Is the 2024 Buick Encore GX a BETTER new luxury SUV than a Lexus NX 350?

[@davis6123]

Congrats on getting a first look at this! Big brands seem to really respect you, you get early access to a bunch of stuff nowadays! Keep up the good work man.

[@toddduncan1703]

I’ve driven Buicks since I was in my 20’s. I’ve always appreciated their premium features at prices way lower than other luxury brands. I’m ordering a new Encore GX Avenir tomorrow. Thanks for reinforcing my decision!

[@J-ZIM]

How do u like it, what color did u get?

[@UnenthusedEnthusiast]

I love Buicks. I’ve had 3 and everyone is smooth, luxurious, and extremely quiet. Not to mention very reliable. JD power top pick! Buicks are the ONLY brand that keeps the old school American luxury feel. I just got the Envision and my wife has the Enclave. The only thing o wish was different is, I wish I had the new Buick badge. I like what they did there.

[@michaelminster9239]

Nothing says old school like a 1.3L 3 cylinder. LOL

[@artuscano6518]

@@michaelminster9239shut up hater

[@purselover1078]

Just bought this in the preferred trim, AWD with comfort package remote start. Totaled my 2017 BMW X1. I’m overall happy with my new Encore GX.. Aesthetics sold me with the new body style. The GX is Quiet, comfortable enough and did not hurt my wallet.

[@tl56kmair]

We just bought a new 2023 model. Didn't get all the bells and whistles, but it has what we wanted. I was skeptical of the inline 3 but it is impressive. We like it!! And to be honest I like the grill on the 2023 much more than the one reviewed here...to each his own.

[@hopehopehopehopeful]

Love my 2022.

[@kenpreston6146]

I have a 2022 and I couldn't agree more, the new Grill to me screams Ford Escape had sex w/ a Hyundai Kona, and for a brand hoping to be thought of as "luxury" those 2 are not who I should be thinking.

[@CKPHH]

So your engine is a 1.2T? How is it, i would love to know more, because im considering the new Envista

[@kenpreston6146]

@@CKPHH Well it's no 0-60 in 5 sec. But it has good pep, and I still speed all over. LOL

[@jaka286]

I’m have to say.. I am not a huge fan of this new grill and logo. It’s starting to look like everything else out there

[@JT-fq2bl]

This is a Lexus UX competitor. I'm glad the Encore is getting some much needed love.

[@kelj4517]

The Encore is garbage.1.3 turbo engine crap! Lexus engine is way more reliable!

[@Captain-KTS]

Great job Joe & Lori, keep the latest & funniest reviews coming! Cheers Kirk

[@shawnhooks4942]

"To the door panels!!!!" Makes my whole day!!

[@RaitisRides]

That really means a lot Shawn!

[@mattmekhaeil]

Actually looks good inside and outside. I wasn’t expecting Buick to raise the bar this generation. Also liking the redesigned logo as well. Better then older one

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for keeping an open mind. They have some big changes coming!

[@pobster88j94]

They had no place to go but up, honestly.

[@Diagonalforward79]

​​@@RaitisRides ooohh...like what? Do tell! I'm really into Buick. I'm hearing some rumors that the Enclave redesign will come out next year for 2025....I'm in the market for a new SUV... wondering if I should just wait to see what the redesign will be. 🤔

[@craig5042]

Agree GM"s Korea auto manufacturing plant is giving the competition something to worry about. Another good review.

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you saying that Craig!

[@ricardodiaspereiralatam4103]

I love your videos, not only because it is a car review channel, but your sense of humor like " They´re a valued person as well it´s not only about you !"

[@JillyBean860]

Omg you were in my area! Wish I could have met you somehow. I love your videos!

[@WerdularMotion]

I just went to test drive a brand new 2023 Encore GX and for the price of $25k that this dealership offered to me, I'm tempted to get one. With remote start, heated seats, and AWD, it's hard to find other cars competitive in the same price range

[@AIGeneratedUser]

CX-30 or 5. If you haven’t purchased yet, give them a drive before hand. You may find they aren’t for you but they are worth a look. Very reliable as well.

