Encore GX, Envision, or Enclave: Finding Your Perfect Buick SUV Match
August 27 2025,

Quebec families face unique transportation needs that go beyond simple point-A-to-point-B driving. Whether you're loading hockey equipment for a weekend tournament, heading to a cottage in the Laurentians with a week's worth of gear, or navigating Montreal's urban landscape with multiple passengers, your SUV choice affects your daily life in meaningful ways.
Buick's 2025 SUV lineup offers three distinct approaches to premium family transportation, each designed for specific lifestyle needs and family sizes. Understanding the differences between the compact Encore GX, the mid-size Envision, and the spacious three-row Enclave helps ensure your investment matches your family's priorities and daily routines.
At a Glance: Buick SUV Comparison
Model |
Seating |
Cargo Space |
Fuel Economy |
Engine |
Starting Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Encore GX |
5 passengers |
1,421 litres |
7.6-8.4 L/100km |
1.3L Turbo |
Small SUV segment |
Envision |
5 passengers |
1,492 litres |
8.3-10.8 L/100km |
2.0L Turbo |
Compact luxury |
Enclave |
7 passengers |
2,760 litres |
9.9-12.3 L/100km |
2.5L Turbo (328 HP) |
Premium three-row |
Space and Seating: Matching Vehicle Size to Family Needs
Encore GX suits couples, small families, or urban dwellers who prioritize fuel efficiency and parking ease. With seating for five and 1,421 litres of cargo space, it handles daily commuting, grocery runs, and weekend getaways without the bulk of larger SUVs. The flat-folding front passenger seat creates surprising cargo flexibility for longer items.
Envision targets growing families who need more capability without jumping to a three-row vehicle. Its 1,492 litres of cargo space edges out the Encore GX while maintaining manageable exterior dimensions. The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system comes standard, making it ideal for Quebec families who encounter diverse weather conditions year-round.
Enclave addresses the needs of larger families or those who frequently transport extended family, sports teams, or multiple passengers. With seven seats and 2,760 litres of maximum cargo capacity, it handles everything from family vacations to moving teenagers to university. The third row provides genuine adult seating, not just emergency accommodation.
- Urban families: Encore GX offers city-friendly dimensions with premium features
- Growing families: Envision provides the sweet spot between size and efficiency
- Large families: Enclave delivers three-row convenience with luxury appointments
- Active lifestyles: All three models accommodate sports equipment and recreational gear
Performance and Efficiency Breakdown
Each Buick SUV employs a different powertrain strategy to balance performance with fuel economy expectations, reflecting the diverse needs of Quebec families.
The Encore GX uses a 1.3L Turbo engine focused on efficiency, achieving 8.0 L/100km city and 7.6 L/100km highway with front-wheel drive. All-Wheel Drive is available on Sport Touring and Avenir trims, with fuel consumption rising to 9.1 L/100km city and 8.4 L/100km highway. This makes it the most fuel-efficient choice for families prioritizing operating costs, particularly those doing primarily urban driving around Montreal or frequent highway commutes to the South Shore.
The Envision steps up to a 2.0L Turbo engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Fuel consumption sits at 10.8 L/100km city and 8.3 L/100km highway, reflecting the additional power and standard AWD capability. The intelligent twin-clutch AWD system automatically adjusts power distribution for optimal traction, making it particularly suitable for families who regularly encounter Quebec's varied weather conditions and road surfaces.
The Enclave employs a powerful 2.5L Turbo engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard AWD across all trims results in fuel consumption of 12.3 L/100km city and 9.9 L/100km highway. The additional power proves valuable when carrying seven passengers or towing up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), making it capable of handling everything from boat trailers to travel trailers for family camping trips in the Gaspé Peninsula.
Premium Features: Where Technology Enhances Daily Life
All three Buick SUVs share the brand's commitment to quiet cabins and premium technologies, but each offers different levels of luxury equipment.
Technology Integration varies across the lineup. The Encore GX features an 11-inch diagonal infotainment screen with wireless smartphone integration. Both the Envision and Enclave step up to class-leading 30-inch diagonal screens that combine infotainment and driver information into one ultrawide display.
Audio Systems reflect each model's positioning. The Encore GX includes a 7-speaker Bose system on Avenir trim. The Envision comes with a 9-speaker Bose premium setup as standard. The Enclave features either a 12-speaker system (Preferred and Sport Touring) or a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series (Avenir).
Safety and Driver Assistance technologies are comprehensive across all models. Each SUV includes Buick Driver Confidence features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, and Blind Zone Steering Assist. The Enclave adds advanced features like Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking and available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
Comfort and Convenience features scale with price point while maintaining Buick's luxury reputation. All models include heated front seats and steering wheels, QuietTuning technology with Active Noise Cancellation, and power liftgates. The Enclave Avenir adds massage functionality, ventilated seats, and heated second-row outboard seats.
Which Buick SUV Matches Your Quebec Lifestyle?
Choose the Encore GX if: You're an urban or suburban family prioritizing fuel efficiency, easy parking, and premium features in a compact package. Ideal for couples, small families, or those who primarily drive within the city and surrounding areas.
Choose the Envision if: You need more capability than a compact SUV offers but don't require three rows of seating. Perfect for families with older children, those who frequently drive on highways to cottages or ski resorts, and buyers who want luxury features with reasonable fuel consumption.
Choose the Enclave if: You regularly transport more than five people, need maximum cargo space for family adventures, or want Buick's flagship luxury experience. Best suited for large families, those who tow recreational vehicles, or buyers prioritizing passenger comfort on longer trips.
Trim Level Comparison
Trim Level |
Key Advantage |
Best For |
---|---|---|
Preferred |
Value-focused luxury with essential premium features |
Budget-conscious buyers wanting luxury basics |
Sport Touring |
Dynamic styling with performance-inspired details |
Buyers seeking sporty appearance with luxury comfort |
Avenir |
Maximum luxury appointments and exclusive features |
Those prioritizing ultimate comfort and prestige |
Experience Quebec's Premier Buick Lineup at Le Relais Chevrolet
Each Buick SUV offers a distinct approach to premium family transportation, from the efficient sophistication of the Encore GX to the spacious luxury of the Enclave. Book your test drive today at our Montreal dealership to experience firsthand how these three models handle Quebec's diverse driving conditions and discover which Buick best fits your family's lifestyle and transportation needs.