Buick has spent the better part of a decade rebuilding its lineup and reputation, moving away from its old image and into near-luxury territory. Upscale interior materials, a more confident design language, and the addition of a wide range of Avenir trims to its lineup have all played a part in an important and necessary change for Buick.
Buick has made these changes over the years while still keeping its lineup affordable. Two SUVs in particular, the Envista and Encore GX, have MSRPs starting under $30,000, a marked contrast to the average new car price floating around the US. $50,000 or thereabouts.
Buyers cross-shopping a BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, or similarly sized luxury crossover might not think to look at a Buick first. However, both the Envista and Encore GX undercut their luxury rivals by thousands of dollars without sacrificing comfort, convenience or safety features.
Below are every detail of Envista and Encore GX. Starting MSRPs have been removed from the Buick retailer website at the time of this writing and include destination charges.
2026 Buick Envista (MSRP starting at: $26,495)
The almost-luxurious cabin gives the BMW X1 a run for its money
The 2026 Envista is available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir. All three have a 1.2-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, as Buick doesn’t offer all-wheel drive on the Envista.
However, the 2026 Envista comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, which includes:
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Forward collision warning.
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Front pedestrian brake.
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Tracking distance indicator.
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Automatic emergency braking.
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IntelliBeam automatic high beam assist.
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Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
- Main Trim Engine
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1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-speed automatic
- Basic Trim transmission
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Front wheel
With an MSRP starting at $26,495, the Preferred is nicely equipped with an 11-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and four USB ports.
Starting at $27,995, the Sport Touring builds on the Preferred with 18-inch black aluminum wheels, black exterior accents and leather seats instead of cloth.
The two trims sit $1,500 apart, and the extra money buys mostly styling upgrades. Serious equipment-conscious buyers can stick with the Preferred and pocket the difference, perhaps using it later. shorten the repayment schedule to their debt.
Regardless of trim, comparisons have been made to the Envista’s low, wide stance and almost luxurious interior. something like a BMW X1 for a fraction of the price. The BMW X1 starts at $43,200 (X1 xDrive 28i), while the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is slightly more affordable with an MSRP starting at $41,500. Even more affordable, the hybrid Lexus UX starts at $38,850.
At $26,495, the Envista undercuts them all by more than $10,000.
Although it doesn’t start below $30,000, Envista Avenir still below the X1, GLA 250 and UX, with a starting MSRP of $31,295 (with destination). Styling upgrades for the Envista Avenir include Pearl Nickel-plated 19-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out chrome grille, while comfort upgrades include heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.
2026 Buick Encore GX (MSRP starting at: $28,390)
All-wheel drive and trailer package available
The 2026 Encore GX is also available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir. Like the Envista, every Encore GX comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package, although powertrain options differ slightly.
Preferred front-wheel-drive models can be equipped with either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter ECOTEC turbo engine, both mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive versions of the Sport Touring and Avenir use a 1.3-liter engine with a CVT.
All-wheel-drive Encore GX models use a 1.3-liter ECOTEC engine mated to a nine-speed automatic, regardless of trim level. As expected, the 1.3-liter is more powerful than the 1.2-liter (137 hp vs. 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque vs. 162 lb-ft). When properly equipped with the trailer package for an additional $1,025, the 2026 Encore GX can tow up to 1,000 pounds.
With a starting MSRP of $28,390, the Preferred is already well equipped. Standard features include:
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Four USB ports.
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11-inch HD touch screen.
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Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
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Six speaker audio system.
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Main Trim Engine
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1.2L ECOTEC I3 ICE
- Main Trim Transmission
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CVT
- Basic Trim transmission
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Front wheel
Starting at $29,195, the Sport Touring builds on the Preferred with 18-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, a gloss black grille, black body moldings and roof-mounted side rails.
Like the Envista, the difference between the Preferred and Sport Touring is largely a styling upgrade. Also similar to the Envista, the Encore GX costs thousands less than the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and Lexus UX.
Meanwhile, the Encore GX Avenir includes 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish and a unique grille with bright chrome accents. Comfort upgrades include heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a silent power liftgate.
Deciding between the two
The choice depends largely on size, price, and whether all-wheel drive is important to your next vehicle.
The Envista is the smaller and cheaper of the two, starting at $26,495, while the Encore GX starts at a higher price, but adds the option of all-wheel drive and more space. Buyers who want the lowest introductory price should start with Envista Preferred.
Whichever model you choose in the Buick lineup, it’s worth revisiting your loan terms once your credit improves or interest rates drop. Refinancing can lower your monthly car paymentand these deposits are accumulated during the term of the loan.
