
The Buick Encore GX is equipped with a three-cylinder engine. The entire Encore GX lineup uses a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 121 kW and a peak torque of 240 Nm. The engine reaches its maximum power at 5,600 rpm, while the peak torque is available between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The Buick Encore GX is a compact SUV under the Buick brand, with dimensions of 4,463 mm in length, 1,813 mm in width, and 1,642 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,640 mm. In terms of exterior design, the Buick Encore GX features optimized body proportions, resulting in a longer and wider body with a lower center of gravity. Its clean and powerful body lines strike a perfect balance between elegance and agility.

When I went for a test drive of the Envision GX, I specifically studied its engine. This car uses a 1.3T three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Many automakers are now adopting three-cylinder engines primarily for fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. I found the initial acceleration quite brisk, and it felt smooth when following traffic in the city. With a deeper press on the accelerator, the turbo kicks in, providing adequate power. The three-cylinder engine does produce minor vibrations at idle, but Buick has implemented special mounts and noise-reduction treatments, making them virtually unnoticeable on the steering wheel and seats. After a stretch on the highway, I noticed the fuel consumption was just over 6 liters, which is quite economical for a family SUV. If you're considering long-term ownership, I recommend regular maintenance checks on the engine mounts and spark plugs to keep the engine in optimal condition.

I really like the powertrain of the Enclave GX, which features a 165-horsepower three-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission. The three-cylinder design makes the engine more compact and noticeably improves the front-end responsiveness. During stop-and-go traffic on my commute, the start-stop system works smoothly, and it doesn't lag behind four-cylinder cars when accelerating from traffic lights. I tested it on mountain roads the other day—while there's some noticeable noise during steep uphill acceleration, turning on the AC easily drowns it out. The biggest advantage of this engine is its fuel efficiency; my friend driving a four-cylinder SUV spends 300 yuan more on gas per month than I do. Of course, a three-cylinder is best suited for city commuting—if you frequently carry heavy loads or take long trips, it might feel underpowered. Overall, this configuration offers great value for daily family use.

I remember noticing the Encore GX's specs listed it as a three-cylinder engine when I first checked, but after six months of driving, I've completely adapted. Although a three-cylinder sounds small in displacement, the turbocharging actually delivers decent acceleration. What surprised me most were the low maintenance costs—parts like spark plugs and belts are simpler and cheaper than those in four-cylinder engines. The manufacturer even offers a lifetime warranty on the engine, eliminating long-term concerns. At low speeds in residential areas, the steering feels light, and on the ring road, overtaking is smooth once the revs hit 2,500 rpm. For a family's first car, this configuration is a smart choice in the 150,000 yuan price range.

Last week my friend asked me about the Buick Enclave GX, and I focused on explaining its 1.3T three-cylinder engine to him. The biggest advantage of this engine is its lightweight design, which reduces overall vehicle weight and improves braking response. Technologically, GM has implemented a balance shaft and active hydraulic mount system, significantly reducing vibrations at traffic lights compared to older three-cylinder models. Although its power output is smaller than a 2.0T engine, it's perfectly adequate for city driving. Paired with the 48V mild hybrid system, even the auto start-stop function becomes smoother. Just avoid maintaining speeds above 140 km/h for extended periods on highways - it maintains excellent stability at normal 110 km/h cruising speeds. Three-cylinder engine technology is quite mature now.


