GM Could Ditch Encore, Trax

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

While the market is awash with crossovers and SUVs, not all of them make the cut. According to the crew at GM Authority, General Motors is planning to axe the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax after the 2022 model year.

Citing unnamed but apparently well-placed sources, GM Authority says production of those two models will cease later this year. The vehicles are assembled side-by-each at a GM plant in South Korea. Alert readers will recall that Buick and Chevy started offering these vehicles about 10 years ago – they were first introduced for the 2013 model year in some markets – but have only thrown the veneer of a mid-cycle refresh at them since that time. Easing these two out of production has likely been in the works for some time since ’22 models are denuded of some trim levels and option packages compared to previous years.

These are small rigs, meant to compete at the far end of the scale in terms of size and price. Last year, they were both handily outsold by their stablemates Trailblazer and Encore GX. The former even managed to knock off the Hyundai Kona in its segment, beating it by about 100 units according to the number supplied by GMA. Nothing else in the segment seems to come close to the Honda HR-V, however, at least in terms of outright sales.

And, before you ask, the Encore GX has little to do with the Encore. In a confusing naming scheme, Buick introduced the Encore GX more recently than the Encore, applying the ‘plate to a machine that is just infinitesimally larger (think just a couple of cubic feet of extra cargo space) compared to the non-GX Encore. The fact that those two consonants sound more like a simple trim level than anything else has also added to some confusion on the dealer floor.

Looking to the bowtie brigade, expect the Trailblazer to take up some of the slack in terms of sales and attention once the Trax shuffles off this mortal coil. And bargain seekers needn’t think they can pick up a Spark after ’22 since that machine is also scheduled to depart the roster next year. This will leave the Trailblazer, whose entry-level LS trim with its 137 horsepower 1.2-liter turbo is currently priced at $22,995 in America when equipped with front-wheel drive.

[Image: GM]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • 3SpeedAutomatic 3SpeedAutomatic on Mar 18, 2022

    I drove a rental of the Chevy version recently. Constantly reminded of the rough 4 cylinder engine when hitting the accelerator. Even with the turbo, acceleration was so-so. Asian cars usually meant smooth engines and nice interiors. Apparently, GM-Korea didn't get the memo. In regular times, these would depreciate heavily and a used one was something you give your son or daughter on their way to college or trade school. Once they got their first regular paystub, off it goes to the dealer as a trade in. I'd imagine its pure headache once the turbo goes to hell.

    • Sgeffe Sgeffe on Mar 18, 2022

      Apparently the 1.4-liter engines underneath that fragile turbo also have issues!

  • Akear Akear on Mar 18, 2022

    Acura outsells Cadillac. What a disgrace!

  • FreedMike Off topic, but folks, this site is not working well for me from a technical standpoint, and it doesn't matter if I'm using my phone, or my computer (on two different browsers). It locks up and makes it impossible to type anything in after a certain point. Anyone else having these issues?
  • Syke Kinda liked the '57, hated the '58. Then again, I hated the entire '58 GM line except for the Chevrolet. Which I liked better than the '57's. Still remember dad's '58 Impala hardtop, in the silver blue that was used as the main advertising color.
  • Dartdude The bottom line is that in the new America coming the elites don't want you and me to own cars. They are going to make building cars so expensive that the will only be for the very rich and connected. You will eat bugs and ride the bus and live in a 500sq-ft. apartment and like it. HUD wants to quit giving federal for any development for single family homes and don't be surprised that FHA aren't going to give loans for single family homes in the very near future.
  • Ravenuer The rear view of the Eldo coupe makes it look fat!
  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
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