[@diamondknight4815]

​@@AIGeneratedUser100% agree, I used to work for a car company where I'd take pictures and drive all sorts of cars around to get the right lighting for the pictures and stuff. Mazda is so comfortable, mazda may not be luxury, but they are premium

[@joshzi76]

Will be trading in my 2022 gx for this new model when it comes out, couldn’t decide on the color but this review made my decision for the red! First car was a 2005 Buick rainier and have been loyal to the brand since!

[@John-kx3ng]

Not a good idea

[@joshzi76]

@@John-kx3ng why do you say that? Not that I asked your opinion in the first place so let’s see go ahead run ya mouth

[@John-kx3ng]

Unless you paid cash interest rates are terrible.

[@sths0609]

For YEARS Raiti's voice has sounded so familiar to me and I could not figure it out, today I have! If anyone remembers Car and Driver television on TNN/Spike, Raiti sounds like the host in later years, Larry Webster

[@Kilaueaorph4n]

Underrated gem! I drove the 2023 AWD with the 9 speed gearbox and it was a peppy! Also the 3 cylinder has a gurgle to it that IMO sounds more appealing than you average 4 pot.

[@jamiemcfarlane5086]

LOL 😆 I find myself entertained watching your videos... Love the info, but also love the corny one-liners...! Thanks dude for the smiles...!

[@DS6781]

Great review and a history lesson too! I will acknowledge that Buick is heading in the right direction with this refreshed model, but not enough to sway me from Lexus.

[@speaseoffice]

The reason the passenger seat has to have the manual back is so that it can fold flat. A selling feature of this and the Trailblazer is that the front passenger seat can be folded flat for really long items and I do actually use that feature in mine. I plan to trade for a facelifted one too. But yeah, long story short That's why they did that. It wouldn't be practical to have to use the power back to fold that seat flat. I know this was highlighted in the video as a luxury but I'd be scared to drive with anyone like that though lol. So I more so see this feature being for like ladders and such 🙂

[@Agent77X]

Can not wait to race this against the Porsche Macan Turbo!😊 Love the luxury interior white styling! It a limousine in the back too!😮 Place my order for fully loaded Encore GX, $39K!😊

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

I love Buick products! I might get one Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a plan.

[@micahhuge1474]

don't

[@JodyDWard]

My wife has the 2023 ST model. I was very sceptical about the 3 cylinder turbo but I have to admit there is nothing wrong with it. It’s more then adequate and pleasant to drive.

[@lynnmoe9014]

I love it!! I have one on order through my dealership…this will be my 3rd on..2017, 2021 and now the 24…can’t wait to get it

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great experience!

[@rafaeltorovip]

Excellent video as usual. This new Encore looks nice. For some reason some of the lines look similar to a 2020 Hyundai Tucson, but in general it looks nice. I hope this brand improves its reliability. 👍

[@RaitisRides]

That is what some are saying Rafael.

[@wyatthursey148]

Buick is actually rated 4th in J.D. Power’s vehicle dependability study for the U.S! Have you experienced reliability issues with a Buick?

[@billyd7806]

Like it but no shark fin antenna which is inexcusable IMO at least on the Avenir. Thanks Joe.

[@timothyl6151]

i have to say their new logo looks so premium. and the redesign absolutely fits it. AWESOME!!

[@JillyBean860]

I agree. It looks excellent!

[@whostosay3256]

I saw a ‘23 Encore the other day from the rear 3/4 view and I thought it looked better than the X1 it was next to. Yes I was shocked too! This one is even nicer looking but I have yet to see it in person. GM has proven it can make anything it wants to and do it very well!

[@katmanjenks1961]

😂

[@brentengstrom5406]

16:32 Joe, I see something peeking through the passenger window. Looks fun.

