WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?! 2024 Buick Envista ST vs. 2024 Buick Encore GX ST

Today I go over what makes the ALL NEW 2024 ‪@buick‬ Envista ST different than it’s sibling the refreshed 2024 Buick Encore GX.

[@SunnynPhilly]

They are both made in South Korea 🇰🇷 then shipped to the USA. They are produced by GM- Korea ( Formerly Daewoo).

[@thersanothersidetome]

Engines are manufactured in Mexico however.

[@pfwww12]

Anything Korea Car is so cheap. So that's how they keep it so cheap lol Kia prices lol But no really they are really nice cars I do like them.

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

Made in Korea. That's a deal breaker for me Buick.

[@wadet73]

I prefer the smaller old school sunroof size

[@Joeybago12]

@@bigdaddy5150sh71why? Gm has more problems than kia

[@mayaluna11]

Buick has definitely broken through the old folk style. Both these look really sharp.

[@mrich21087]

GM finally figured out there is now law against making a good looking economy car.

[@martinmcintyre7623]

The 4 winter tires comment is a big thing. It is proven that a FWD vehicle with 4 winter tires will do better on snow/ice than an AWD vehicle with all season tires. And with an AWD vehicle you have to replace all of the tires should you damage one tire, due to the wear on the AWD system if you don't . And you get better fuel economy with a FWD versus an AWD vehicle. Something to think about.

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

Great points!

[@cgmiddle]

Very good point. Quite frankly, the auto industry is not doing consumers any favors by pushing AWDs.. it is however a money makers. Also...KZbinrs that review SUVs should also be pointing out this small, but important point.

[@craig5042]

Good point. I put Blizzak snow tires on my 2015 Camry. No issues in upstate NY with snow and ice.

[@richardbaumgart2454]

Really no need for snow/ice tires in the rear of a fwd vehicle. Been driving fwd's in Michigan since 1990.

[@jakethepitador2558]

I think about all weather tires for convenience, lol.

[@gvs376]

Why would Buick refuse to offer an "upgrade" to the 1.3L in the Envista? Better yet, why not make the 1.3L the base engine on both cars? Making matters worse, the Chinese market Envista's base engine is a 1.5L turbo four which produces 181 horsepower! That 1.2 just ruins what otherwise appears to be a lovely car. Such a shame.

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

Buick gives china all the good stuff since china loves Buick for some reason, china is the only reason Buicks still around

[@anyariv]

agree, Envista is sick looking. But that engine is ridiculous. The look of a Jaguar with the engine of a station wagon. WTF?

[@darrentaylor7464]

I found the 1.2 a little tepid so I purchased a throttle controller from RoarPedal and a performance chip (it plugs into the obd port) from CHIP YOUR CAR. These mods are seamless, fairly inexpensive, and make piloting the Envista far more enjoyable. In addition, the throttle controller is highly adjustable. I recommend both but the RoarPedal is essential (the effect of the chip is more subtle).

[@2LiveTrew]

@@darrentaylor7464not in usa, wont pass emissions tests

[@kmckenzie2461]

I would take the Evista Avenir. The smaller sunroof is a benefit to me and will have far less problems overtime and far less squeaking and rattling than a panoramic roof over time as it ages. I just love the look of the Envista it is so sharp. I would go for the top trim Envista Avenir in Ocean Blue with the lighter Gray/Tan interior and its 1 optional package which puts it just over $31,000.00 USA cost. Its so sharp. Also in the top trim Envista Avenir you get a rear seat fold down armrest with cup holders, piano key style auto climate control, better rear suspension setup for better ride and it also comes on the ST trim but only if you get the option or option package with the 19 inch black wheels on the ST like that come standard on the Avenir trim but they are like a satin silver color on Avenir, true leather seats, body color exterior cladding, and just some nicer interior materials plus more. I love the look of this car and watching videos of the all new Chevy Trax the 0-60 time is right around 9 seconds for the 1.2L turbo 3 cylinder with 136 horsepower and 162 lb ft of torque, not bad at all! Its plenty of power for the main target customer of this vehicle. This Buick Envista and the Chevy Trax will sell like crazy even without the availability of AWD. You get a good beefy size CUV with alot of features and options with a ton of interior room (especially rear seat) and good size cargo holds with good mpg. I think the biggest selling point is price as even for a top trim Chevy Trax RS2 or Activ it tops out at like $26,995.00 with options and the Buick Envista Avenir tops out at like $31,285.00 with options. Thats cheap for todays market lol. Plus with all the trim options for each model there is a trim line for different consumers if you want a more base model with less features and lower price you got it. If you want a sportier looking trim with bigger wheels and sportier looking interior you got it. Or if you want a more premium upscale look inside and out you got it. I think the hit a home run with the 2024 Buick Envista and 2024 Chevy Trax!

