The Buick Enclave: An Evolution

Have you ever wondered why there are so many SUVs on the road and how many of those are Buick vehicles? Being one of the sturdiest cars on the road, SUVs (that allow you to sit higher, have a better view of the road ahead, and are fitted with standard safety technology to keep you informed) are popular for many people and for different reasons as these cars are truly versatile for the everyday routine and the “not-so” daily routine. Unsurprisingly, you can store many items in their cargo holds, travel long or short distances (some off-road), and fit up to eight people in a single ride! Plus, with different trim options and upgrades, these cars become even more attractive. SUVs are amazing, aren’t they? Get ready to become even more impressed as we discuss the Buick Encore from its earlier model years until now. Keep reading to discover why this SUV will make the perfect ride for you and your family. Then, you will be able to confidently search for your next ride at a used Buick dealership near you. While we discuss used vehicles, that does not mean we will skip getting a sneak peek at the 2024 model to see how previous models compare to it. We will also examine which model year the masses prefer and if any model year of the Encore has gained awards since being on the market. Plus, find out who is driving this car. Will it be right for you? You will be able to see safety ratings, facts and specifications, and which year is ultimately the best for you, not to mention features we have not even thought about when looking for a used vehicle. There are many things that make the Encore dependable. Finding the right used vehicle can be pretty difficult; this SUV just makes it easier. With so many different brands and types of cars, everyone likes to claim they are the greatest or even the safest, but let’s shorten your search list and check out what makes the Buick Encore a fantastic ride and a reliable car. 2024 Encore GX Believe it or not, Buick (being a luxury car brand) has made the Encore GX very affordable, even for all that it offers. Starting with an MSRP of $25,600, you get a car that fits up to five people, stores up to 50.2 cu.ft. of cargo space, and has a good fuel economy with 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This FWD SUV is fitted with an 11-inch infotainment display to keep you informed and entertained as it wirelessly connects to smartphones. Plus, there is no lack of safety when it comes to this 2024 model as it has emergency braking systems, forward collision alerts, a following distance indicator, a rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane change alert. You will definitely have more confidence on the road when you drive this SUV. You can also tow up to 1,000 lbs for the additional bring-along things you will need. With a roomy interior, you will be comfortable on cloth featuring leatherette seats. Sit high on 18-inch wheels and be the envy of the streets with the new Encore GX. It is a car designed for the everyday with a dash of adventure to satisfy your craving for that mix of practicality and exploration. This makes for a great buy. Previous Encores The Encore has an established track record for reliability. The first generation models from 2013 to 2022 have been dependable and up-to-date with their features, but let’s discuss the beginning of when Encore started to make waves: 2013, when Buick pushed forward one of their best Encore models. It was suited to safety and was a 2013 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick. With five trim levels available to choose from, the car only increased in popularity. With a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder engine, this car has 138 hp and features a convenience package to provide confidence and protection for any driver. Still, only a few years in age, the 2021 Encore has 155 hp with good fuel economy, getting 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Plus, with a curvy, carefully designed exterior and interior, this vehicle definitely turns heads. It is available in both FWD and AWD, but the compact size and affordability make this one of the top-picked models, with little maintenance needed to keep this reliable vehicle on that long stretch of pavement. It is the perfect vehicle to fit into those tight parking spots and to zoom around the city. As for the 2023 Encore Essence, it just seems like a car that can not be beaten. With an ECOTEC 1.3L turbo engine and CVT, this car can take you anywhere you want to go. With a bold, sexy design, you will never want to search for another car again, as it is built to keep you cozy and connected. It is perfect for families—especially those with pets—as the rear seats are upholstered to be cleaned easily. Who is Driving the Encore? So, no matter which Encore you choose, it has a little something for almost everyone. It is a comfortable ride with easy handling and contains plenty of safety features that can make this a great starting car for those learning how to drive, picking out their first car, transitioning from an old lemon that never really worked anyway, or for those looking to commute around the city. This does not mean that it is not great for other people, like small families, couples, and solo travelers. With a multifaceted usage, there are many reasons why most drivers will say