MODEL
Buick Encore GX
NHTSA safety across every Buick Encore GX model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Buick Encore GX we cover (2020 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 86. 6 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Buick Encore GX is a subcompact luxury SUV slotting neatly between entry-level crossovers and mid-size premium options. Aimed at urban professionals and small families who want a refined, upscale feel without committing to a larger vehicle, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Since its 2020 debut, the Encore GX has positioned itself as a sensible, composed choice for buyers who prioritize comfort and brand cachet.
At MotorCaliber, we focus squarely on safety, and the Buick Encore GX gives us a reasonably strong foundation to work with. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded across the 2020 to 2025 model years is a 96 out of 100 for the 2024 model year, landing in our Exceptional band. That is a genuinely impressive result for a subcompact SUV, where structural compromises are common. Crash-test star ratings back that up: five stars in both frontal and side impact testing in the best year, with a four-star rollover result, which is typical for taller, narrower crossovers and worth noting for shoppers who prioritize that metric. Across the covered model years, NHTSA records show six recalls, which is a moderate figure for a six-year span. Shoppers should always verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific VIN before purchase. The 201 owner complaints on file include reported allegations of 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 10 injuries, with no deaths reported. These are unverified allegations, but the injury count deserves attention as you weigh real-world ownership risk. Overall, the Encore GX earns its strong safety standing. The 2024 model year in particular stands out. Earlier model years show a less consistent picture, so targeting a newer example is the smarter safety play.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Encore GX for its refined cabin, comfortable ride quality, and upscale presentation relative to its segment. Most find it a pleasant, easy-to-live-with daily driver. Some reviewers note that performance and cargo capacity lag behind rivals, and a few flag that the driving experience feels more comfort-focused than engaging, but the overall tone toward the model is broadly positive.
- The 2024 Encore GX earned a 96 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, making it the standout model year for safety shoppers targeting this nameplate.
- Rollover protection is rated four out of five stars in the best test year. This is common for subcompact SUVs but is a real trade-off compared to the five-star frontal and side results, and worth factoring in if rollover risk is a priority for you.
- Six recalls have been issued across the 2020 to 2025 model years. Always run a VIN check through NHTSA's free recall database before finalizing any purchase to confirm whether a specific vehicle has open, unresolved recall work.
- The 201 owner complaints on file include allegations of 7 crashes and 10 injuries. These are unverified and represent a small fraction of vehicles on the road, but reviewing the complaint details on NHTSA.gov can reveal any emerging patterns relevant to the specific model year you are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Buick Encore GX with 2 recalls.