The 2022 Chevy Trailblazer and 2022 Buick Encore GX will both feature the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine, just like the current 2021-model-year vehicles. However, the upcoming 2022 model year will introduce a few minor modifications to the 1.3L engine for a better experience behind the wheel.
In a recent conversation with GM Authority, Buick and GMC Product & Brand Communications Coordinator, Bethany Corne, has disclosed that General Motors “made slight modifications to the [turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine] calibration to give the driver a quieter ride and a quicker acceleration response.”
As GM Authority covered previously, the modifications also affect the fuel economy numbers for the 2022 Buick Encore GX. Models equipped with the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine and front-wheel drive are rated at 29 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, which is one fewer mpg in the city and one fewer mpg combined when compared to figures for the 2021 model year. Meanwhile, models equipped with the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine and all-wheel drive are rated at 26 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined, which is one fewer mpg combined compared to figures for the 2021 model year.
| 2021 city/highway/combined | 2022 city/highway/combined | +/- 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L I-3 FWD | 28/31/29 | 29/31/30 | +1/0/+1 |
| 1.3L I-3 FWD | 30/32/31 | 29/32/30 | -1/0/-1 |
| 1.3L I-3 AWD | 26/29/28 | 26/29/27 | 0/0/-1 |
Interestingly, the 1.3L engine modifications do not affect fuel economy figures for the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer, which is rated at 29 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined when equipped with the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine and front-wheel drive, and 26 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined when equipped with the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine and all-wheel drive.
| 2021 city/highway/combined | 2022 city/highway/combined | +/- 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L I-3 FWD | 28/31/29 | 29/31/30 | +1/0/+1 |
| 1.3L I-3 FWD | 29/33/31 | 29/33/31 | 0/0/0 |
| 1.3L I-3 AWD | 26/30/28 | 26/30/28 | 0/0/0 |
To note, robustness improvements on the vehicles’ electrical loads when equipped with the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH and CVT result in modest fuel economy improvements for the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer and 2022 Buick Encore GX.
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Comments
So in other words, the Buick is getting more sound insulation for the engine improvements. Since the Chevy MPG numbers are not changing, it sounds (pun intended) like better isolation for the Buick which may increase the weight just a little?
Needs a 6-speed manual!
The technical improvements here are very vague.
Like fords 1.5 its noise and under power. We don’t get it and won’t buy one.
“To note, robustness improvements on the vehicles’ electrical loads” yeah, what? Basically it sounds like the thing just got a tune. I am aware that the wastegate on these motors is electric, which is interesting. Ultimately, this motor is still woefully underpowered and unrefined so a little tune is a moot point.
I was hoping the modification was the deletion of the 1.3L from existence.
GM cancels engines and entire models almost weekly. Why can’t they cancel that boat anchor?
The mileage ratings on these are bizarre anyways. There is no way on earth the city, combined and highway are this close in real life driving. If these little pugs can’t see more than 29 on the open road even with AWD then this entire 3 cylinder chassis was a waste of time and money especially considering the old body style Trax and Encore with the newer 1.4T 4 cylinder engine is rated for the same mileage for highway driving.
A 3 cylinder engine with a turbocharge is not going to hold up over the long run. Whatever GM was thinking a 3 cylinder engine is ridiculous. Then gain does GM really care ? the answer is a resounding NO.