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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Trax
In this 2024 Buick Encore GX vs. Chevrolet Trax comparison, we look at which all-new subcompact crossover delivers the best value.
GM’s Compact Crossover Showdown
Looking over the broad selection of SUVs in the General Motors portfolio as of 2024, it seems a comparison of the Buick Encore vs. Chevrolet Trax is in order. Why? Well, both compact crossovers are all new and both occupy the lower rungs of the respective brand’s SUV hierarchy with the Trax slotted below the Trailblazer on price.
However, while the previous Encore and Trax were once close platform mates, these fresh second-gen variants have strayed further apart. The Trax has grown considerably and has been clad in a new sharp exterior while the Encore GX arrives with a new look and fresh technology. Let’s have a look at which subcompact runabout does it best in this 2024 Buick Encore vs. Chevrolet Trax matchup.
Specs
Though larger than the 2023 model it replaces, the 2024 Buick Encore GX is quite a bit smaller than the all-new Chevy Trax. At 171 inches long, the Buick is 8 inches shorter than its Chevy counterpart. The Encore GX is also 3 inches taller and 1 inch narrower. Add in the 4-inch wider wheelbase on the 2024 Trax and you have a crossover with a more athletic aesthetic (think Camaro) than the more traditionally styled 2024 Encore GX.
The same turbocharged 1.2L inline-3 powers the new Encore GX and Trax with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. However, Buick pairs this motor with a CVT versus Chevy that goes with a 6-speed automatic. As well, Buick offers a slightly more potent boosted 1.3L variant rated for 155 hp and 174 torques along with available AWD. The 2024 Chevy Trax is strictly a FWD vehicle.
Regardless of which engine you choose and which vehicle it’s strapped to, the combined fuel efficiency rating comes in at 30 mpg in an FWD setup. AWD Buicks see that figure drop to 27 mpg. Given the relatively small uptick in output for the larger motor offered in the Encore GX, there’s not a great reason to pay more for it, so the Trax easily stays in the game on this front.
Driving and Performance
Acceleration across the board is a snoozer with times in the 8- to 9-second range. But these GM crossovers are aimed at local errand duty and a daily commute so most owners likely won’t mind. Those owners will however surely appreciate the Active Noise Cancellation technology that serves to subdue uncouth noises while on the gas. It’s standard on both lineups.
Also shared in this 2024 Buick Encore vs. Chevrolet Trax comparo is the use of a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear setup. One minor difference is that AWD-equipped Buicks gain a Watt’s linkage out back to improve lateral stiffness. That’s a bonus when traversing pockmarked roads as is the added traction of AWD, so the Encore GX noses ahead of the Trax when it comes to driving and performance.
Comfort and Interior
Given the significantly larger footprint of the new Trax vs the Encore GX, it’s no surprise that the Chevy also sports a more spacious cabin. There are 3 inches of additional legroom in the backseat for the Trax, an additional 3 cubic feet of cargo space behind that seat, and four more cubes when the rear bench is folded against the Encore.
And though the cabin layout is familiar from one SUV to the next, Chevy’s design is particularly handsome as we note in this 2024 Trax preview. But the Encore GX shows its premium position versus the Trax’s mainstream location with the General’s umbrella by offering features like leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a digital rearview mirror – none of which are available in the 2024 Trax.
The infotainment score, however, ends up a bit closer. Every 2024 Buick Encore GX comes with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, 11-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone mirroring. To access the same 19 inches of screen real estate on the 2024 Trax requires at least an LT, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Trims and Features
Every 2024 Chevy Trax model has a lower starting price than the most basic 2024 Buick Encore GX. The lineup starts with an LS for $21,495 that has steel wheels with hubcaps, LED headlights, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and cloth upholstery. Also included are forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, and automatic high beams.
The $23,195 Trax 1RS adds 18-inch alloy rims, heating elements to the side mirrors, front seats, and steering wheel, and remote engine start. For an extra $200, the LT model adds the big screens inside, a 6-speaker stereo, dual USB ports, automatic climate control, and a bit of leatherette that Chevy calls “Evotex”.
Both the 2RS and ACTIV Trax trims are identically priced at $24,995. Sporty 2RS models get sweet 19-inch black-finished rims, while the Activ model has slightly smaller wheels but a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Across the board, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert can be optioned as can a sunroof and wireless charging.
Starting at $26,895, the entry-level 2024 Encore GX Preferred comes with 18-inch alloys (no steelies here, thank you), a 6-speaker stereo, and a cloth-leatherette combination upholstery. It matches the Trax with advanced driver aids and one-ups it by also bringing blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert to the table.
For a bit more than $28,000, the Encore GX in Sport Touring guise boasts full LED exterior lighting, leatherette upholstery, and gloss black accents throughout. Top-spec Avenir models run $33,195, for which you get 19-inch tires, power-adjustable and heated front seats, the latter wrapped in leather, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
As with Chevy, Buick offers adaptive cruise control as part of an optional package, one that includes a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view monitor, and wireless charging. The latter two features are not available on the 2024 Trax, nor are Buick’s optional hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, or Bose audio system.
The Verdict
Wondering which vehicle is the best bet in this 2024 Buick Encore GX vs. Chevrolet Trax comparison? It’s the Trax, hands down. The most expensive Trax is about $2,000 cheaper than the base Encore GX, it has more cabin space, is arguably better looking, and offers the same 11-inch infotainment setup.
Yes, the Buick can be fitted with AWD, but if it’s the winter you’re worried about, just slap a set of snow tires on your FWD Trax. The Encore GX has also two additional driver aids as standard equipment, but just like the Chevy, most of the other good stuff requires checking option boxes.
As for the powertrain, Chevy puts the same little three-cylinder engine in the Trax as Buick puts in the Encore GX. The fact that Buick offers an “upgraded’ engine with 0.1 liters more displacement, 18 more hp, and 12 more torques is more of a head-scratcher than a value-add.
In particular, the 2024 Trax in LT trim – which starts at $23,395 – strikes us as a heck of a bargain compared to the 2024 Encore GX, of any ilk, as that Trax model comes with the big screens, alloy wheels, and automatic climate control. Add $595 for the Convenience package that includes heat for the front seats, steering wheel, and side mirrors to bring the price tag up to about $24,000.
You’d need at least a $33,195 Encore GX Avenir just to have heated seats and automatic climate control as standard equipment in a smaller vehicle with a smidge more power. Seems like a no-brainer to us. Whichever way you go, be sure to read up on how to obtain the best auto loan rates before hitting the dealership lot.