[@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.

[@lightning9279]

Question...was it fwd or awd? Thanks for your review.

[@Carrera6rennsport]

@@lightning9279 fwd, so maybe it was the CVT and not 9-speed. Still perfromed well.

[@davestadt49]

I would choose the Encore GX hands down FWD. It really needs a Shark 🦈 fin antenna 😊😊

[@coyleatkinson]

we own a 24 trax 2RS after 2500 miles the power of the 1.2 l 3 cyl is just fine, the the non AWD is not an issue, even up here in buffalo

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

Thanks for commenting! Happy (and not surprised) to hear that! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@alanmadrigal21]

Update on trax? Any issues??

[@arevee9429]

Good info. Not really a GM fan here, but Buick did knock it out of the park on the Envista in terms of styling and price.

[@rachellelynn9406]

I took both out for drives yesterday.. so hard to do as no one ever has any! I found the envista had nicer seats/ fabric… and ride nicer/ softer over bumps… but the encore gx I like sitting higher, visibility was better and from what I was told the AWD you can shut right off so not wearing out parts by continuing to move which also helps fuel economy …

[@AB-NJ]

Great comparison of these cars. I have to say that the rear door keyless entry doesn't matter to me. In fact, I dont want any of my kids to lock or unlock the car.

[@PhillipHudson-u6i]

the cars look nice but my comment is directed to the guy doing the video, please slow down a little when talking. there was some things I missed and had to research this again to make out what was said.

[@ofcbob6391]

Yes, it's not a test for a position as auctioneer, for cryin out loud!

[@karenransom7307]

yes, and he kept getting the models mixed. And said "we'll talk about that later" and never did.

[@ygstuff4898]

Great overview. I've been looking at both of these, and really couldn't pro & con them....until now.

[@brocklanders6969]

The only advantages to the Encore GX is access to AWD, the 1.3L engine and the fold flat passenger front seat.

[@nicolaesinu7766]

Would like Envista with AWD.

[@IRISHJEWEL]

You forgot about the PANORAMIC ROOF on the Encore.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@IRISHJEWEL I consider that a disadvantage as they are more prone to leaks, squeaking and rattling.

[@IRISHJEWEL]

@brocklanders6969 I didn't know there's a problem with panoramic roofs. It was a selling feature for me.

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

Top trim Envista Avenir is only $27k - I'll take one in red please.

[@piperlani]

Nicest Buick grill in decades👍🏼

[@GLSmith1013]

IMO The Envista looks like it should be offered with the more premium options than the Encore. The Envista just looks more premium on the exterior than the Encore so roles should be reversed. Just my opinion. Also, here in the states there is an option for power liftgate on the Chevy Trax.

[@Paul-cx4gm]

Some of the things this is missing , I guess there's always next year or two maybe they will add them in other than the AWD :(

[@nightwave2k6]

Honestly, I live in S. Indiana and since 2008 I've only had front drive sedans with all-seasons and I've gotten stuck twice, and both times it wasn't a big deal to get out. Drive slow, use your brain, plan ahead.