[@MegaRetr]

Excellent video as usual.

[@colleenguri]

I test drove this car the other day and was quite impressed. I am still shopping for a new car, but Im 99% sure Im going to get this in the Sport Touring trim w/AWD. Its such a great looking car and lovely to drive!

[@freedomstar3814]

Raiti never fails with the humor , it's impossible to fall asleep during a Raiti's review !

[@toddlmac]

I have a '17 encore preferred awd...have had for 1 1/2 yrs now..live in midwest and it is very good in snow..super quiet on highway..tight turning radius which I love..great new edition of this suv..great vid as usual too.

[@nonenonnenopenonenomorefor5556]

We bought one it's cool not 60 yet.allmost thow my wife loves it a car by Buick really stylish!!!

[@philipdimakis8414]

Joe.......im gonna be allover that shuffle board in Del Boca Vista

[@brucekalter4206]

I like it! I know it's built on the same platform as the Chevy Trailblazer, & it's better appointed & more costly... but it's a nice alternative. Good job, Buick.

[@Diagonalforward79]

Absolutely love the new logo! Thank goodness..it looks way more modern.

[@Carrera6rennsport]

We rented an Encore from Hertz last week for a 2,000 mile road trip around NY, MA, ME, RI, CT. We were two adults and 2 teenagers in back with carryon sized luggage. I had no idea it was only 1.3L engine, it pulled us along at 85 mph and got up to speed fast enough. i guess the 9-spd tranny did its job matched to its miniscule power. We averaged 28 mpg for the trip which included a lot of city driving with the AC full blast. Towards the end of our trip we hit a rasied island in NYC going about 40 mph and bent a wheel, but the car still tracked fine and didnt loose alignment. All that said I was impresssed with the car now knowing what they sell for, its quality feels more Japanese and seems like great value for the money. YMMV and all that.

[@crisantogarcia6646]

I took an Encore on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles and there were times when I felt like it was gna give up on me. Especially on hills. This was a 2023 model as well.

[@RaitisRides]

That is terrible to hear!

[@JodyDWard]

Was it an encore or encore gx? There’s definitely a difference in engine power

[@crisantogarcia6646]

@@JodyDWard darn if you asked this right when I posted this I would of remembered. But I don’t think it’s a power issue my little corolla has made that trip no problem. Wish I could go deeper into my issue but it was just my experience and not sure if this is a reoccurring thing.

[@JodyDWard]

@@crisantogarcia6646 well I hope everything worked out. That’s a long drive. Adding car troubles to the mix is stressful

[@crisantogarcia6646]

@@JodyDWard thank you, we made it back home in one piece haha.

[@colinkennedy8523]

I cannot imagine a real-world buying decision where equal priorities resulted in a comparison between a Buick and a Lexus. They're focused on different things.

[@lucasworktv]

But to be honest, the Buick is better

[@samgrant2716]

@@lucasworktv not really, lexus is more luxurious, more reliable, and just generally looks better

[@lucasworktv]

@@samgrant2716 not really

[@samgrant2716]

@@lucasworktv yeah really, they're japanese and known for their reliability, and buick is american and GM is known for their cheap materials and poorly made vehicles. lexus is generally better

[@lucasworktv]

@@samgrant2716 stereotypes

[@islandon22]

Attractive, reasonable at base levels, underpowered... Sounds perfect for a first car.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you may be right!

[@reserva120]

Sheer stupidity, this not a first car for nearly anyone.. what a stupid millennial statement,

[@BB-xm8bs]

Did they fix the slow speed pop / bang from the speakers in the initial GX?

[@Cobra_460]

Awesome job RR on this compact crossover suv 😊

[@namechecksout6300]

Although I do not get an opportunity to watch all your videos, just know that you are doing great work.

[@hirampiro1719]

Stop zonking the antennas, because of the roof rack they make it removable so you can carry any thing that may be flat. A shark fin is to high and usually not removable. The Envista has a shark fin because it doesn't have a roof rack.

