As GM Authority has covered before, the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer are actually quite different, despite similarities in body style, platform, and engine lineup. The differences can be seen in several different areas, including in the cabin space, where the Buick Encore GX has this one key difference with the new Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Buick Encore GX
Chevy Trailblazer
When it comes to the climate control system, the Buick Encore GX is equipped with an automatic dual-zone setup as standard on the mid-range Select and range-topping Essence trim levels, while in the Trailblazer, a manual single-zone air conditioning system is standard.
Customers that step up to the Trailblazer LT, Trailblazer Activ, or Trailblazer RS are offered single-zone automatic climate control as an available option. To note, single-zone automatic climate control is optional in the LT, Activ, and RS trims exclusively through the Convenience Package.
There are other differences between the Buick Encore GX and Chevy Trailblazer worth pointing out as well. As GM Authority covered previously, there are variations in the safety systems on offer, as well as the wheelbase lengths, despite the fact that both models ride on the GM VSS-F vehicle set. To this latter point, the 2021 Buick Encore GX has a 102.2-inch wheelbase, while the Trailblazer has a 103.9-inch wheelbase.
Interestingly, General Motors claims that these two models aren’t cannibalizing sales from one another, either.
To note, both the Buick Encore GX and new Chevy Trailblazer are considered subcompact crossovers, and both feature the same engine lineup, including the base turbo 1.2L I3 LIH, which produces 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the optional turbo 1.3L I3 L3T, which produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Buick Encore GX starts at $25,095, while the Chevy Trailblazer starts at $19,995.
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Comments
You have the South American midsize Trailblazer interior shown, not the American/Chinese market compact Trailblazer interior.
Thanks for calling out that error, Arden. The post has been updated.
My daughter bought the Trailblazer after driving both. There was no comparison when you rode in them. The Encore rides choppy with lots of sway to it. Trailblazer rides like a much bigger vehicle…the difference says less than 2″ in the wheelbase, but seems like more. Stance seems wider as well. On top of that, the Encore costs more…decision was an easy one!
Another major difference between the two is that the GX offers Buick’s QuietTuning which I was told is not available on the TB. I think it’s worth noting for I found both 3-cylinder engines loud when I test drove both the GX and TB (both 1.2 and 1.3 engine). the interior of the GX is slightly nicer in my opinion.
GM needs to get rid of the 1.2L, make the 1.3L the base and add a bigger engine option for North America.
I can tell you that my dealership does not order the Encore GX with the 1.2L Engine anyway. The 1.3L turbo paired with the 9-speed is basically standard here. That’s like the GMC Acadia where the 2.5L 4 cylinder was technically standard but I only ever saw one here.
As far as a bigger engine, that would end up being the 2.0L turbo. A GM buyer who really wants that in a “sub-compact crossover” is going to go with the Cadillac XT4.
Amen to that!!!! This is the primary reason what I didn’t buy a TB, I’m now out looking at the Bronco Sport (which also has a 3-cylinder but more horsepower at 180 hp).
I continue to be amazed at the dual comfort climate zone that automakers tout. How is it possible for two people sitting 12 inches apart to have two different temperatures?
Not sure, but I think the dual zone feature allows for different temperature air to be delivered through each sides vents.
That’s what happens with the heated air — my wife likes hotter temps than I do; her side is set for 75 degrees, while my side is set for 60 (in her RAM 1500 4WD, which is pretty much our go to vehicle in winter).
We haven’t had temperatures above 12 degrees F in a while. I’ll check the A/C function in July, maybe.
Both engines are loud. The 1.3 is by far the better engine after driving both I would not even think of buying the 1.2.I do wish that they would offer a bigger engine for the America’s.