Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and car reviewers certainly aren’t shy when it comes to sharing their thoughts on the latest vehicles. That’s kind of their whole thing, right? Popular YouTuber Doug DeMuro is no different, recently posting a video that lists his personal Top Five Worst New Cars On Sale today. Among them is the Buick Encore GX, taking the number-two spot on his list. However, DeMuro seems to be confused about a few things. Luckily, GM Authority is here to set the record straight.
First and foremost, DeMuro states that “Buick has two subcompact crossovers,” pointing to the Buick Encore GX and Buick Envista, characterizing Buick’s broader strategy to offer two models in the subcompact crossover segment as “weird.” However, this strategy isn’t unique to Buick. Brands like Chevrolet (Trax, Trailblazer), Jeep (Compass Renegade), Kia (Soul, Seltos), Hyundai (Venue, Kona), Mitsubishi (Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross), BMW (X1, X2), and Mercedes-Benz (GLA, GLB) all offer multiple models within this segment. It’s actually a very common industry trend, not a brand misstep specific to Buick.
DeMuro goes on to characterize the Buick Encore GX as the “old model” and the Buick Envista as “the new model,” which he points to as further evidence of Buick’s “weird” strategy. There are a few issues with this as well. First, the Encore GX is not that much older than the Envista, with the former debuting as an all-new model in 2020, later receiving a refresh in 2023, as compared to the new-for-2024 Envista.
And perhaps DeMuro doesn’t realize it, but the Buick Encore GX and the Buick Envista are two completely different vehicles – not only is the Encore GX available with the larger, more-powerful turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine (the Envista is exclusively equipped with the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH gasoline engine), but the Encore GX offers all-wheel drive as well (the Envista is only available with front-wheel drive). The Encore GX also offers more cargo space.
Indeed, one could argue that the Envista presents a better value than the Encore GX, but still, painting the Encore GX (starting at $26,895) as overpriced seems, in our opinion at least, a bit odd.
Here’s the full video, including DeMuro’s critique of the Buick Encore GX:
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Comments
DeMuro is unwatchable. He really is an arrogant drama Queen. A performer. His schtick is old, worn out. In this case, he is uninformed which suggest laziness.
I clicked on the video and fast forwarded a little bit I can’t stomach this guy he makes Scotty Kilmsr look awesome! But seriously his videos seem like they are just for attention and most watched videos status…get a life and a real job.
GMGUY: Thank you for giving that other guy’s name (Scotty K). In my comment below, that’s who I was referring to but couldn’t recall his name. He and Demuro are kind of two pees in a pod.
Doug DeMuro? Never heard of him. So, I don’t care about his opinion.
Why does anyone even mention this guy, his opinions mean absolutely nothing. I watched 1 video a really long time ago that someone posted in a forum and blocked his videos ever since. I don’t recall anyone saying anything positive about his performance (because it’s absolutely more drama than technical details about anything).
I’ve stopped watching his video. I them to be bloviated.
DeMuro is an arrogant, open mouth making noise idiot who I find to be a total bore. I’ve seen his vids, and never again will I. He’s a clown buffoon. If you find his YT vids interesting, well, that’s on you. Too bad, though!
It would be his opinion correct? And we all know that opinions are like a**holes. Everyone has one including me.
But isn’t this guy kind of like that other guy who thinks he’s god’s gift of the car world and pushing anything Toyota but hates anything GM? Can’t think of his name as he’s just not important.
Wow. GMA really set the record straight…lol
I know what you mean; most of these presenters go overboard. The worrying thing, though, is that they come under the category of ‘Influencers’. Look at the number of hits they get in 24 hours. In addition, look at his car collection – he must be getting paid an awful lot of money by YT.
He launched a car auction site and made a ton of money from that too, he already came from money to start with, so that always helps too, he is a complete tool however.
I can’t stand this guy…BUT. I DO think that GM has ended up with a screwy set of small CUVs. The Trax and Envista are larger than the GX and TB and also have more cargo area, but the latter two are way pricier. Aside from the AWD option and a higher seating position, I see little to recommend the TB and GX. For sure the GX (which has nothing to recommend it over the cheaper TB), so, for different reasons, I have to partially agree with him.