[@3698s]

Very well-done review. If I were in the market for a newer vehicle, I would consider the Encore GX. I like the previous generation styling, but the redesign & the updated logo is starting to grow on me. What I am curious about is whether that 3 cylinder is good for the long haul. I also wonder about that digital dash and if that ever zonks out after warranty how much that will cost to repair. Regarding the CVT transmission. I would not touch one with a 10ft pole. Hopefully GM learned something from the Saturn VUE debacle. I am a long time Saturn owner. I remember reading on the Saturn fans website about the many transmission failures that occurred with the first generation VUE & the CVT. Saturn lost a lot of customers over that situation. I hope though that the Encore GX as well other GM vehicles have a switch or button to disable the stop/start feature. That was a dumb decision just to get an extra 1 mpg.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share my car passion with you!

[@iNeverHadMercy]

A truly "Lavish" Buick......

[@RaitisRides]

They are making some moves over at Buick....finally

[@ronhoover5516]

Serious question: is rhe 3 cylinder reliable and can it last? I'd consider this but the 3 banger scares me a little. But I like it!

[@VanquishedAgain]

Highly doubt it. My friend's wife had the prior gen Encore and it was a nightmare, they had to replace (or fix) the turbos 3 times within the first 50k miles

[@chynacash3138]

I had a 2001 Chevy Metro 3cyl for my first car 😂 that was my only experience with one but it did have a little over 100k miles when I sold it and was still running 🤷 This probably would be fine for at least that long I would think but I'd get the extended warranty just to be safe.

[@charlesjackson1700]

​@@VanquishedAgain.. I've heard several people say the Encore is crap..💩

[@djbloxom1]

I have a 2021 Encore GX and love it. No problems with over 20 thousand miles.

[@Matty_B717]

Never seen anyone with such disdain for prop-rods. Still my favorite car channel.

[@coy9898]

Haha love the Sega Master System reference, I was a Altered Beast fan! Glad to see Buick updating the tech inside. Still want the velvet material plush seats my parents Century had lol. Keep bringing it Lori and Joe!

[@mystictk4149]

My only zonk would be the headlights that’s all, other then that it’s nice looking at least.

[@JimmyDeneus-q2r]

They refresh this machine nice Buick 🙏🙏🙏💯💯💯

[@jacekrojewski4007]

Hello, I have a question whether the Buick encore GX with LED lights has symmetrical or asymmetrical lights. Regards

[@mickeybrumfield764]

It's nice that they give you two different options in three cylinder engines.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you like this setup.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@Raiti's Rides Well, you don't have to worry about having any fancy cylinder deactivation going on.

[@noelsilva8887]

Well to a point I disagree the power lumber is a plus because when you position the back of the seat you really don’t move that vs lumber you move it or look for one to be comfortable on a trip.

[@mattd2503]

Hey Joe .. I think you should put “ankle sleeves” on top of the roof and use it as a roller skate..

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice review keep up the good work Joe

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it Joe and Lori and keep up the great work real true and I love the video everyday real true and thank you my buick envision st 2022 reviews on video 💯💯💯💯👍

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

Cool Buick Encore GX I think it's a true apostle to the SUV's.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that you are liking this one Luis.

[@luiselapostolfeliz2421]

@@RaitisRides Yes I love it a ton. I feel like if every car was made perfect then, they wouldn't sell and therefore, it'll be boring.

[@williampayne2150]

Love the new design of the Buick Encore. One question - how will it look in states with front license plates? Didn't see a place for the plate.

[@mikemayers8672]

You left NYC early for this. Comon man

[@JcksnACC]

They should not have spelled out BUICK on the back. With the new design and logo it would have alot of people scratching their head wondering what it was. Personally with the new logo, if they didn't write BUICK anywhere, I could see them selling more.

