SUVs are so popular they come in a variety of sizes: extra small, small, mid-size, large and gargantuan.

The Buick Encore GX is not only small but it’s near premium, which is unusual for this class.

Now you may be thinking: Wait, the Buick Encore, that little thing? No, that’s the ultra-small SUV that the GX version is eventually replacing. The GX is bigger, more powerful, and more expensive. It actually costs close to bigger SUVs offered by Chevrolet, and more than same-sized offerings from Honda and others.

What the Encore GX has to its credits is the equipment level is higher and the look is more premium. The Encore has a stubby look with a high waistline and short front overhang. The nicely styled wheels give it that upscale look along with the LED lights that come standard on my Essence model.

The interior continues the premium look with black accents, leather seating trim and top-notch fits and finish. All the controls feel good to the touch and work with a premium feel. The gear selector has leather and metal trimmings. Directly behind the selector is a large center console that also serves as an armrest.

The seats are comfortable but could use some extra padding. The front seats fit nicely and can adjust to get to the right comfort level. The rear seat has enough room for three, but it may be a little tight depending on the size of those folks. Kids to average-sized folks will have the best time or simply carry two people.

There’s a good amount of tech but even with what’s standard Buick has made some odd choices. Blind-spot detection isn’t standard, even on the Essence trim. My test car didn’t have it all. Because of computer chip shortages some standard stuff and options get left off. It wasn’t made clear in my information if that’s what happened.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, as well as automatic high beams, lane departure, forward collision mitigation eight-inch touch screen, satellite radio, heated steering wheel, in-cabin air ionizer and driver’s memory seat.

The Encore GX is powered by a turbo-charged, 1.3-liter engine that makes 155 horsepower. This makes the Encore feel peppy when passing or merging into traffic. The transmission is a nine-speed unit which channels the power to optional all-wheel drive. While not sluggish, the transmission feels a little slow when you ask it to drop a gear quickly. It’s smooth, however, and it doesn’t get in the way.

Take the Encore on the open road and you will notice attention has been given to the car’s driving dynamics. Push it around a curve and the absence of body roll is appreciated. You can get to 60 miles per hour in about 9.0 seconds and that’s pretty good for the class. The ride is comfortable, yet there is good communication to the driver as to what’s going on between road and car. It’s no sports SUV but the handling is well above average.

The Encore Essence has a lot going on. It’s stylish, quick, comfortable and delivers better gas mileage than stated. You should get about 29 miles per gallon overall. I got a little better than 30 mpg.

You can small SUVs for less money. Some may even be bigger and a bit more polished. But none will have the Encore’s balance between great handling, smooth and quiet highway ride and standard tech. It’s a touch expensive. My Essence trimmed Encore was almost $38,000 but it was only lacking for blind-spot detection. It’s also a Buick, which no longer means stodgy or stale styling. The company is currently enjoying being one of the best initial quality brands available.

Pros: • Stylish exterior and interior

Con: • A bit pricey

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