Buick Envista or Buick Encore GX: which small SUV fits Oklahoma City drivers?

Pick the Envista if starting MSRP is what you weigh first, and the Encore GX if drivetrain options and cargo volume come first. We sell both new at 13300 Broadway Ext in Oklahoma City, and you can reserve a test drive of each online.

If you live in north Oklahoma City, Edmond or Arcadia, the choice usually comes down to three things: price, whether you want all-wheel drive, and how much you need to carry. Each one points toward a different answer, so start with price.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Oklahoma City. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Pick the Buick Envista for price, the Encore GX for AWD and cargo

Pick the Envista if you want the lower starting price. Buick lists it at $24,700 for the Preferred trim, $1,500 under the Encore GX Preferred. Pick the Encore GX if all-wheel drive is on your list, since Buick’s EPA record lists AWD on that model alone.

Cargo needs a closer look. Buick lists the Envista at max cargo space of 42 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded flat. It lists the Encore GX at about 23.5 cu. ft. behind the second row. The two numbers measure different spaces, so match each one to how you actually load your vehicle.

How much does a Buick Envista cost next to an Encore GX?

The Envista Preferred starts at $24,700 and the Encore GX Preferred at $26,200, both Buick starting MSRPs for the 2026 model year. At the top of each lineup the gap grows to $2,200, with the Envista Avenir at $29,500 and the Encore GX Avenir at $31,700. The Sport Touring trims sit $1,200 apart, at $26,200 for the Envista and $27,400 for the Encore GX.

A buyer who wants the lowest entry price has a clear answer in the Envista. A buyer willing to spend a little more will find the Sport Touring gap narrows to $1,200, so the decision turns on drivetrain and cargo.

Which small Buick SUV offers all-wheel drive, the Envista or the Encore GX?

The Encore GX is the one model that appears with all-wheel drive in Buick’s EPA record for the 2026 model year. The AWD version is rated 26 mpg city, 28 highway and 27 combined, while the front-wheel drive Encore GX is rated 29, 31 and 30. The Envista is listed only with front-wheel drive, rated 28, 32 and 30.

For Oklahoma City driving, the question is whether the extra traction is worth the fuel economy. The AWD Encore GX gives up 3 combined mpg against its front-wheel drive version. Drivers who want that traction get it only in the Encore GX.

How much cargo room do the Envista and Encore GX have?

Buick lists the Envista at max cargo space of 42 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded flat, and the Encore GX at about 23.5 cu. ft. behind the second row, a different measure.

If you haul gear with the rear seats folded, the Envista figure is the one to weigh. If you need a load area behind passengers, measure your gear against the Encore GX’s space behind the second row before you decide.

How do the Envista and Encore GX differ on engine power and EPA mpg?

The Envista uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic. The Encore GX uses a 1.3-liter three-cylinder with a 9-speed automatic in its AWD version, and a 1.2-liter three-cylinder in its flex fuel front-wheel drive version.

On highway mpg, the Envista posts the highest figure of the group at 32, ahead of 31 for the front-wheel drive Encore GX and the Encore GX flex fuel. Drivers who spend long stretches on the highway will notice that number. Combined ratings are close: 30 for the Envista and for front-wheel drive Encore GX, and 27 for the AWD version.

What do you get in a Buick Envista or Encore GX at each price?

The Envista Avenir page lists a heated, flat-bottom wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather-appointed heated front seats and an 11-inch touchscreen. Both pages list Buick Driver Confidence as standard.

The Avenir trims carry the highest starting prices in each family. At $31,700, the Encore GX Avenir is the higher of the two Avenir prices, and the Envista Preferred remains the entry point at $24,700.

When is the Envista or the Encore GX the wrong Buick SUV for you?

The Envista is the wrong pick if you need to tow, because Buick states the Envista does not offer towing capability. It is also the wrong pick if you need all-wheel drive, since Buick’s EPA record lists the Envista only with front-wheel drive.

If the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu. ft. behind the second row falls short of the load you carry, look at the larger Buick models we sell, including the Envision and the Enclave.

FAQ

What should I weigh before paying extra for AWD on a small SUV in Oklahoma City?

All-wheel drive can help with traction on wet roads, although good tires and cautious driving matter more than AWD for stopping. If you mostly drive paved roads around Oklahoma City, front-wheel drive with quality all-season tires can be adequate. NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced when tread depth reaches 2/32 inch, so check your tread before you decide.

Can I lease a new Buick Envista or Encore GX at Bob Howard Buick GMC?

Yes. We offer new Buick and GMC leases alongside new and pre-owned financing, so you can weigh a lease against a loan. If you lease, the vehicle can be bought out whenever you choose before the lease ends. We also run rotating new Buick and GMC specials.

How do I find out what my trade-in is worth toward a new Buick?

Bring your trade-in to us with or without an appointment, since trade-in customers can visit either way. Once you have a trade-in offer amount, enter it in our payment calculator.

How do I schedule a test drive of the Envista and the Encore GX?

Reserve a test drive of either model online or by contacting the store. We are at 13300 Broadway Ext, Oklahoma City. You can reach the sales team Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and the store is closed on Sundays.

What taxes and fees apply when I buy a new Buick in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma charges a motor vehicle excise tax of 3 1/4% of the value of each new vehicle (Oklahoma Statutes, Title 68, Section 2103, 2026). Service Oklahoma adds a Vehicle Title Fee of $11.00 and a Transfer Fee of $17.00, along with a $1.50 Insurance Fee and a $4.00 VIN Inspection Fee, among the initial registration fees due when a vehicle changes hands (Service Oklahoma, 2026).

Can I apply for car financing online before I visit?

Yes. You can fill out our secure finance application online ahead of your visit.

What new-vehicle warranty comes with the Envista and Encore GX?

Buick lists the same basic warranty for both models: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Envista’s corrosion warranty runs 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What does Buick’s certified pre-owned program cover if I want to spend less?

Buick’s certified used vehicles are sold through CarBravo, GM’s certified used program (CarBravo, 2026). CarBravo vehicles under 10 model years old with less than 100,000 miles receive a 126-point inspection. BravoBudget vehicles between 10 and 15 model years old with 100,000 to 150,000 miles receive a 62-point inspection, so the older, higher-mileage tier comes with a shorter inspection.

Why buy a Buick Envista or Encore GX from Bob Howard Buick GMC?

Bob Howard Buick GMC is part of Group 1 Automotive, and our parent company sold 459,000 new and used vehicles in 2025, a company record (Group 1 Automotive, 2025). We sell new Buick models, including the Envista, Encore GX, Envision and Enclave, along with GMC models such as the Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Canyon and Sierra.

Our Google record is 4.4 stars across 3,983 reviews (Google, 2026), and 79 in 100 of those reviews are five-star. In an August 2026 5-star Google review, Kevin R. wrote: “Mark was awesome to work with! He made the whole process super easy and didn’t hound us or pressure us at all. Highly recommend!” For buyers who dread pressure, that account is the one to weigh.

Start with a test drive of the Envista, reserved online or by calling the store, then value your trade and browse new and used inventory at bobhowardbuickgmc.com. Then finish in store at Bob Howard Buick GMC.

Bob Howard Buick GMC answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Oklahoma City showroom, or call (405) 928-0697.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Bob Howard Buick GMC for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.