All the Best Buick Compact SUVs
We compare the Buick Encore, Buick Encore GX, Buick Envision, and Buick Envision Avenir to determine the best Buick compact SUV.
Written by Sierra Vakili
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Of Buick’s small SUV lineup, the 2023 Buick Encore GX strikes a happy medium. It offers a nice value compared to Buick’s other models, which often charge too much and deliver too little.
Buick is not known for its luxury line of cars—and for good reason when you take a closer look at what these cars really have to offer in comparison to their rivals. But the 2023 Buick Encore GX is a breath of fresh air among other Buick models, delivering a satisfying performance for the average driver without breaking the bank.
What makes the Buick Encore GX stand out among other Buick SUVs?
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app, is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best Buick compact SUVs to help you find your best fit—plus some tips on how to save on your Buick Encore GX insurance costs
.2023 Buick compact and subcompact SUV models
Currently, Buick has two compact SUVs and two subcompact SUVs on the market.
2022 Buick Encore ($26,100 MSRP)
The 2023
Buick Encore
isn’t out yet and the 2022 model seems to be falling short in the race among SUVs. According to Car and Driver, the meek subcompact falls at an unimpressive fifteenth place among small SUVs. The 2022 Encore stays somewhat up-to-date with features like Apple Carplay and Android Auto, but lacks the modern safety features that put its competitors over the edge. While you can purchase safety add-ons, the Encore tends to be overshadowed by its older, wiser Buick sibling, the Encore GX.
Highlights of the Encore include:
- Decent cargo space
- User-friendly infotainment system with touchscreen
- Smooth ride
Weaknesses include:
- Cramped second row
- Slower than rivals
- Less fuel efficient than rivals
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2023 Buick Encore GX ($25,900 MSRP)
More polished and refined than the Encore, the 2023 Buick Encore GX is the next step up from the 2022 Buick Encore (literally one step—it is only one rank higher than the Encore in Car and Driver’s ratings). But this subcompact still leaves something to be desired, earning a rating of 7.9/10 from C&D and ”good” from Edmunds.
The Encore GX is generally underwhelming for its price point. You get all the standard features that come with the Buick name, plus some of the key safety features that the Encore lacks—a 360-degree camera system, digital rearview mirror, and forward collision detection.
Highlights of the Encore GX include:
- Robust tech and safety features
- Nicely roomy for a smallish SUV
- Sophisticated exterior design
Weaknesses include:
- Value, as compared to competitors
- Noisy drive on the highway
- Interior lacks comfort for its looks
MORE: 2022’s 15 best SUVs for tall people
2023 Buick Envision ($33,400 MSRP)
The first compact SUV on our list, the 2023 Buick Envision is more spacious and sleek than its predecessors. However, Buick’s attempt at “upscale” more or less falls flat in its reception, earning a 7.4/10 rating from
Edmunds
, calling the car “average… in nearly every metric.” Car and Driver
echoes the same sentiment, reporting that the Envision delivers a “joyless driving experience” with “rather bland” dynamics. The goldilocks of Buick SUVs, it seems the Envision performs well enough to be satisfactory for most drivers, but its high price and lack of outstanding features lets it fall lower on the list compared to rivals.Highlights of the Buick Envision include:
- Good number of premium features
- Smooth ride
- Quiet driving
Weaknesses include:
- Lackluster driving experience
- Underwhelming interior design
- Smaller-than-average cargo space
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2023 Buick Envision Avenir ($45,660 MSRP)
Marketed as a luxury compact SUV, the Envision Avenir stands out from other Buick SUVs as an elevated experience. The model offers quilted leather upholstery, heated seats, and massage technology in the driver’s seat—plus a larger infotainment system at 10.2 inches, compared to the Envision’s 8 inches.
But the “highest expression of Buick luxury” still seems to fall short. Its plethora of features delivers a premium feel, but the Envision Avenir’s plain exterior and disappointing lack of punch in its ride are what separates it from other true luxury SUV competitors.
Highlights of the Envision Avenir include:
- Beautiful interior
- Variety of features
Weaknesses include:
- Lack of pep in the engine
- Worse value than competitors
- Deceiving “luxury” branding
MORE: The worst luxury cars you can buy
Other Buick SUV models
While the four cars on this list are the only compact and subcompact SUVs currently available from Buick, there are a couple of other midsize SUVs from the company worth looking at:
- 2023 Buick Enclave ($44,800 MSRP): This three-row SUV is another techy, stylish step up.
- 2023 Buick Enclave Avenir ($57,100 MSRP): Another Buick with a stunning design but disappointing value compared to cheaper competitors with more features to offer.
What is Buick’s smallest car?
The 2022 Buick Encore is the smallest car currently sold by Buick, with the Encore GX not far behind.
- 2022 Buick Encore passenger volume: 92.8 cubic feet
- 2023 Buick Encore GX passenger volume: 94.3 cubic feet
What is Buick’s cheapest car?
Buick’s smallest car is also their cheapest: the Encore! While its tech and safety features may not have you cheering for more, it’s the most affordable Buick option for those interested in a smaller SUV.
How to save on Buick insurance
Whether you’re the proud owner of a luxury car or looking to save a pretty penny, you’ll want to make sure you get the best deal possible on protecting your car.
Jerry
can help you save an average of more than $800 a year on your car insurance
premium. All you have to do is download the Jerry app, take 45 seconds to answer a few questions, and browse quotes from some of the top insurers in the country. When you find a plan you like, you can switch right in the app with help from Jerry’s team of licensed agents. It’s the easiest way to save on your
Buick insurance costs
!“I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get since I have a luxury SUV. AfterJerryfound me quotes, I ended up paying only $80 a month for the same coverage. I’ll be shopping for auto insurance through Jerry from now on!” —Petra S.
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