[@robertcacho9030]

Too all the underpowered commentors, these cars are fine. I drive a 2015 kia rio with 138 hp and my car merges and passes on the freeway and it goes up hills fine. And my commute home includes climbing on a pass of 2000 feet. It does it easily and i have 189000 miles on this car. So these cars are really not underpowered unless uou want to race!!!

[@aerontudor6542]

Ummmm i like the Envista! Just wish had the rear turn signals were on top and was few inches higher….

[@johnbeckham1483]

KIA also has its blinkers below as it is a Korean thing?

[@Bejaye]

Thank you so much for this review! This was really helpful. I'm definitely going to check out both vehicles.

[@Tully3674]

Great design for the Envista. But both with an under-powered and unproven 3 cylinder engine makes them a deal breaker. *Might* do a lease, but definitely not a buy.

[@IRISHJEWEL]

The 3cylinder/9sp automatic is surprisingly peppy. The torque compensates, I guess. I hope ot lasts for awhile...😮

[@richardbaumgart2454]

@@IRISHJEWEL 6 speed*

[@Iso_Jay01]

Ppl complaining about underpowered like if it's made for the track 😆

[@markwexy1621]

You omitted one glaringly important difference and that is towing capacity. 1000 lb for the Encore GX. Zero for the Invista.

[@dillonh321]

Not important… why would anyone want to tow with either of these?

[@TheBjjones]

@@dillonh321 Just because it's "not important" to you, doesn't mean that some owners won't/don't utilize their Encore GX for towing.

[@dillonh321]

@@TheBjjones If they purchased their Encore GX with the intention of towing with it they will be really disappointed.

[@TheBjjones]

@@dillonh321 Why would Encore GX owners be disappointed considering they have an additional 1000lb towing capacity available to tow such items as a Sea Doo, canoe with trailer or a small aluminum fishing boat/row boat?

[@rocketmissionfilms1419]

​@TheBjjones because towing with a 3 cylinder is a very strange choice buy a used car with turbo 4 or a 6 cylinder if you want to tow things 😂

[@seand2711]

Both are great looking cars.

[@clbernier2]

Both are beautiful, but the Envista is the entry car…and the Encore is definitely above it.

[@wolfshanze5980]

The Envista is a new design, the Encore design is based off a 2017 vehicle and first appeared in 2020... it's gotten a facelift for 2024, but the design of the car is much, MUCH older than the Envista... GM will probably discontinue the Encore/Trailblazer soon in favor of the much newer design that the Envista/Trax is.

[@jimmy5634]

Dude needs to notch it back on the caffeine a bit.

[@Gep1906]

Beautiful on the outside, very old-fashioned on the inside. The interiors do not do justice to its new sporty design, it seems like you are inside a 2015 Chevrolet somewhere

[@introspectivep]

Jeff - I needed this. Thank you

[@sgrant9814]

Living in ontario, quebec and n. Ny here, you will know that in sno country, that back glass with no wiper is a no go!

[@rachellelynn9406]

That’s my worry too but all keep saying it’s sedan glass and is fine.

[@taj1772]

When I first heard of the Envista it was a video from a trade show in China. When they gave the engine specs and I saw that engine size and horsepower I couldn’t wait for the Envista to come to the US!! Then it came to the US… I’m so disappointed with that engine that I think I’m going to bypass the Envista altogether. The unfortunate thing about the Envista/ Encore gx comparison is that the styling of the envista makes the encore gx look old and dated, so even with the bigger engine in the gx, I might pass on the gx too. I’d been waiting for the Envista and that engine ruins it. These cars are way too heavy for 3 cylinders.

[@josiah74]

Honestly, I was worried about the engine in the Envista as well. Even so, I decided to get one. To my surprise, it still has no trouble getting up and moving when I want it to. The fact that it only has FWD was a bit of a concern, but I'm a fairly safe driver in the snow, so I think I'll be fine with just the winter tires.

[@richardbaumgart2454]

I would love this vehicle even if it just had a dependable non turbo 4 banger instead of a turbo 3 cylinder. I wouldn't forcast a turbo 3 cylinder wind-up toy lasting long.

