2026 Buick Encore GX: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 95 value SUVs, the 2026 Buick Encore GX scores well across safety and fuel cost. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $25,900 - $33,000
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27-30 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,450 - $2,200 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $750 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $977 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- United States
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is a SUV priced from $25,900 to $33,000 with 6 trims. For a vehicle your family depends on, the safety, recall, and long-term cost data below is where the decision starts.
- 5-year ownership cost $8,449 below value SUVs average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
- Avg repair cost $82 per year below SUV average
2026 Buick Encore GX at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Buick Encore GX are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that reliability is middle-of-pack.
- fuel cost
- safety
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,450. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $8,449 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among SUVs, 82% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.9%
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2026 Buick Encore GX Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Buick Encore GX but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Crash test scores reflect the vehicle at its best. Recalls reflect issues discovered after manufacturing. Both are part of the full safety picture.
Does the 2026 Buick Encore GX Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. For context, the average SUV has 1.7 recall campaigns. Recalls can be issued at any time as new issues are identified. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Buick Encore GX Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle your family depends on daily, fuel cost adds up fast. The EPA data below shows how the 2026 Buick Encore GX's efficiency compares to other SUVs in its price range.
What Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX Fuel Economy?
The most fuel-efficient 2026 Buick Encore GX trim achieves 30 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,450. That is $442 less per year than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. Actual fuel economy depends on driving conditions and habits. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 27 to 30 combined MPG/MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred FWD FLEX | 30 MPG | 30 | 31 | $1,450 per year |
| Sport Touring FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 29 | 31 | $2,000 per year |
| Preferred AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 28 | $2,200 per year |
| Sport Touring AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 28 | $2,200 per year |
| Avenir FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 29 | 31 | $2,000 per year |
| Avenir AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 28 | $2,200 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $7,250 to $11,000 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 26% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Fuel is the cost you plan for. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation are the costs that surprise you three years in. For a vehicle your family depends on daily, the full ownership picture matters.
What Does the 2026 Buick Encore GX Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Buick Encore GX ranges from $68,280 to $92,395 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Subcompact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
For a family vehicle, the trim choice comes down to which safety features, space, and cost level fit your household. The comparison below shows all 6 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Buick Encore GX Trims Compare?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX is available in 6 trims, with base prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,000. Trims are available with Flex Fuel and Gasoline powertrains, which affects fuel economy and pricing. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred FWD FLEX | $25,900 | 30 MPG | $1,450 per year | FWD | 137 hp | 3,023 lbs | $68,280 |
| Sport Touring FWD GAS | $27,100 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 155 hp | 3,063 lbs | $69,480 |
| Preferred AWD GAS | $27,900 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 155 hp | 3,255 lbs | $87,295 |
| Sport Touring AWD GAS | $28,700 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 155 hp | 3,255 lbs | $88,095 |
| Avenir FWD GAS | $31,400 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 155 hp | 3,063 lbs | $73,780 |
| Avenir AWD GAS | $33,000 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 155 hp | 3,255 lbs | $92,395 |
The entry price has increased $300 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- Preferred FWD FLEX
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- Preferred FWD GAS
Price changes since 2024
- Avenir FWD GAS $31,900 (2024) → $31,400 (2026) -$500
- Avenir AWD GAS $33,500 (2024) → $33,000 (2026) -$500
- Sport Touring FWD GAS $26,800 (2024) → $27,100 (2026) +$300
- Preferred AWD GAS $27,600 (2024) → $27,900 (2026) +$300
- Sport Touring AWD GAS $28,400 (2024) → $28,700 (2026) +$300
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred FWD GAS | $25,600 30 MPG | — | — |
| Sport Touring FWD GAS | $26,800 30 MPG | $27,140 30 MPG | $27,100 30 MPG |
| Preferred AWD GAS | $27,600 27 MPG | $27,940 27 MPG | $27,900 27 MPG |
| Sport Touring AWD GAS | $28,400 27 MPG | $28,740 27 MPG | $28,700 27 MPG |
| Avenir FWD GAS | $31,900 30 MPG | $31,500 30 MPG | $31,400 30 MPG |
| Avenir AWD GAS | $33,500 27 MPG | $33,100 27 MPG | $33,000 27 MPG |
| Preferred FWD FLEX | — | $25,940 30 MPG | $25,900 30 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
A lower-priced trim saves money now. A reliable vehicle saves money for years. The RepairPal rating below measures how often the 2026 Buick Encore GX needs unscheduled repairs.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Buick Encore GX at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
A high reliability score means fewer trips to the shop. Warranty coverage ensures that if something does fail early, Buick handles the bill. Here are the current terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Buick Encore GX Come With?
Buick provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Encore GX. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2026 Buick Encore GX Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Buick Encore GX as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Subcompact crossover SUV
| Engine | 1.2L I3, 1.3L I3 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 137 - 155 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 90.6 - 101.2 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $175 - $213 |
| Torque | 162 - 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 396 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 171.2 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.4 in |
| Height | 64.1 - 65.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,023 - 3,255 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. For a family vehicle, the safety ratings, recall history, and long-term cost data above are the sections that matter most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Buick Encore GX FAQ
Which 2026 Buick Encore GX trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 6 available trims, the Preferred FWD FLEX has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $68,280, starting at $25,900 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $92,395. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Buick Encore GX in price and segment include 2026 Mazda CX-30, 2026 Hyundai Kona, and 2026 Honda HR-V. The Mazda CX-30 is the closest in price (starting at $25,975, 5-star NHTSA, 27 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Buick Encore GX from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 1 trim was dropped, and the entry price increased by $300 for the Buick Encore GX lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Buick Encore GX cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Buick Encore GX include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $121 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $978 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Buick based?
Buick is headquartered in United States. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Buick vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Buick models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Buick vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Buick lineup on our Buick models page.
What is the 2026 Buick Encore GX safety rating?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.