If you want heated front seats in a 2026 Encore GX, compare a Preferred with the available Comfort Package against an Avenir before you pay for a trim upgrade. If the black wheels and grille are what you like, start with Sport Touring. At Circle Buick GMC in Highland, ask for the window stickers of two vehicles with the same drivetrain so you can see what the equipment difference actually costs.
Which differences will you notice from the driver’s seat?
| 2026 trim | What you get | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred | Cloth seating with leatherette accents and an 11-inch touchscreen. | The available Comfort Package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment. |
| Sport Touring (ST) | Leatherette seating, ST headrests, black wheels and a flat-bottom steering wheel. | The ST badge describes the trim. Look for heated seats, Bose audio or other options separately on the sticker. |
| Avenir | Perforated leather-appointed front seats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. | Check for the available Avenir Technology Package if adaptive cruise control or a surround-view camera is on your list. |
Is Sport Touring the way to get AWD?
No. Buick offers AWD on all three 2026 trims. A front-wheel-drive ST still has the black exterior accents. If AWD is essential, check the drivetrain line first, then compare the interior you prefer.
What if only one feature matters?
For a cold morning commute from Hammond, heated seats may matter more than wheel finish. If a second driver uses the car every day, sit in both front seats and try the adjustments. If parking technology matters most, have the seller demonstrate the actual camera view; a touchscreen’s size does not tell you which cameras are installed.
Request two itemized Encore GX quotes and give Circle your preferred drivetrain and the one feature you would miss most.
2026 Buick Encore GX model guide | View Encore GX inventory at Circle