[@lightning9279]

@@richardbaumgart2454 There have been problems with the wet belts with the Envista (1.3) if I'm not mistaken. In place of a metal timing belt they have put in a synthetic belt that is lubricated by the engine oil. The belts are coming apart and the pieces end up in the bottom of the oil pan and block the oil sump. That in turn starves the engine of oil and makes makes it shit the bed. The belt is supposed to last 150,000 miles but they are giving up at around 65,000 miles. I'm so torn on which one is the long term purchase.

[@richardbaumgart2454]

@@lightning9279 i bought a '24 Camry hybrid and I'm very happy with my purchase and the 2.5L hybrid set-up is prctically bullet proof....some Ford 3 cylinders have a timing belt running in oil also and maintenance is key with those.....like 3k oil changes

[@borgermann1069]

Jeff, can you pick what color stitching you get in the seats, or is it determined by model selection in the Envista? I like the blue stitching better ...

[@franchescarodriguez364]

Just ordered one. ST’s are blue stitching, Avenir’s are bronze stitching. There’s no way to pick any other options.

[@felixtam2120]

What is the difference in driving dynamics?

[@cesarm.3656]

I test drove the Envista but I think I'm gonna go with the Encore, the higher profile and height sold me

[@mooreladybug84]

I did the test drives. I left with the Encore. It was a better deal in the end. I also average 34mpg. This is in a big city. I'm also tall, and the encore felt more roomie.

[@jamesszalla4274]

From what I’ve read, the Encore is being discontinued for the US market and being replaced with the Envista. The Envista is built in China and S Korea and imported to the US.

[@brocklanders6969]

The old Encore was discontinued in 2022 and replaced with the Encore GX which was an all new vehicle starting in 2020.

[@alsix666]

Am I the only one thinking the designer was staring out the window at an Aston Martin DBX 707 when he thought this up?

[@mrich21087]

GM finally figured out there is now law against making a good looking economy car.

[@barbarakaplan8922]

Wish the Encore had a shark fin antenna. Otherwise, they are both beauties.

[@craigo2142]

Envista is a hatchback and Encore is a small CUV/Suv.

[@jeffmorse645]

Exactly. They're trying to fool the crossover buyer who wouldn't go for a hatchback by trying to make the Envista look more like one. Same with Traxx/Trailblazer

[@brocklanders6969]

@@jeffmorse645 IMHO they aren't trying to fool anyone. It is just their inexpensive answer to other luxury Coupe style SUVs like M Benz GLE Coupe, Volvo S60 Cross Country, Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X6.

[@DB-it9pp]

@brocklanders6969 I really dont think Buick is trying to compete with the high end brands, these cars are very practical, GM has Cadillac for that, Buick was always more practical than most commercial brands. Its more so cheap premium. No way they compete with the more upscale brands.

[@brocklanders6969]

@@DB-it9pp I agree. Buick is a step up from Chevy -- nicer interior and has QuietTuning. Premium, not luxury.

[@taj1772]

The style of the Envista is called sportback.

[@andrewsherman2398]

I'm pretty sure that rear seat pockets don't cost that much money and the same goes for certain cameras and sensors my guess is that GM is trying to appease someone somewhere by not offering the envista with more power and awd because I can guarantee they're going to lose some customers who like me absolutely love the style of that vehicle but want more power and awd capability nevertheless a test drive might change my mind considering it's not a sports car or an off road truck

[@danielneal8644]

did you totally skip sitting in the back seat of the Encore? Looks like the Envista has more rear passenger space/legroom and obviously less rear cargo space.

[@papotuto74gr59]

If they lease with a great intro payment I will consider to my daughter for 2 years. After 2 years let’s get another new economic car. I will test one and check how ride

[@davidlucasmachado2831]

The Envista does not bot come with a Rearview back up camera ?

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

Yes it does… just not the “surround view” cameras

[@MikeCottman]

It does in the Avenir

[@NGMonocrom]

I love the looks of both, but I'm sorry.... 155 hp. _with_ a turbo charger is ridiculous. It honestly is. Especially when other brands have engines that *easily* make that much power without a turbo. No clue what GM was thinking.

