Baker Buick Hudsonville - Is All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Encore GX the Right Choice for Winter Roads around Muskegon, MI?
Choosing the right drivetrain can make all the difference when the forecast turns unpredictable. For many shoppers evaluating the 2026 Encore GX, the key question is whether Available All-Wheel Drive is worthwhile for winter roads and mixed surfaces around the lakeshore. Let’s break down how the system complements the Encore GX’s responsive tuning and what you can expect day to day.
Available All-Wheel Drive in the Encore GX is engineered to help enhance traction and stability when conditions are less than ideal. On wet pavement, it can help reduce wheel slip as you accelerate from a stop or pull out of a side street. On light snow or gravel, the system’s torque distribution can help the SUV feel more planted and predictable. The added assurance is especially valuable on cold mornings when black ice is a possibility or when unplowed residential streets add uncertainty to your commute. Because the Encore GX pairs AWD with a refined ride and clear outward visibility, the overall driving experience remains calm, confident, and approachable.
Beyond traction, consider how the Encore GX’s driver-assistance technologies support your winter confidence. Automatic Emergency Braking can provide hard-braking assistance in certain conditions, while Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning can gently nudge you back if you unintentionally drift. The Following Distance Indicator helps you maintain appropriate spacing in stop-and-go conditions, and IntelliBeam automatically toggles between high and low beams to improve nighttime visibility when traffic allows. Layer these assists with the SUV’s Ultrawide 11" diagonal HD color touchscreen and reconfigurable 8" diagonal Driver Information Center, and you have a compact SUV that keeps information front-and-center as road conditions evolve.
- Traction benefits: AWD can help you get moving on slick surfaces and maintain a more composed line through turns.
- Confidence in transitions: When streets change from plowed to packed snow, AWD can help smooth the handoff.
- Year-round value: While winter is the headline, you’ll also feel AWD support in heavy rain and on gravel drives.
Pair AWD with how you actually drive. If your routes include hills, less-maintained side streets, or frequent early-morning departures in cold temps, AWD’s added control can be a welcome hedge against surprises. If most of your mileage is on well-maintained, flat roads, you may find Front-Wheel Drive meets your needs just fine—especially when combined with high-quality winter tires during the coldest months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will AWD help me stop faster on ice or snow?
AWD primarily assists with traction when accelerating and helps maintain stability in motion. Braking performance depends on tires and road conditions, so high-quality winter tires are still recommended for stopping on ice or snow.
How does AWD affect daily driving feel?
In typical conditions, the Encore GX with AWD feels composed and secure. You may notice more confident launches on wet or slick roads, with minimal intrusion—many drivers simply register greater calm when the weather shifts.
Is AWD a substitute for winter tires?
No. AWD and winter tires tackle different challenges. AWD helps you go and stay steady; winter tires improve grip under braking and cornering in cold temperatures. Together, they can significantly increase confidence in winter.
What else supports winter driving in the Encore GX?
Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam add reassurance. The Ultrawide 11" diagonal HD color touchscreen and reconfigurable 8" diagonal Driver Information Center also keep key information within easy reach, reducing distraction.
If you’re leaning toward AWD, plan a test drive on a route that mimics your winter routine. Ask to pair your phone wirelessly to see how quickly navigation and audio appear on the 11" diagonal touchscreen, then focus on road feel across turns and stop-and-go traffic. A short loop that includes neighborhood streets and a highway merge can reveal how composed the Encore GX feels across changes in speed and traction. Baker Buick GMC Hudsonville is serving Muskegon, Wyoming, and Grandville with helpful demonstrations and real-world comparisons so you can choose with confidence.