The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST brings sportier styling and stronger performance to Buick's compact SUV lineup. Also known as the Sport Touring trim, the ST sits between the Preferred and Avenir models and pairs a turbocharged engine with a more athletic look. This guide covers 2026 Buick Encore GX ST pricing, standard features, and how it stacks up against three of its closest competitors.
What Is the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The Encore GX ST is the middle trim in Buick's three-trim Encore GX lineup, which also includes the Preferred and Avenir. Buick builds the ST around a sportier design language, with a gloss-black grille and front fascia, gloss-black accents, and unique 18-inch Gloss Black wheels that set it apart from the standard Preferred trim.
Inside, the ST adds a flat-bottom steering wheel and leatherette seating with an ST logo embroidered on the front-seat head restraints. These details give the trim a more performance-oriented feel without moving into Avenir-level luxury pricing.
Engine, Performance and Efficiency
Every 2026 Buick Encore GX, including the ST, uses Buick's ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine. In the ST, that engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Front-wheel drive is standard across the Encore GX lineup, and all-wheel drive is available. Buick estimates fuel economy at 29 city and 31 highway MPG for FWD models.
Who Should Consider the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The ST fits shoppers who want a turbocharged, more athletic-feeling compact SUV without stepping up to Avenir-level pricing. It works well for drivers who value the practical touches carried across the whole Encore GX lineup, including 40/60 split rear seats and an available flat-folding front-passenger seatback for hauling longer items.
Because the ST keeps the same seating capacity of up to five and the same core technology as the rest of the lineup, it suits daily commuters and small families who want sportier styling and a stronger transmission pairing without giving up everyday practicality.
2026 Buick Encore GX ST Pricing
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST carries a starting MSRP of $27,400. That places it above the base Preferred trim, which starts at $26,200, and below the Avenir, which starts at $31,700 MSRP.
For the price, ST buyers get the sportier exterior and interior treatment described above, along with the 9-speed automatic transmission pairing rather than the Preferred's CVT. Buyers who want additional options can look at the available Studio Series package.
Shoppers comparing 2026 Buick Encore GX ST pricing against other trims should also weigh the Avenir's added luxury touches, like perforated leather seating and dual-zone automatic climate control, against the ST's sportier, more affordable positioning.
Spec Summary
2026 Buick Encore GX ST Features and Technology
Beyond the exterior styling cues, the Encore GX ST includes the same core technology as the rest of the lineup. That includes an ultrawide 11-inch diagonal touchscreen, a reconfigurable 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and OnStar Basics.
Safety comes standard through Buick Driver Confidence, which includes Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. Buyers can also add available features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist, and HD Surround Vision.
The 40/60 split rear seats and available flat-folding front-passenger seatback carry over from the rest of the lineup, giving the ST the same practical cargo flexibility as the Preferred and Avenir trims.
How the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST Compares
Compact SUV shoppers rarely look at just one option. Here is how the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST lines up against three other similarly sized models in the segment: the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport, the 2026 Hyundai Kona SEL Premium, and the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS.
Of these four trims, the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST has the lowest starting MSRP at $27,400. Its ECOTEC 1.3L Turbo engine produces the same 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque as the Chevrolet Trailblazer RS, which uses a version of the same GM engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "ST" stand for on the Buick Encore GX?
ST refers to the Sport Touring trim, the middle trim in the Encore GX lineup. Sport Touring models feature an ST logo embroidered on the front-seat head restraints, ST badging and high gloss black accents.
What is the horsepower of the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST?
The ST is powered by a 1.3L Turbo engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Is all-wheel drive available on the Encore GX ST?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard across the Encore GX lineup, with all-wheel drive available.
How does 2026 Buick Encore GX ST pricing compare to competitors?
At $27,400 to start, the ST has a lower starting MSRP than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport ($28,060) and the 2026 Hyundai Kona SEL Premium ($28,425), and it starts close to the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS ($27,900 FWD).
Shop 2026 Buick Encore GX ST at Cable Dahmer Buick GMC of Independence
The 2026 Buick Encore GX ST offers a sportier take on Buick's compact SUV lineup without moving into Avenir-level pricing. Shoppers in Independence, Lee's Summit, and the greater Kansas City area can see current Encore GX ST inventory and pricing at Cable Dahmer Buick GMC of Independence.
Ready to See the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST in Person? Explore current pricing and availability on the 2026 Buick Encore GX ST at Cable Dahmer Buick GMC of Independence.
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