Small however mighty. If that’s what you’re in search of in your subsequent SUV, then the 2024 Buick Encore GX and Volkswagen Taos have to be on the prime of your purchasing listing.
Concerning small SUVs, these two fashions supply spectacular mixes of efficiency, area, and expertise at an affordable worth for the phase. Let’s see how these two choices shock and delight.
2024 Buick Encore GX
The 2024 Buick Encore GX is now the smallest car within the model’s lineup, however don’t confuse small with chintzy. The model made its luxurious Avenir trim the highest possibility of the three accessible for the Encore GX. Shifting up will get you heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, leather-based upholstery, and soft-touch supplies for the entrance passengers.
The Buick Encore GX has two engine choices: a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder (commonplace within the Most popular trim) or a 155-hp, 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder (commonplace on the Sport Touring and Avenir trims, accessible on the Most popular). Neither engine sounds overly spectacular, however these are small, light-weight automobiles, so the extra highly effective 1.3-liter offers surprisingly sprightly efficiency. Pricing begins at $26,895, together with the $1,295 vacation spot cost.
Buick Encore GX Highlights
Loads of area: The outside footprint could also be small, however the inside cabin is spacious, together with room for average-sized adults within the second row.
Larger expertise: New for 2024, the Encore GX’s cabin now options an 8-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is commonplace throughout the lineup.
All-wheel drive: The Buick Encore GX is eligible for all-wheel drive (AWD) on every trim degree — which additionally means selecting the marginally extra highly effective engine on the Most popular trim — 155 hp versus 137 hp, however that’s not a foul factor. Buick’s different subcompact SUV, the Envista, is front-wheel drive (FWD) solely.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Encore GX fashions close to you.
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen was late to the small SUV recreation, however as you possibly can see with the 2024 Volkswagen Taos, now that it’s right here, it’s enjoying for retains. The Taos is the corporate’s newest addition (till the ID.7 and ID. Buzz seem later this 12 months), arriving in 2022. The subcompact SUV is roomy and cozy, and it seems nice. Whereas it will not be the chief in anybody class, it does all the pieces nicely.
All 2024 Taos fashions use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. No improve engine or hybrid variant exists, however you possibly can select the usual FWD or AWD. When you go together with FWD, you’ll get an 8-speed automated transmission; nonetheless, AWD nets you a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission (DCT). Costs begin at $25,420, together with a $1,425 vacation spot cost.
Volkswagen Taos Highlights
Tech security: The IQ.Drive energetic security and driver-assistance suite turns into commonplace on the Taos. It bundles adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and energetic blind-spot monitoring.
Free and straightforward: All new 2024 Taos fashions include two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary upkeep. The Buick Encore GX has a greater powertrain guarantee however no complimentary upkeep aside from your first go to.
Driver-friendly: The Volkswagen Taos is obtainable with VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Providing AWD isn’t uncommon on this phase; VW’s system is among the many finest and contains 4 user-adjustable drive modes, together with off-road and off-road customized. A 7-speed DCT is obtainable for fast shifting motion, which many drivers favor to the 9-speed automated on the Encore GX.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Taos fashions close to you.
Similarities
The Buick Encore GX and Volkswagen Taos use easy, basic strains for interesting exterior styling. Additionally they supply good area inside their cabins with simply accessible comfort and security expertise.
Conclusion
With a bit extra energy, inside area, and a decrease beginning worth, it’s arduous to disregard the attraction of the VW Taos, particularly with a formidable 36 mpg freeway. Nonetheless, the Buick is only a bit nicer on the within. It’s a premium/close to luxurious model, and for only a bit more cash, that might make for a extra gratifying expertise over the car’s life. The Buick is a bit fancier, however the Taos delivers barely extra bang for the buck.
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 2024 Volkswagen Taos | |
| Beginning Worth | $26,895 | $25,420 |
| Fashionable Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automated |
| Gas Economic system | 30 metropolis/31 freeway/30 mixed mpg | 28 metropolis/36 freeway/31 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Obtainable | 1.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 102.2 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Total Size | 171.4 inches | 175.8 inches |
| Width | 71.4 inches | 72.5 inches |
| Peak | 64.1 inches | 64.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.8 ft | 35.1 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.7 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.1 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 40.9 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.0 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.4 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 23.5 cubic ft | 27.9 cubic ft |