yes to this SUV. Trims For the new 2024 Encore GX, you can find Standard and other trim options available on the used car lot. In total, there are three trim options to choose from, making the decision more simplified when searching for your new ride. The preferred trim is Standard, but you also have the Sport Touring and Avenir to choose from. The Sport Touring features small details that make a huge difference, like LED taillamps, gloss-black grille and accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, ensuring you drive in style. The Avenir shows off with a remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, and much more, like a seven-speaker audio system and AWD with a drive mode selector. While the Avenir is the priciest with an MSRP of $31,900, it is a dependable model that will take you wherever you wish to go. All Wrapped Up Now that we have discussed the types of new and used models of the Encore, it will help make your decision easier when searching for used Buicks. If you are looking for a compact SUV that commutes smoothly around the city, an SUV that can handle your family adventures, or an SUV that can reliably get you from point A to point B without ending up on the back of a tow truck, then seek out these unique Encores and feel confident knowing you will be driving a safe vehicle. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

We have a lot of people come to us wondering what the difference is between the Buick Encore and the Buick Encore GX, and it comes down to this: the Encore GX is a bit larger, has more luxury options, and more powerful engines available. There are some more details, of course, but those are some of the major highlights and things to consider if you’re not sure if you’d rather choose a used Buick Encore or a used Buick Encore GX. A common misconception is that the Encore GX is a trim of the Encore, but that is simply untrue. These are, in fact, two different and distinct models that only share some similarities. While we love answering questions and working directly with our customers here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, we thought it might also be helpful to provide you with some answers to your Encore questions here to get you started. So let’s take a look at what each of these vehicles has to offer, so you can see for yourself exactly what some of the major differences between them are. Specifically, we are going to highlight the 2020 models to see how the two models are different in the context of the same production year. The 2020 Buick Encore To kick things off, let’s take a look at the 2020 Buick Encore and see everything it has to offer. This is a small luxury crossover SUV from Buick, with seating for up to five people and great overall functionality. A small model like this is a fantastic option if you want the performance and ease of use that comes with an SUV, but you don’t have room in your life for a midsize or large model. Inside the Encore, you get over 18 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seats, with more than 48 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front row of seating. While front-wheel drive is standard with the Encore, all-wheel drive is available, and there is one engine offered on it. Fortunately, it’s a good one: a 1.4L DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 138 hp and up to 148 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for a small crossover like this. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for a very nice driving experience overall. You have two trims to choose from with the Buick Encore, starting with the 1SV, which features an 8-inch infotainment display, a 6-speaker sound system, and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The 1SV also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, a 4-inch digital driver information center, keyless open, and standard single-zone air conditioning. If you choose the Preferred trim, then you get similar features with available all-wheel drive and great safety options that include signature LED daytime running lamps and 10 airbags located throughout the interior. The 2020 Buick Encore GX While the 2020 Buick Encore GX is also a small luxury crossover SUV, it has a number of features that push it beyond the standard Encore, including a bit more interior space. This is also a five-passenger model, which makes it an excellent choice for a modest or scaled down lifestyle. Inside a used Buick Encore GX, you’ll find more than 23 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seating, with more than 50 cu.ft. of total interior cargo space behind the first-row seats. Unlike the other Buick Encore, the Encore GX has two different engines available for you to choose from. This means that when you look at a used Buick Encore GX, you might find either of these on it. The standard engine is an EcoTec 1.2L Turbo that offers up to 137 hp and up to 162 lb-ft of torque, with a continuously variable transmission for a smooth driving experience. You might also find the available EcoTec 1.3L Turbo engine on the Encore GX, which can provide up to 155 hp and up to 174 lb-ft of torque for impressive performance in a small SUV. There are three different trims available for the GX, which is one more than the Encore, so when you look at different used Buick Encore GX models, you may