I agree. I don’t know why people would get an Encore when this beautiful car exists (Envista). The Encore looks like kinda weird, almost like an egg. Many people who shops for these cars will most likely not care about AWD and higher seating position anyway.
Boy, people on here sure do hate Demuro huh?
As the proud owner of an 05 Classic, I have a bit of experience with this. On paper, and in the dealership the GX makes no sense. My coworker has a brand new Trax that he bought for MSRP and it is an awesome little CUV. The GX has nothing really appealing to make it a better buy.
BUT, the GX is made for one market. Rental Car Fleets!
GM has done this with the Classic (a rebadged, old model Malibu) and with the Captiva (A re-badged, old model Equinox)
I promise you, the GX will be sold to rental fleets in bulk. Based off of an older platform, with rental fleet specs.
The GX is on the same platform as the Envista, which is the VSS-F platform. You might be thinking of the now discontinued Encore, which was on the old Gamma II platform.
The GX would be more appealing if somebody wants AWD or a more powerful engine. Plus, while the Envista has more passenger room, the GX beats it in cargo room. I have a friend that works at a dealership, and he’s said that people that want an Envista but unable to get one due to not having them in stock usually gravitate towards the GX.
Doug DeMuro’s opinion doesn’t matter at all. He’s not a real car reviewer, he’s just a “personality” and one I don’t like and won’t watch.
Well…he’s not wrong
Doug DeMuro: the Foghorn Leghorn of car YouTubers. A loudmouth schnook.
I love my GX 2023. It’s a pleasure to drive!
I checked out the YouTube video because of never hearing of this guy and sorry, but I can only take an arrogant twit for no more than 30 seconds.
I think we can all agree double D is an idiot. Of course GMA thought the CT5V came with a four cylinder engine. So much for your record straightening ability. Personally I’d walk before I had to drive either one of the three cylinder Korean turds!
When did GMA ever do that? Seems like you’re just making stuff up… or confusing the CT5-V (note the proper spelling) with the CT4-V, which does have a turbo four.
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, no matter how wrong it is.
Doug who? Oh that guy that gives 1-10 ratings on every old and new car he drives and gives the same rating of 1 for performance to a 1987 Cadillac Brougham with a 140 HP 307 as he does to a 275 HP Northstar Cadillac Deville. Triple LOL
Doug also said the Cybertruck is “supercool” like a Tesla fan boy when every other car reviewer was critical of it. At the same time, everyone else has nothing but great things to say about the Encore GX and its platform sibling Envista. So my vote is on everyone else.
Never trust a man that doesn’t own a pair of pants.
Or a 40 something year old man that is fascinated by a floor mounted headlight dimmer…..
The Ironic thing is that the Bare Bones Envista while costing much less than an ENCORE GX, probably drives much better due to having a 6 speed Automatic with defined gears other than that Slushomatic variably engaged CVT in the Encore GX.
That also explains why the CHEVY TRAX is selling so well…. Why would people pay more to just get an inferior transmission?
JURY is out on the very hard working 1200 cc turbocharged engine….Supposedly there are no troubles but the cautionary tale is FORD is having plenty of trouble with their dinky 3 cylinders.
I think the 6speed would hold the Envista back a bit in terms of both acceleration and fuel economy. I have a GX with the CVT and have no issues. Most of the bugs might be worked out since the transmission has been out since 2019. It’s a better match for these small engines.
Gm doesn’t make a “good” crossover. And the only real suvs are the tahoe/Yukon… They dropped the ball on bringing back a Real Blazer. (Yknow a actual 4×4 to complete with the Bronco and 4runner , not another fwd/awd eggmobile)
Matt: Of all people, I’m certainly NOT the SUV/CUV guy. Personally, I hate them. But I’m sorry, you are really wrong when it comes to GM offering good CUV’s. They probably offer more crossovers than anyone else. I know, you can’t walk onto a dealer’s lot without falling all over them. And they make some very good ones. Sales would seem to back that up.