[@AhylawanMFB]

I love how the envista looks from the outside it’s just so weak under the hood ! Way to heavy for a 3 cylinder

[@pastoryoda2789]

If the ENCORE GX had the body of the Envista it would be a buy for me, i don't like the 6 speed and weak engine in the envista.

[@kemetianadeptheruphant2972]

THEIR BASICALLY OFFERING THE SAME CHASIS AND ENGINE OF THE TRAILBLAZER AND TRAX WITH A DIFFRENT BODY I SEE !!!

[@wolfshanze5980]

It's called "rebadging"... GM has been doing it for DECADES. Like how in the 1980s there were five versions of the GM Cavalier. 1) Chevy Cavalier, 2) Pontiac J2000, 3) Oldsmobile Firenza, 4) Buick Skylark and 5) Cadillac Cimarron.... yes, you could buy the same GM car from every subdivision, they would keep charging you more for the same car depending which badge was slapped on the vehicle... so you could have a cheap Cavalier but pay a lot more because it had a Cadillac badge on it.

[@LatinLegacyNY]

I want to like the Envista but I do not trust that engine. Will need to see it buyers put some good mileage on it to see how it holds up.

[@richardbaumgart2454]

well the did pay a mexican 50 cents to put it together...well maybe 20 cents, $6.75 for a 12 hour shift so.... do the math.

[@nicolaesinu7766]

Wish Envista came with AWD.

[@RammaJamma3]

The new one looks like a Lamborghini suv. But they ruined this car putting a turd 3cly in it. If they had put big 4cly turbo in it I think it might been best selling car ever for them

[@rmurphy3435]

Cheap trying to look expensive imo.

[@michaelchesser4514]

What color white is that?

[@EddieGarciaVQ]

The envista is pretty nice.

[@bidensucks6792]

They look good, unfortunately both are extremely underpowered!

[@d3vp131]

Where are you racing to?

[@bidensucks6792]

@@d3vp131 It's not about racing, it's about being able to pass and get onto a freeway safely.

[@christopherhamilton8853]

@@bidensucks6792 Don't let the 137 horse power fool you. There's more power there than you think

[@cgmiddle]

Whatever metric you are using, remember this is the USA. These new smaller engines have absolutely all the power about 90-95% of drivers in the USA want (per KBB, Consumer Reports, AAA and NHTSA.)

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

@@d3vp131 it doesn’t have to be a race car but it needs to be fast enough to get on the highway

[@laceyr.2642]

No rear ventilation on either vehicle. Why do automakers fail to realize that second row passengers need air too. So lame. I’ll pay a few hundred dollars more for rear vents.

[@Diego-oy6en]

THIS!!!

[@rachellelynn9406]

And how did everyone survive all these years prior lmao

[@dih706]

@@rachellelynn9406 because years ago the sedans had smaller cabin space overall and front vents could cool the air in the small rear pretty we.. Now even a small SUV or Crossover has a lot more cubic feet and when it disperses all the way to the back, your passengers are dealing with 84 while you have 72.

[@dih706]

Love the look of them but.... the engine and the rear air situation are deal breakers. Why I love my Hyundai Tucson. All these features are included, air vents, wireless charger, sunroof, backup camera, and a 2.1 187HP. Great MPG and very peppy ;))

[@rachellelynn9406]

@@dih706 totally disagree. We had boats! All big cars. You can’t tell me cars in the 80’s had less space then cars now lol

[@davidbridges8402]

Can you get without the 3 cylinder and the sunroof

[@wolfshanze5980]

You can get the Envista with any engine you want, as long as it's a 3-cylinder 1.2 liter.

[@rheysarmiento]

Why not make them as one model? Almost Same specs anyway.

[@MariaCapo123]

I’m so dizzy!

[@NathanBrooks-x1c]

What’s the same about these two Buick’s, neither are built in America by Americans for Americans.

