Compare the2024 BMW X3VS 2024 Buick Encore GX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The X3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Encore GX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X3 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X3 offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore GX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X3 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Encore GX’s blind spot costs extra.

The X3’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X3 and the Encore GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The BMW X3 weighs 824 to 1369 pounds more than the Buick Encore GX. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

	X3	Encore GX
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	102	185
Neck Injury Risk	21%	24%
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	176	401
Neck Stress	139 lbs.	153 lbs.
Neck Compression	72 lbs.	82 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	183/114 lbs.	409/383 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

	X3	Encore GX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	91
Chest Movement	.5 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	153 lbs.	199 lbs.
Hip Force	275 lbs.	459 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	133	185
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	13 inches
HIC	281	337

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The BMW X3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Encore GX is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The X3 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore GX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the Encore GX’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Buick doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Encore GX.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the X3’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Encore GX’s camshafts. If the Encore GX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 26 points higher than the Encore GX.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 3 places higher in reliability than Buick.

Engine

The X3 s/xDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 111 more horsepower (248 vs. 137) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 162) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The X3 s/xDrive30i’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 93 more horsepower (248 vs. 155) and 84 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder. The X3 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 227 more horsepower (382 vs. 155) and 195 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 s/xDrive30i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder:

	X3	Encore GX
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	9.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	17 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.5 MPH	80 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The X3 has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (17.2 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X3 has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Encore GX. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

The X3 M40i’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Encore GX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore GX:

	X3	X3 M40i	Encore GX
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	11.81 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.5 inches	10.39 inches

The X3’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore GX are solid, not vented.

The X3 stops much shorter than the Encore GX:

	X3	Encore GX
70 to 0 MPH	158 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	122 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the Encore GX (245/50R19 vs. 225/55R18).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore GX’s standard 55 series tires. The X3’s optional 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Encore GX Avenir’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Encore GX. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Encore GX Avenir.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X3 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Encore GX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X3 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore GX has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The X3 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X3 flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 10.6 inches longer than on the Encore GX (112.8 inches vs. 102.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X3 is 2.4 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Encore GX.

The X3 M40i xDrive handles at .88 G’s, while the Encore GX Avenir AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X3 M40i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.2 seconds quicker than the Encore GX Sport Touring AWD (25.9 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore GX (8 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The X3 has 7.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore GX (101.4 vs. 94.3).

The X3 has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, .4 inches more rear legroom and 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore GX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X3’s rear seats recline. The Encore GX’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore GX with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 23.5 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore GX with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 50.2 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the X3 easier. The X3’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the Encore GX’s liftover is 30.5 inches.

The X3’s cargo area is larger than the Encore GX’s in almost every dimension:

	X3	Encore GX
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.5”/69”	31.8”/60.8”
Max Width	47”	53”
Min Width	43.3”	40.7”
Height	30.1”	32”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X3’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore GX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X3. The Encore GX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Encore GX’s (4400 vs. 1000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The X3 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore GX uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Encore GX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The X3’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore GX’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the X3 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote or with the driver’s door power window switch. The driver of the Encore GX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X3’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The X3’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Encore GX’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X3 offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore GX doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X3 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Encore GX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X3’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore GX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the X3 and the Encore GX offer optional heated front seats. The X3 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Encore GX.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the X3 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The X3 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Encore GX Avenir.

Both the X3 and the Encore GX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the X3 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore GX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Buick Encore GX isn't recommended.