Luxury SUVs are an appealing choice for automotive shoppers, with the elegant designs, premium features, comfortable cabins, and high-quality craftsmanship. However, they tend to be expensive — and are not an affordable option for most drivers. There’s an exception, though. It’s the subcompact 2023 Buick Encore GX, the cheapest new luxury SUV. And in a sea of marque models that get more fanfare, the Encore GX is an overlooked hidden gem.

2023 Buick Encore GX is the cheapest new luxury SUV

The 2023 Buick Encore GX has a starting price of $25,900 MSRP, which makes it the cheapest new luxury SUV. The next most affordable new luxury SUVs are also Buicks: the 2023 Encore GX Sport Touring ($27,495 MSRP), the 2023 Envision ($33,400 MSRP), and the 2023 Envision Sport Touring ($35,340 MSRP).

Here are the 10 cheapest new luxury SUVs:

1. 2023 Buick Encore GX: $25,900 MSRP
2. 2023 Buick Encore GX Sport Touring: $27,495 MSRP
3. 2023 Buick Envision: $33,400 MSRP
4. 2023 Buick Envision Sport Touring: $35,340 MSRP
5. 2023 Lexus UX: $35,925 MSRP
6. 2023 Cadillac XT4: $36,295 MSRP
7. 2023 Volvo XC40: $36,350 MSRP
8. 2023 BMW X2: $36,600 MSRP
9. 2023 Audi Q3: $36,800 MSRP
10. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: $37,500 MSRP

Beyond the Buick lineup, the next cheapest one is the 2023 Lexus UX ($35,925 MSRP), followed by the 2023 Cadillac XT4 ($36,295 MSRP) and the 2023 Volvo XC40: $36,350 MSRP. However, if you want the most affordable new luxury SUV available, then the Encore GX is the way to go.

Buick Encore GX gets overshadowed by other luxury SUVs — but it has much to offer

With many models from which to choose, the 2023 Buick Encore GX gets overshadowed by other luxury SUVs. Part of this oversight is because Buick is not as popular as it used to be — at least in the United States. While the automaker is loved in China, the sales of Buick vehicles are low in America. Stateside, marque brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz get much more attention, while Buick is often an afterthought.

However, the overlooked nature of the Encore GX contributes to its affordability. Lower demand results in a lower price. Despite its affordability, though, it has much to offer — and has an upscale look. And the low cost of the luxury SUV doesn’t mean it has cheap quality. In fact, the opposite is true. This is evidenced by J.D. Power giving it a “great” quality and reliability rating of 90/100. It’s rare for the media site to give that high a rating.

Also, the Encore GX has good driving dynamics. For driving experience, J.D. Power gives it a “great” rating of 84/100. The site describes the luxury SUV as fun-to-drive in the city, especially with its tight turning circle for excellent maneuverability. It also has a lively optional turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine. While it won’t blow you away in a drag race, it provides quick enough acceleration to make passing other vehicles easier. 

Additionally, the Encore GX provides a quiet ride — due to its Buick QuietTuning and active noise-cancellation technologies. Plus, it has a generous amount of cargo space compared to many other subcompact SUVs. The luxury SUV also gets respectable efficiency, with an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, which adds to its affordability with savings on fuel.

What’s new for the 2023 Encore GX?

The 2023 Encore GX is a carryover model. The only addition for the new model year is the Moonstone Gray Metallic exterior paint color option. However, for the 2024 model year, the luxury SUV has refreshed design. This includes sportier exterior styling and a revamped cabin with the new Virtual Cockpit System. The redesigned 2024 version costs nearly $1,000 more than the 2023 model — with a starting price of $26,895 MSRP.

The affordable 2023 Buick Encore GX is a budget-friendly choice for a luxury SUV. It’s the cheapest new luxury SUV — and an overlooked gem with its many positive attributes.