[@mooreladybug84]

I love my cinnamon red Encore gx.

[@ElricX]

I want to like these but I feel they need more horse power.

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

Drive one, you will see it’s the perfect amount. 😀👍🏼

[@richardbaumgart2454]

@@GeneralMotorsJeff the perfect amout of power if it lasted longer than a pair of fruit of the looms on a 500 pound fat guy.

[@ndi5670]

When will the Envista be crash tested? As of this comment (may 1, 2024) it hasn’t.

[@avaz5490]

Easy: The Encore GX is a taller crossover for adult sized people and the low-slung Envista is a station wagon for vertically-challenged customers.

[@brocklanders6969]

Hard: The Envista is both wider and longer than the Encore GX. The Encore GX only has .3" more headroom front and .8" rear. The Envista is built on the same platform as the Encore GX. It doesn't look "wagony". It is just their inexpensive answer to other luxury Coupe style SUVs like M Benz GLE Coupe, Volvo S60 Cross Country, Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X6.

[@MikeCottman]

I am 6 foot three and I had more room in the backseat in the Envista than I did the GX

[@peterruddick1952]

I stopped buying GM cars mainly b/c I wanted an Encore GX but would not buy one with 3 cyl. engine, I own a Toyota now. Big mistake by GM on these otherwise nice compact SUV's, the T'blazer and Encore GX

[@lryoung17]

I honestly wish since the Envista replaced the Encore that they had just dropped GX out of the name for 2024 with the refresh. It's such a waste or breathe and plastic letters. Lmao

[@jeffmorse645]

lol - I was thinking that a while back.

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

Why isn't the better looking one with AWD and cooled seats? Car makers really be fucking up when they design shit.

[@mileshilmes1384]

Front seats very narrow and uncomfortable.

[@socalguy97]

I suppose the company gave up on trying to be a luxury brand and conceded to the public’s perception of them post 2000’s- mainstream, and very chintzy. These two new models scream it. No thanks; hard pass. I’d only consider a Buick of yesteryear. Those were real cars.

[@louiseteampam8350]

Front seats too narrow.

[@it1988a]

Both will depreciate 50% when you sign on the dotted line.

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

Don’t understand the point of this comment? All vehicles depreciate

[@it1988a]

It's Govt Motors junK. Does everything have to be spelled out to you???

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

@@it1988a you most live a VERY sad life is this is what you need to do in your spare time. Grow up. I feel sorry for you

[@it1988a]

And on top of that I didn't vote for Skeepy Joe like you did.

[@GeneralMotorsJeff]

@@it1988a well… I’m Canadian… But keep up all of your incorrect statements.. 😂

[@djplonghead5403]

AWD really isn't that important.

[@tsengp7115]

Too many similarities.

[@bobbywhite1645]

You really say "again" a lot

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

Im so tired of all these cookie cutter crossovers

[@captainkirk5622]

Who cares it's not a car

[@rogerh2694]

0-60 in 8.9 secs? 🤮

[@louml6233]

It's Chinese car

[@JamesMoore-wy2ud]

Actually, it's KOREAN 😅

[@davidbridges8402]

Buy american

[@JTKels]

There is no difference, regardless of the trim both are unreliable 😂…American cars made in Korea not in our country, the republican way .. note most Toyota’s are made in the US and totally reliable vehicles..

[@garyhoutz1540]

The Evista is a stupid looking vehicle.

[@Gmcenvoy2002]

Buick is a mess now a days should’ve gone out of business and bring back the Pontiac name plate back

[@ddutsie]

junk

[@grayman618]

Ill bet in 5 yrs time the fake chrome peels off...such is a Daewoo!

[@Ktheodoss]

That engine is too weak.

[@Ryan-um8ug]

That speedo design is so horrible looking.

[@SN-cb9xj]

Horrible and lazy walk-through.

[@davidsequeira1771]

Whoa, that design is terrible. The last 5 years cars have been TRASH

[@AlanHenryDeBoerSr]

The white Envista should also have black door handles.