[@Striker50_]

Agreed. The avenue badges on the side door needs to be removed and the spelled out needs to be removed. The rear has like 5 emblems

[@chynacash3138]

​@@Striker50_ Yeah it did look a little cluttered on the back with all the badges but they look fine on the doors to me.

[@mfmf100]

I don’t know. Definitely improved inside and out, and these days not a bad value at ~34K loaded. Is the 155HP 1.3 enough? If so, barely. I can’t imagine why anyone would bother with a 1.2 CVT. The foldaway front seat has strong Korean domestic market vibes.

[@robertsmith9773]

Great review. I currently drive a 2019 Envision Essence. It has been a great vehicle. This is definitely a contender when I trade. And by the way I'm 49.

[@noelsilva8887]

Ok Buick nice exterior and sweet interior. And I’m 45 years old and this is the first time I’m liking Buick. 😅

[@cassidybb10]

Love it. I was figuring 40k for this trim. But again no ventilated seats. So this price makes sense. And the 3 cylinder engine helps cut the price.

[@PimpSolja49]

That 3 cylinder is gonna be under a lot of stress when you put a family inside!

[@KMantle]

Wildcat front had the hood in line with the lights. I don't like how they switched it on this. It's pretty much my only problem with this redesign, design-wise. Would have been interesting if they had made it a 2-door vehicle.

[@silver33]

That antenna looks silly.

[@tanquileroberts1157]

We love you guys here in Detroit, Michigan.

[@RaitisRides]

That means so very much Tanquile!

[@anitab.6172]

@@RaitisRides we were kind of looking for a shout out to Vernors for in the cup holders.

[@dunkerjones9707]

Thanks you raitis rides

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@PatrickJTezak]

Buick did a nice job with this update but I'm going to wait and see if they do an even better job with the 2024 ENVISION! Hopefully they can update the interior like this and make a little better suspension than before.

[@koven1497]

Waiting forever for that unveil…

[@PatrickJTezak]

@@koven1497 I just read that the 2024 envision will start production in Oct, with a refresh on the interior and front fascia!

[@koven1497]

@@PatrickJTezak Thanks for the reply. So not a whole new design as with that Electra 5, but a revision. I sure hope they take advantage of the screens versus the Encore and Envista.

[@vg4902]

I like the front end of the previous gen better.

[@RaitisRides]

Everyone has their favorites.

[@waynekubicki1910]

Joe - great review, as always...no HUD on this little Buick?

[@edisontrent5244]

When do you think you will review the new Trax and Buick platform mate?

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned!

[@LAY_OUTKING]

I love the premium looking design very Mclaren like in the front keep up the good work.

[@ronaldmwangi7076]

Greetings from your fans in 🇰🇪!

[@marccolwell4015]

Can anyone tell me if they carried the same engine from the old model or is this new?

[@nickbrown6718]

I’m waiting for you to do a full review and drive on the new enclave!

[@davonne225]

Hmmm, it has a new escape look in the grille but very aggressive look. Interior is nice. Buick did a good job on this one

[@filchimama]

My first car is Buick rendezvous to encore and and now I have the Buick gx. Now I’m thinking about this one???

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is fantastic!

[@kathleenkayk]

Really like-like the cockpit update. The rear is way more attractive and functional. I like the nice touches of Avenir and overall style. Comfort? Head rests look like they push to far forward. The boomerang thingies look out of place. Turn 'em sideways on fenders. Performance? 1.3l, 3 cylinders. Ho-hum.

[@Striker50_]

Holy Moly, those MPGs are TERRIBLE! That said THANK GOODNESS for the new logo these look pretty good and are priced well

[@keithbellair9508]

It can actually do better on the mpg… 50 mph back roads are were these shine… my 2019 can get up to 40. And dont forget this is a legit 4 passenger suv… not a cramped little car.

[@chynacash3138]

Typical gas mileage for the class unless you're looking at Hybrids - a 2023 Honda HR-V gets similar MPG with less HP/torque.

