Which 2024 Buick Is Better for Me, the Encore GX or the Enclave?

As the premier Buick dealer in Atlanta, we here at Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta are here to help you choose a model that’s not just high-quality but exactly right for your lifestyle. Narrowing your options can be arduous, and if you haven’t been shopping for a vehicle in a while, it can be hard to even know where to start. So, let’s take a look at two popular Buick SUVs and see what they have in common, what makes each unique, and what each one has to offer Atlanta’s drivers.

The 2024 Encore GX and 2024 Enclave both boast plenty of premium features to keep you comfortable on the road; both have plenty of advanced driver assistance features to help you tackle rush hour on I-75 or I-20 with confidence; both have stylish exteriors that are sure to impress everyone, from your neighbors to your coworkers. Let’s dig in and learn more about these great SUVs and what they bring to the table…

Overview of the Encore GX

The 2024 Encore GX is the most compact option in Buick’s SUV lineup, enabling it to nimbly navigate the streets of downtown Atlanta and even parallel park on Peachtree on a busy day. The interior seats up to five people, and there’s plenty of room for cargo in the back. This affordable SUV can be had with luxury features like heated seats, power lumbar support, and remote start, which lets you get the AC going before you enter the vehicle on a hot Georgia summer day.

Overview of the Enclave

The 2024 Enclave is a midsize SUV that can seat up to seven across three rows. As a more luxurious option, it’s pricier than the Encore GX—but for that money, you get plenty of value, including standard features like heated seats, perforated leather-appointed seat trimming, rear climate controls, and a wireless phone charging pad. While the base trim has plenty to offer, you can upgrade to higher trim levels to get even more features and make every outing feel like an exclusive experience.

Differences in Size

If you have a big family—be it a gaggle of kids or extended family members who live nearby and are often along for the ride—the Enclave definitely has the advantage. It has room for up to seven instead of just five, so you only need one vehicle to bring everyone out for a fun day at Zoo Atlanta or Six Flags Over Georgia. The third and second rows can fold flat if you need more cargo room instead, whether you need to bring home a new couch or pick up your out-of-town inlaws [and all of their luggage] from Hartsfield-Jackson.

On the other hand, if you don’t need seating for more than five, then the Encore GX might be worth considering. Its compact size is easy to maneuver in busy parking lots, so you can do your Christmas shopping at Mall of Georgia without losing your holiday cheer over a fender bender. The cargo area behind the second row of the Encore GX is nearly as large as the cargo area behind the third row of the Encore; both are a little over 23 cu.ft., which is plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

Capability Comparison

Since the Enclave is larger and over 1,000 lbs heavier than the Encore GX, it shouldn’t come as a shock to hear that it’s equipped with a more powerful engine. The 2024 Enclave is powered by a 3.6L V6 that can produce 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque; it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that’s electronically controlled for smooth shifting and a comfortable ride. That power lets you accelerate swiftly on the highway so you can cruise down I-75 on your way to a beachside vacation. The Enclave can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, so you can have a relaxing shoreside trip closer to home by bringing your boat to Lake Lanier for a weekend. You can choose between efficient front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for extra traction on gravel roads or rainy days.

On all trims above the base-level Preferred, the Encore GX comes with a 1.3L EcoTec Turbo four-cylinder engine that can crank out 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. That’s not as much as the Enclave, but since it doesn’t have as much weight to get or keep in motion, you’ll still have enough power to get up to highway speeds with ease. If you opt for front-wheel drive, you’ll get a CVT (continuously variable transmission), while AWD models have the same nine-speed automatic as the Enclave. When properly equipped, the Encore GX can handle up to 1,000 lbs of trailering; that’s certainly not as much as the Enclave, but if you only have a small boat or light trailer, then it might even be more than you need.

While the Encore GX doesn’t bring as much power, it has the advantage over the Enclave regarding efficiency. The Enclave is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, which is respectable for its size. The Encore GX gets 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, which means you can save money on gas and time at the pump. If you have friends who live across town or like to take road trips to Nashville or Savannah, then that fuel economy figure might be more important than your horsepower.

Great Tech in Both

These two models both come standard with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, and voice commands, even on the most basic trim level.

The 2024 Enclave features an 8.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information center. Between these two displays, you can keep track of your audio entertainment and keep an eye on diagnostics and driver assistance warnings. However, it’s easier to see this information at a glance with larger displays. The 2024 Encore GX comes standard with an 11.0-inch high-definition touchscreen and an 8.0-inch Driver Information Center, which puts all the info you’re looking for front and center. However, the Enclave comes standard with a wireless device charging pad, which is an optional feature on the Encore GX.

Both models come standard with keyless entry and start, which lets you keep your key fob in your pocket or purse, so you’re less likely to misplace it. Both also have a standard noise control system with active noise cancellation, so you won’t be bothered by the rumblings of the outside world. Across all trims of either model, you can get a Wi-Fi hotspot for internet connectivity on the go.

Safe Bets in the 2024 Encore GX and Enclave

Overall, these are both wonderful SUVs that are reliable and packed with plenty of useful features; either will get you around The A and beyond in comfort and style. Choosing whichever is best for you comes down to personal preference; it’s a big city, and no two Atlantans are exactly alike.

If you need an extra roomy interior or a high towing capacity, then the Encore will probably be the better fit, and you’ll get plenty of standard luxury as a cherry on top. If you prefer a more compact vehicle for easy maneuverability and better fuel economy, then the Encore GX will probably fit you like a glove. If you’re torn between the two, then give us a call or stop by Jim Ellis Buick GMC of Atlanta; we’re always happy to answer your questions and get you what you need to drive with confidence.