
It runs on regular unleaded. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in carsdirect.com/buick/encore-gx/2026/specs, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q07What infotainment system does the 2026 Buick Encore have?
Technology
The infotainment system is 11-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in carsdirect.com trim feature summary and cars.com research page agree, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q08What driver display does the 2026 Buick Encore have?
Technology
The driver display is 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in carsdirect.com trim feature summary, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09Does the 2026 Buick Encore come with roadside assistance?
Warranty
Roadside assistance is included for included, 24/7/365; towing, lockout, flat-tire change, jump-start and fuel delivery. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in GM-wide published roadside program.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10What does the 2026 Buick Encore's first maintenance visit include?
Maintenance
The first maintenance visit is documented as one covered visit in the first 12 months: oil change, multi-point inspection, four-tire rotation; air filters excluded. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in GM-wide published first-visit program, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11How often does the 2026 Buick Encore need an oil change?
Maintenance
The oil-change interval is every 7,500 miles, or every 5,000 miles / 6 months under severe conditions (towing, extensive idling, stop-and-go, extreme heat/cold/dust). Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in secondary-source aggregate of Buick's published maintenance schedule (matches GM's unif…, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12How often should the 2026 Buick Encore's tires be rotated?
Maintenance
Tire rotation is every 7,500 miles, alongside the oil change. Documented for the 2026 Buick Encore in secondary-source aggregate, read 2026-09-09.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13How did the 2026 Buick Encore do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Buick Encore: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2020-26, 2021-26, 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q14What is the MSRP of the 2026 Buick Encore?
Specifications
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Buick Encore at an MSRP of $27,295.
Source: MotorTrend model-year specification page
Q15How quickly does the 2026 Buick Encore accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Specifications
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Buick Encore: 8.8 seconds for the 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir (Car and Driver) and 8.9 seconds for the 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir (Motor Trend).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Buick Encore.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Buick Encore across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Towing and traileringWhen a weight-distribution hitch is requiredRoutine →Diesel ownershipDiesel is hard to start in cold weatherSoon →Body, water and noiseWater collects on the front passenger floorSoon →Body, water and noiseMusty smell when the climate system startsSoon →Seasonal and storageRoad-salt underbody washing and corrosion checksRoutine →Warning lightsBattery or charging-system warning while drivingSoon →