The days of people wanting BOF “real” SUV’s are gone. The SUV/CUV has become the mini-van of the 80’s and the wagons of the 60’s. Manufacturers have and are pushing the hell out of them because they will make them more money. Example: If GM made a smaller (Chevy Sonic size) sedan with the same engine/trans as the Trax, they would be about 2 to 4 grand less. So this becomes about money and GM/Ford or others aren’t about to leave any on the table.
Matt I know from experience that GM makes an excellent crossover we own a 2020 equinox 2.0t and a 2019 Buick enclave both are excellent vehicles with very few if any problems and normal maintenance. Ok so let’s say GM gets in on the 4WD the current “thing” right now and a few years later people stop buying broncos and wrangler so GM can sit on a 4WD Blazer that won’t sell because it would probably be to much money to build and sell anything about $50,000 is to much money. To be honest I don’t see that many Broncos and I live in northern NJ where people want AWD/4WD I see a ton of Equinox, Traverse, Enclave, Tahoe and Suburban oh and that’s another thing why but a two door full sized Blazer when you can get a four door Tahoe with more room.
DeMuro is an assclown. I don’t understand how he is so popular. I can’t stand him. Not a real car enthusiast, just a commiefornia rich city boy that thinks he knows cars.
I agree. That’s why I started my own channel. Outsider Reviews but we’re small time so we need to do our own research lol
OMG!!! Doug DeMuro…he makes my stomach turn ache…🤮!!! So square, I’d never in a million years listen to his opinion on anything. When a car is reviewed the person needs to keep in mind what’s expected of it. My mom has an older model and she rips in that little car. Los Angeles to Phoenix multiple times and me following her in my Countryman S All4 ( at the time). It’s surprising roomy, quick and is definitely not a sports coupe, it’s no slacker either. For the price along with the Trailblazer and their limitations…a definite two thumps up.
Evidently GMAuthority thinks enough of DM to publish a rebuttal. He reviews quirks and features, He’s been reviewing automobiles for over 10 years. He must be doing something right since he has almost 5 million subscribers.
Amazing how many comments against DeMuro. Seems that there’d be few comments if no one really cared about his opinion.
I don’t watch him he’s fickle. Alex on Autos and Redline are the best. Doug stinks.
Ahh, Doug DeMoron. I can’t watch a video with him to completion because he grinds on my nerves with his opinions (which are typically polar opposite to mine) and his voice. Anything to make himself a YouTube “star”. Yawn. I 💕 Buick! My only criticism of the brand is one I have for nearly all domestic automakers. That would be bring back sedans, coupes, and longroofs (my favorite, btw)! I feel if Buick had committed to the Avista coupe or a RWD V8 (or V6) retro-inspired Park Avenue (true) luxury car or a sedan bearing the name LeSabre with modern but tasteful styling, they would increase sales, develop brand loyalty that follows for decades (my family has bought primarily GM vehicles for 50 years till sedans were axed), and find many conquest purchasers. But who am I? Someone who drives a Mercedes since 2020.
@:Ty Thornburg I agree a Buick sedan would be nice as a halo car and a regal two door…no four door bring back the regal how it was in the 80s and big coupe that rode nice some people like. Comfortable car. There is. O reason why they can’t offer it Cadillac gets two and now three sedans soon, Chevy has the Malibu, so why not a Buick. We own a 2019 Buick enclave and I love this car it rides well and is reliable if Buick put that into a sedan it would sell.
That’s very like having a youtube chanel called “Doug Demuro” and another one called “More Doug Demuro”. “More Doug Demuro” is the newest but seem the cheapest…
I guess he’s too big and too busy to do research now lol Our YouTube channel ‘Outsider Reviews’ reviewed both the Encore GX and the Envista and they are clearly different. We also did a video on how reliable Buicks are so check out our channel for real reviews
His opinion is irrelevant to me because he only likes cars that everyone likes and he doesn’t care about anything that is smaller or compact SUV’s because he’s reviewed so many large SUV’s.
I have an encore 2023. Mistake big mistake.
I don’t know who this Doug guy is so his comments mean nothing to me.
I wish GM would hire some better designers. My impression of the styling of the new Buick econnbox is not favorable. Thats just from an ordinary citizen.