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2026 Buick Encore GX Gets This New Paint Color

The 2026 Buick Encore GX will introduce a slight change to its color palette that may go unnoticed by the casual observer. GM Authority has learned that a new paint option, Brilliant Red (color code GAS), will replace the outgoing Cinnabar Metallic (GFM) option.

We can estimate what the new paint color will look like based on the 2025 Buick Envision, which introduced Brilliant Red to the Buick lineup. A quick visual comparison of Brilliant Red and Cinnabar Metallic shows that they’re not very different; they’re both a nice, medium red.

2025 Buick Envision in Brilliant Red (GAS).

2025 Buick Envision in Brilliant Red (GAS)

2025 Buick Encore GX in Cinnabar Metallic (GFM).

2025 Buick Encore GX in Cinnabar Metallic (GFM)

Incidentally, the Buick Encore GX’s platform-mate, the Chevy Trailblazer, is getting the same paint option for 2026. In the 2026 Trailblazer lineup, the new Apex Red (GAS) paint option is replacing the old Crimson Metallic (GFM) option. Note that the paint codes are the same as the old and new red paint options for Buick but with different names.

As we reported in December, buyers can no longer order Cinnabar Metallic on the 2025 Buick Encore GX, and the color will be built out after the week of February 24th, 2025. For the 2025 model, Cinnabar Metallic is available on all three trims. It costs an extra $495 on the Preferred and Sport Touring trims, and it’s a no-cost option on the Avenir.

We accurately predicted in December that the discontinued red option would be replaced with another red option. Therefore, this isn’t a big loss for the Buick Encore GX’s options list; we think this handsome crossover will look just as good in the new Brilliant Red hue.

2026 Buick Encore GX interior.

Two powerplants are available for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. One of these, the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LBP engine, replaces the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH gasoline engine and develops the same output, 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while offering E85 fuel compatibility. It is offered at the entry-level Preferred trim level with FWD. The other powerplant is the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T gasoline engine, rated at 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

The 2026 Buick Encore GX utilizes the GM VSS-F vehicle set for structure. Production takes place at the GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea.

George is an automotive journalist with soft spots for classic GM muscle cars, Corvettes, and Geo.

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Comments

  1. Assuming Brilliant Red is not a metallic red, I’m sure plenty of people will notice.

    Reply
    1. Brilliant Red is indeed non-metallic; and it actually is much more dramatically different than Cinnabar when seen in person. The rendered photo shown above doesn’t quite accurately show how much brighter the new red really is.

      Reply
  2. This only matters if GM has decided to stop using synthetic paint and cheap top coats. Their paint peels after 3 years and 3 years is their paint warranty. I’ll never buy another GM vehicle!

    Reply
  3. GM car designs are terrible!!!

    Reply
  4. Who wants an Encore GX in screaming red? No one.
    What buyers WILL surely notice is that the GX and the Trailblazer no longer have a spare tire standard. That’s the slim shady way of keeping prices the same and then charging extra for a spare tire. And it’s unsafe. Just the same thing Ford has been doing lately. One lemming does it, others must follow. Disgusting.

    Reply

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