Buick Encore GX trim comparison
2026 Buick Encore GX Preferred vs Sport Touring
The Encore GX Preferred starts at $25,900 while the Sport Touring is $27,100. That $1,200 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 1.2L I3 Turbo to 1.3L I3 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 1.3L I3 Turbo every week, the Sport Touring makes sense. If not, the Preferred is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Sport Touring adds about $21/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $1,260 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Preferred and Sport Touring are mechanically identical where it counts: the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $1,200 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $300 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Preferred | Sport Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $25,900 | $27,100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.2L I3 Turbo | 1.3L I3 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 155 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 30 | 29 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,023 lbs | 3,063 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 102.0" | 102.0" |
| Length | 171.2" | 171.2" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.4" |
| Height | 64.1" | 64.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Buick Encore GX Preferred vs Sport Touring Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Buick Encore GX lineup, the Buick brand hub, the Subcompact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Encore GX Sport Touring cost than the Preferred?
The Sport Touring starts at $27,100 compared to $25,900 for the Preferred. That is a $1,200 difference, or approximately $21/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Buick Encore GX Preferred and Sport Touring have the same engine?
No. The Preferred uses a 1.2L I3 Turbo (137 hp, 162 lb-ft), while the Sport Touring has the 1.3L I3 Turbo (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). That is 18 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do both the 2026 Encore GX Preferred and Sport Touring come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2026 Encore GX Preferred or Sport Touring safer?
Both share the same Buick Encore GX platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Buick Encore GX come with?
All 2026 Buick Encore GX trims, including both the Preferred and Sport Touring, come with Buick's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring worth $1,200 more than the Preferred?
The $1,200 buys the 1.3L I3 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Preferred does the same job for less.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $1,200 Gap
The Sport Touring earns its premium. For $1,200 more, you get the 1.3L I3 Turbo engine (+18 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Encore GX lineup.
How the Preferred and Sport Touring Feel Different
Moving from the Preferred to the Sport Touring means a different engine entirely. That means 18 more horsepower and 12 more lb-ft of torque.
The Short Version
The Encore GX Sport Touring costs $1,200 more than the Preferred (about $21/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $300 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Buick Encore GX Preferred
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Preferred best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Buick Encore GX Sport Touring
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Sport Touring when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Buick or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.