find any of these available. The standard trim is the Preferred, which features front-wheel drive, the standard engine, and keyless, push-button start. You will also find an 8-inch infotainment system, 6-speaker sound system, a 6-way manual driver’s seat, and cloth seating with leatherette trim in the Preferred. The Select trim also features front-wheel drive and the standard engine, though the more powerful 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive are available on it, so you can find some used models with higher performance. Great standard features on the Select include a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, 4-inch digital driver display, and dual-zone climate control. The Select also includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and a lane change alert with a side blind-zone alert standard. Finally, there is the Essence trim, which features the same impressive options as the Select plus added luxury. The Essence has leather-appointed seating with LED headlamps and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. With the Essence, you’ll also find fantastic standard safety features, including lane keep assist with a lane departure warning, a forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator. The Key Differences Between the Encores So, as you can see, the Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX certainly have a lot in common, and if the only thing you know you want is a small, luxury crossover SUV, then either one is probably a great fit for you. With that in mind, let’s go over some specific differences between the two. This could be quite important if you’re looking at different models and find a used Buick Encore GX that you like the look of, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you. The Encore GX is slightly larger than the Encore, particularly in terms of the interior, where you’ll get more cargo space inside the GX. This applies to both the area behind the rear seats and the overall cargo space behind the front-row seating. So if interior cargo space is a major concern for you, then a used Buick Encore GX is a great choice. While both of these models are quite luxurious, the Encore GX has a bit more to offer. Just looking at standard features, high trims of the Encore GX include great leather touches, incredibly comfortable and adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control rather than single-zone air conditioning. So, overall, the Buick GX offers a bit more luxury – and since you can select from different options when looking at used models, you’re more likely to find these kinds of impressive luxury features on a GX. That being said, one final thing to consider is the price. A standard 2020 Buick Encore 1SV starts at $23,200 MSRP, while the Preferred trim starts at $24,600 when buying new. By comparison, the standard new 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $24,100 MSRP, while the Select starts at $25,700 MSRP, and the Essence starts at $28,500 MSRP. So, while you’ll find used models at lower prices than new ones, a used Buick Encore GX will likely cost more than a comparable used Buick Encore. Encore! Encore GX! Whether you know exactly what used Buick Encore or Encore GX model you want, or you still have more questions, we can help. If you want that Buick luxury for an affordable price in a compact SUV, then the Encore or the Encore GX will be able to give you exactly what you need. Call or come visit us at 1470 Cherry Blossom Way in Georgetown today and let us help you find the perfect model for what you need.

Do you have a large family, haul lots of gear, or need extra room for pets and passengers? If you hate the idea of driving a minivan and don’t want to spend a fortune on a new car, check out a used Buick Enclave Avenir —the ultimate third-row crossover SUV. Of course, you’re probably wondering, “What is the Avenir, and what makes it so special?” In short, the Avenir is all about luxury for the Buick brand. The Avenir Founded over a century ago as Buick Auto-Vim and Power Company, Buick is best known for building premium automobiles under its parent company—General Motors. Throughout its rich history, Buick established its reputation for producing luxury vehicles that typically attract wealthier and older consumers who have remained loyal to the Buick brand. This market is exactly what led Buick to launch the Avenir luxury sub-brand akin to GMC’s luxurious Denali series. Hoping to attract a new demographic of consumers looking for the utmost in luxury, Buick introduced the Enclave Avenir in 2018. The Enclave was a mixture of everything that Buick buyers wanted in a premium package. Since the Enclave was so successful, particularly the two top trim levels, Buick decided to make the Enclave a beacon of attainable luxury and, to do so, launched the Avenir. Buick pulled out all the stops on the Enclave Avenir by extending Buick’s extensive list of premium comfort, convenience, safety, and technology features. The Avenir offered unique styling that was different from the standard trim levels of the Enclave while still containing everything people loved about the base SUV. The Avenir was better, more technologically advanced, and had a premium feel not found in the lower Enclave trims. Used Buick Enclave Avenir: 2018 and 2019 Models By now, you’re probably asking, “What