27 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2023 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L 3-cylinder, especially considering it’s aimed at urban and suburban commuters who want a small vehicle with a higher driving position and available all-wheel drive, without completely sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Encore GX suits those who value practicality and a touch of premium style more than saving every last drop of gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L break down to 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. That the city and highway figures are so close suggests consistent performance across different driving conditions. This is due to the smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, which keeps the engine in its best range whether in stop-and-go traffic or on the highway. The small difference also shows how well the Encore GX’s design and engine systems minimize fuel use, even in urban settings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L at $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel cost will change based on your driving, how much you drive in the city versus on the highway, and gas prices in your area. Still, the $1,600 estimate is a good way to compare the Encore GX’s costs to other vehicles like it.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can vary. If you accelerate smoothly, drive at a steady speed, and don’t idle much, you should see numbers close to the EPA estimates. Driving hard, making lots of short trips, and using the air conditioning a lot will lower your MPG. Drivers who mainly drive in the city with frequent stops may see numbers closer to the low 20s, while those who spend most of their time on the highway could reach or slightly beat the EPA’s 29 MPG rating. It is useful to monitor your ENCORE MPG across all years to get a sense of realistic variations.

How it compares

The Encore GX is in a competitive subcompact SUV market. For example, the Mazda CX-30 with its standard 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive offers a more fun driving experience but gets around 25 MPG combined. The Kia Seltos AWD, another popular choice, gets similar fuel economy to the Encore GX, around 27 MPG combined with its 1.6L turbo engine. The Honda HR-V with AWD delivers a comparable 28 MPG combined. When you examine all Buick fuel economy data, the Encore GX is on the more economical end of Buick’s models, balancing fuel economy with the brand’s comfort and style. The competition shows that the Encore GX’s fuel economy is normal for vehicles with both AWD and a certain level of quality.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Encore GX’s 1.3L turbocharged engine responds well to gentle driving. Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking, since these habits really hurt fuel economy, especially in a small turbocharged engine like this. If possible, watch the traffic and keep a steady speed, letting the 9-speed transmission shift smoothly and keep the engine at its best RPM.

Tire pressure is critical for fuel economy. Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure on the driver’s side door. Tires with low pressure create more resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Regularly checking your tire pressure is a simple way to improve your MPG.

Don’t idle if you can avoid it. Letting your engine run while stopped burns fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine and start it again when you’re ready. This can make a difference, especially in the city.

Try using the Encore GX’s drive modes. While they won’t dramatically change MPG, choosing the right mode for the conditions can slightly improve fuel efficiency. Try the different modes to see what works best for your routes and driving.

Normal maintenance is very important for fuel economy. Keeping your engine tuned, changing the air filter often, and making sure all fluids are full will help the Encore GX run well and keep its MPG over time. Keep up with your scheduled maintenance.