Compared: 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. 2023 Buick Encore GX

The difference between these GM siblings is in the details.

James Tate | 

Mar 7, 2023 | 3 min read

Chevrolet | Buick

The subcompact SUV segment is a highly competitive one, even under the General Motors umbrella. This is where we find the 2023 Buick Encore GX and the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer; similar in numerous ways, with the Encore GX’s competitive targets set a bit higher. So, how do you choose between these GM siblings?

Both provide similar fuel economy from similar engines, so efficiency isn’t an issue here. Some may find the extra high-end touches of the base Encore GX worth the money over an optioned-out Trailblazer, while others may value the Chevrolet’s slightly higher passenger and cargo volume over the Buick’s, regardless of price.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. 2023 Buick Encore GX: Price

The Trailblazer starts at just over $23,000 for the base LS model with front-wheel drive and Chevrolet’s Ecotec, 137-hp, turbocharged, 1.2L, three-cylinder engine. All other Trailblazer models have an Ecotec, 155-hp, turbocharged, 1.3L, three-cylinder engine. The lineup stretches up to the Activ and RS models, both of which start above $27,000 with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive adds $1,500-$2,000, depending on trim level.

Buick

The Encore GX starts where the Trailblazer leaves off, with the base Preferred trim starting at $27,000 and the Select at just above $29,000, both of which feature the Ecotec 1.2L engine as standard equipment. The Ecotec 1.3L is a roughly $400 option for Select models and standard on the Essence trim, which starts around $32,000. All-wheel drive remains a $1,500-$2,000 option as it is on the Trailblazer.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. 2023 Buick Encore GX: Features

The Trailblazer features a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a suite of crash-avoidance features bundled under the Chevy Safety Assist umbrella, and LED daytime running lamps from base trim. Higher grades add LED fog and tail lamps, remote start, and cloth seating with leatherette trim, among other items. LS and LT models offer a Blackout appearance package with, you guessed it, blacked-out exterior trim. Activ and RS models can be further spruced up with a power liftgate, a sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. Don’t look for leather, though; the Trailblazer’s interior can only be draped in cloth or synthetic hides rather than the real stuff.

Buick

The Encore GX includes a 4.2-inch information display in the instrument cluster, and a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like the Chevy, it comes with a suite of safety assist systems. Items like automatic high-beam headlights, an acoustically treated laminated windshield, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further set the Encore GX apart. Buick shoppers can dress up their Encore GX models with a bigger sunroof, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and automatic windshield wipers, all of which are unavailable on the Chevy. Buick fits cloth seats to the base Encore GX, while the mid-level version wears synthetic leather and the range-topping trim comes with real leather.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. 2023 Buick Encore GX: Fuel Economy

You would think the same engines in roughly the same vehicles hit the same EPA estimates for fuel economy, and for the most part they do: both 1.2L and 1.3L engines rate at 30 mpg or 31 mpg combined in both Trailblazer and Encore GX when powering the front wheels.

Buick

All-wheel drive comes at a cost in mileage for both: all-wheel drive Encore GX models are estimated at 27 mpg combined, and the AWD Trailblazer comes in at 28 mpg combined.

James Tate

James Tate has been writing about cars professionally for 15 years and he remains obsessed with them. He enjoys digging into the incredible technology of new vehicles as much as he likes the tactility and the driving experience of yesterday’s cars. He has written for a variety of legacy automotive magazines and websites.