Buick Encore GX Sales Jump 128 Percent During Q1 2023

Buick Encore GX sales increased in the United States and Canada during the first quarter of 2023.

Buick Encore GX Sales - Q1 2023 - United States

In the United States, Buick Encore GX deliveries totaled 12,279 units in Q1 2023, an increase of about 128 percent compared to 5,382 units sold in Q1 2022.

Buick Encore GX Sales - Q1 2023 - Canada

In Canada, Buick Encore GX deliveries totaled 1,896 units in Q1 2023, an increase of about 165 percent compared to 716 units sold in Q1 2022.

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

Buick Encore GX sales during the first quarter of 2023 placed the premium marque’s entry mid-pack in a crowded segment of 21 entries when ranked by sales volume. Note that we’ve added the Subaru Crosstrek to this report for the first time, and the model has taken the top spot in the segment thanks to an 11 percent improvement in sales volume to 41,562 units. The Chevy Trailblazer (see running Chevy Trailblazer sales), the Encore GX’s corporate cousin and VSS-F platform mate, placed second with a segment-best 225 percent leap to 27,951 units. The Honda HR-V followed in third with a 37 percent drop to 26,504 units, while the Jeep Compass placed fourth with a five percent slide to 23,209 units. The Mazda CX-30 rounded out the top five with a 109 percent jump to 19,870 units. The Buick Encore GX placed 11^th with a 128 percent jump to 12,279 units. The Chevy Trax (see running Chevy Trax sales), the Trailblazer’s corporate cousin and second entry from Chevy,  placed 15^th with an 11 percent bump to 6,465 units. The Buick Encore (see running Buick Encore sales), the platform mate of the first-generation Trax and the second segment entry from Buick, placed 18^th, up 14 percent to 2,979 units.

Note that Buick fields two entries in this segment, the Encore GX and Encore. The two crossovers are mechanically unrelated despite carrying the same base name. In fact, the Buick Encore GX slots between the “regular” Buick Encore and Buick Envision in the brand’s vehicle lineup. Additionally, the Buick Encore has been discontinued following the 2022 model year as it’s indirectly replaced by a whole new model, the first-ever 2024 Buick Envista.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - Q1 2023 - United States

From a segment share standpoint, the Encore GX posted a four percent share, up two percentage points. The Crosstrek led with a 15 percent segment share, up one percentage point year-over-year. The Trailblazer posted a 10 percent share, up a segment-best seven percentage points. The HR-V posted a nine percent share, down a segment-worst seven percentage points, while the Compass held an eight percent share, down one percentage point. The CX-30 earned a seven percent share, up three percentage points. The two other GM models in this space fared as follows:

• Trax maintained a two percent share
• Encore maintained a one percent share

The four GM vehicles in the mainstream subcompact crossover segment, the Chevy Trax and Trailblazer along with the Buick Encore and Encore GX, accounted for a cumulative 49,674 deliveries. That was good for a 17 percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - GM Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - Q1 2023 - USA

By comparison, the three Stellantis rivals, namely the Jeep Compass, Jeep Renegade, and Fiat 500X, saw 27,473 deliveries combined for a nine percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - Stellantis Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - Q1 2023 - USA

Toyota’s Corolla Cross and C-HR saw a combined 15,264 deliveries for a five percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - Toyota Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers - Q1 2023 - USA

Meanwhile, Hyundai – with the Kona and Venue – and Kia – with the Seltos, Niro, and Soul – saw a cumulative 68,528 deliveries, which accounted for a combined 25 percent segment share, commanding a quarter of all sales in this space.

Sales Numbers - Hyundai and Kia Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers (With Soul) - Q1 2023 - USA

However, a strong argument can be made that the Kia Soul is not part of the segment in question, but rather competes one segment below based on its size and price point. Removing the Soul from the Hyundai-Kia total nets 51,544 deliveries for a combined 19 percent segment share.

Sales Numbers - Hyundai and Kia Mainstream Subcompact Crossovers (Without Soul) - Q1 2023 - USA

Out of the 11 manufacturers represented here, four field multiple models in this space of 21 entries. When combining the sales volume of those compared to automakers with a single entry, each ranks in this order:

• Hyundai-Kia: 25 percent segment share, five models; 19 percent share, four models
• GM: 17 percent share, four models
• Subaru: 15 percent share, one model
• Stellantis: nine percent share, three models
• Honda: nine percent share, one model
• Mazda: seven percent share, one model
• Toyota: five percent share, two models
• VW: five percent share, one model
• Nissan: four percent share, one model
• Mitsubishi: two percent share, one model
• Ford: one percent share, one model (now discontinued)

Though fielding multiple models in general seems to rank a manufacturer higher, that doesn’t prevent those with a single model – like Subaru and Honda – from performing well. As such, this seems to be a game of commanding more “shelf space” versus cannibalizing sales.

Overall, the mainstream subcompact crossover segment grew six percent to 280,412 units during Q1 2023, meaning Encore GX sales significantly outperformed the segment average.

The GM Authority Take

Buick Encore GX sales jumped during the first quarter of 2023 in a contested and crowded field that now includes 21 entries, including four GM models, since we’ve added the Subaru Crosstrek to start out the new year. In fact, the third-generation, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek made its debut in February.

Regardless, we posit that the uptick in Encore GX sales is the result of improved availability and inventory, along with a healthy interest in the product. Going forward, we expect Encore GX sales to continue growing, with availability and inventory being the limiting factors. In fact, we think that the 2024 model year refresh for the crossover will result in even higher levels of interest in the vehicle.

About Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX launched for the 2020 model year. For the first four years on the market, the small crossover didn’t see many changes or updates. However, the 2024 Encore GX is getting a midcycle refresh that consists of an updated exterior, an updated cockpit, the addition of the range-topping Avenir trim level, and new tech headlined by Buick’s Virtual Cockpit System.

Winged LED headlamps are standard across the range, while LED taillights are equipped higher in the range. New 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options are also on offer.

The Avenir trim level, offered for the first time ever on the Encore GX starting with the 2024 model year, offers exclusive design cues, features, and premium materials, including a unique grille, unique clear LED taillights, unique 19-inch wheels, chrome body accents, and black carbon metallic body side molding. Inside, the Encore GX Avenir features leather seating, a 10-way power driver seat, heated steering wheel, and an air ionizer system.

The refreshed 2024 Encore GX also offers a reimagined ST trim for a sporty demeanor, incorporating high-gloss black front and rear bumpers, an optional Black Roof Package, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The refreshed model’s Virtual Cockpit features 19 inches of screen real estate via an 11-inch infotainment screen and 8-inch configurable driver cluster screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, while wireless phone charging is optional.

The Buick Driver Confidence package is standard, and includes many safety features plus Adaptive Cruise Control. Finally, the 2024 model-year refresh includes some mild powertrain enhancements.

Last July J.D. Power released results of its 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), ranking major car brands and models based on consumer feedback. It listed the Buick Encore GX as the best small utility, besting the Buick Encore and Ford Bronco Sport.

About The Numbers

• All percent change figures compared to Buick Encore GX sales for Q1 2022, unless noted otherwise
• In the United States, there were 75 selling days for Q1 2023 and 75 selling days for Q1 2022
• GM Q1 2023 sales reports:
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