features make the Avenir so luxurious?” You’re likely also wondering just how expensive the luxury sub-brand is and why experts call the Enclave Avenir the ultimate car for road trips and families. Those questions lead us to used Buick Enclave Avenir models like the 2018, which was the first Enclave Avenir to hit the road. Powertrain The 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir was packed with features to make driving and riding the most luxurious experience possible. Under the hood of the 2018 model is a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with stop-start technology and a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque to make a powerful ride in the crossover SUV market. Add in the standard 5-link rear suspension and the available intelligent all-wheel-drive, and it’s easy to see why the Enclave Avenir is one of the smoothest handling SUVs on the road. Exterior and Interior Luxury Nothing screams luxury like a plush interior and close attention to detail, which is exactly what drivers get with the 2018 Enclave Avenir. The model sets itself apart from the other 2018 Enclave trim options by adding luxury in the smallest details. Buick added an Avenir-exclusive three-dimensional mesh grille with chrome wings and pearl nickel 20-inch aluminum wheels. The interior boasts heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, embroidered headrests, Avenir-exclusive floormats, and a wood-accented steering wheel. Technology and Safety Working behind the scenes on the 2018 Enclave Avenir is the air ionizer, which enhances air quality and eliminates odors. Beyond this, the Avenir’s technology suite is housed in the 8-inch customizable display that features a 360-degree surround vision camera, an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Thanks to a wireless charging station and numerous USB ports, drivers and passengers never have to worry about depleting the batteries on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Additional tech features include a Bose Premium audio system with noise dampening materials strategically embedded throughout the interior to deliver premium sound and block any noise from the outside world. The Avenir’s technology extends to its safety features, with the Enclave offering an impressive safety suite of driver-assistance technology. The LED headlamps and tail lamps enhance visibility, while the rear vision camera gives drivers a clear view of the rear of the vehicle when in reverse. The Avenir also comes standard with seven airbags, rear park assist, and several available driver-assist features, including rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, surround vision, front pedestrian braking, safety alert seat, and teen driver technology. 2019 and 2020 Models The 2019 Enclave Avenir offered many of the same luxury features as the 2018 model but proved to be a better value since it had a lower starting MSRP. The same can be said for the 2020 model, which starts at $53,800 when bought new. With the introduction of the 2021 Enclave Avenir, the 2020 model is the most recent Enclave Avenir that can be purchased used; however, it’s going to be hard to find a used 2020 model just yet. But is the 2020 model just as luxurious as the 2018 and 2019 models? Still offering seating for seven and a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, the 2020 Enclave Avenir is all about technology and comfort, making it even more luxurious than previous models. How so? The 2020 model includes notable upgrades like a four-way power lumbar seat-adjuster with a driver and front passenger massage system. Now that’s luxury! Beyond offering an in-seat massage, the 2020 Enclave Avenir is designed to “move with confidence” and offers smooth, intuitive handling thanks to unique features like active dampers, adaptive cruise control, an HD rear vision camera, surround vision, and many other driver-assist features. Let’s Talk Luxury and the Best Bang for Your Buck Most drivers instantly think of luxury and comfort when they hear about or see GMC’s Denali lineup, and that’s exactly what Buick wants you to associate with its Avenir line—premium luxury. Buick launched the Avenir Enclave line in 2018 to attract consumers looking for a spacious third-row crossover SUV that would deliver exceptional performance and comfort for both the driver and passengers. Buick delivered that and so much more, from its plush leather interior to its advanced technology and safety features. With the 2021 Enclave Avenir priced at $54,995, buying a used Enclave Avenir offers the best bang for your buck especially considering Buick’s reputation for building premium cars that are not only luxurious but reliable as well. At first glance, the 2018, 2019, and 2020 models are extremely similar in design and features. However, if you’re looking for the utmost in luxury, it’s hard to ignore the 2020 model’s new in-seat massage feature, which is a perk that can’t be ignored. What do you think? If you’re still on the fence about which model best suits your needs, we encourage you to stop by our dealership. We’re happy to break down the models and their features as well as pricing, trade-in, and more. While you’re here, we can schedule a test drive where you’re sure to discover why so many agree that the Buick Enclave Avenir is the ultimate family and road trip vehicle!