[@msgreenjojo60pg]

Which did you prefer buick encore or chevy trax

[@Carmellothetheatrekid]

My Grandpa had a 2005 LeSabre and got rid of it in 2016 for a Mazda CX-5. Fast forward 8 years and now he’s an Envista Preffered.

[@silverindigo8302]

Joe: IM THE DRIVER 🗣️DAMMIT 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Joe you are nuts lololol

[@rwalton1279]

Does the 2024 Encore GX have start-stop technology?

[@zachedgecomb1112]

I’d love to see Buick update their keyfobs. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve hit the lock button with it in my pocket because it’s so raised.

[@android-ud2nf]

Biggest problem I see with this vehicle is not many people want a lousy, anemic 3 cylinder dressed up and sold at a higher price. If your willing to settle with the lethargic motor then you’ll most likely also save on the rest of the vehicle. Also I’m very disappointed that this gets terrible mpg for what you get. This car is light and has a 9 speed but only gets 28mpg out of a small 3 banger? Seems like the engine might be working hard to pull this and drinks to much in doing so. A larger motor might struggle less and get you better mpg like the 29 mpg 2.5 4 banger in the new nx

[@patriciasmith9404]

I've been so looking forward to this review; many thanks to you and Lori. I currently own a 2013 Buick Verano and plan to trade for the Encore GX Avenir, once it comes out. Pity it doesn't come with common features like a shark fin antenna or side mirror turn signals. Also, a hybrid powertrain or a stronger ICE would have been nice. Well, at least it has a spare tire! I hope it's as peppy as this peppy 68 yo senior lady!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one Patricia!

[@patriciasmith9404]

I certainly do.... and I love your channel!

[@purselover1078]

I love how we focus on food storage🤣 Detroit style pizza in the side door panel and a Dunkin’ donut blueberry muffin in the middle storage compartment! 🥰🤣

[@danielmartins9901]

Where are the high beams?

[@randomeditslol1122]

The front side view looks nearly identical to a Hyudai Kona

[@RaitisRides]

Some are saying that.

[@dane9193]

So much of this Encore GX is identical to my 22 Bolt EUV Premier, including the overall exterior styling. The only thing that would make this Buick better would be if it had the Bolt's electric drivetrain for much better performance and economy. If they sold THAT, I would drive this in a heartbeat for the more upscale styling and materials of a Buick VS a Chevy.

[@TomO-nx1bd]

I really want to like this SUV I love the Buick heritage, but on the Car Wizard channel, he says he experienced so many Buick Encore's come through his shop that have engines that completely fail, in fact he's had to call around to many dealerships and can't find engines in stock due to so many having to be replaced.

[@alanb3213]

The Encore had a different motor from the GX and the early versions had issues but the later were reliable, there still were some turbo issues though

[@bcrouse1]

I love it

[@stephenmarcus9601]

You can tell Encore GX which debuted in 2020 (this is a refresh) was designed in partnership w/Opel before sale. Virtual cockpit is very similar in Opel & called Pure Panel. Also, both brands use "Pure" when discussing design language. This was meant to be Opel Mokka. Envision, too, was obviously Europe bound sharing lighting set up w/Opel Corsa built after PSA take over. GM quit Mokka as it was breaking even and nearly merged with Opel

[@craigo2142]

Would compare it more to the UX? Really like it all until you opened the hood. Needs a hybrid for gas mileage to be competitive. Front does remind me of Kona.

[@cardo1111]

Buick's bread and butter at this point is the Chinese market. The Lexus offering is far superior.

[@jandevery]

Simply put Buick is associated with OLD! However, I actually liked the Regal GS when they brought it back. They need a total IMAGE makeover.

[@RaitisRides]

That’s what they are working on.

[@alahiri22]

Why not a 2.0L 4 cyl turbo option?

[@tomdrummy4984]

It looks good Joe…….big improvement. But the battery looks bigger than the engine. Lori ! 💪

[@RaitisRides]

LOL Good call Tom!