Baker Buick Coopersville - Does the 2026 Buick Encore GX hands-free power liftgate make errands easier around Holland, MI?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX was designed to make everyday life simpler, and for many Holland, MI shoppers the most practical question is whether the available hands-free power liftgate actually saves time when arms are full of groceries, beach gear, or a stroller. At Baker Chevrolet Buick Coopersville, our answer comes from real customer use and local driving—yes, this feature is genuinely helpful around town, especially when loading in tight spaces downtown or along Ottawa Beach Road. Below, we break down how it works, where it shines around Holland, and how it fits within the Encore GX lineup so you can decide if it belongs on your next SUV.
What the hands-free power liftgate is—and how it works
On the 2026 Encore GX, the hands-free power liftgate is available on Avenir. It lets you open and close the liftgate with a simple kicking motion below the bumper—no need to dig for a key fob when hands are full. This is more than a party trick; it is a thoughtfully tuned convenience that reduces juggling and makes loading quicker and safer in busy parking lots.
- Step 1: Stand centered behind the rear bumper with the key fob on you.
- Step 2: Make a quick in-and-out kicking motion below the bumper—think forward and back, not side to side.
- Step 3: Step back slightly and let the liftgate power open.
- Step 4: Repeat the motion to power close when you are done loading.
Because the system is designed around a specific motion and proximity, it works consistently once you get the rhythm. After a day or two, most drivers treat it like second nature—kick, load, go.
Why this matters in and around Holland, MI
Holland living often means quick stops and compact parking. Whether you are picking up a CSA box at the Holland Farmers Market, grabbing supplies along 8th Street, or unloading towels and a cooler near Holland State Park, the kicking motion below the bumper means the Encore GX Avenir opens for you even when both hands are occupied. No fumbling, no setting items on the ground, and less time blocking foot traffic behind the vehicle.
It is also useful in tighter curbside spaces downtown. When parallel parked on River Avenue or College Avenue, the Encore GX’s liftgate opens straight up, and the no-hands operation helps you keep one eye on passing traffic while the opening clears. The convenience adds up—especially for repeat errands or families with small children who need a free hand for safety.
Everyday utility that goes beyond the button
The best liftgate is only as helpful as the space behind it. The Encore GX pairs this convenience with a flexible cargo area and fold-down rear seatbacks that expand room for longer items. From a folded stroller to a couple of duffel bags for a Hope College visit, the space is shaped to make everyday loading feel easy.
Inside, the Ultrawide 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen with the reconfigurable 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center keeps trips organized. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility help with quick navigation to favorite spots, swapping playlists between drivers, and checking directions to a new trailhead—without needing to plug in a phone. That is especially useful when focus is on getting kids buckled or keeping an eye on a pet while the liftgate quietly closes itself.
Confidence when lots are busy
Errands around US-31, West Shore Drive, and downtown garages often mean crowded aisles and parked cars edging into view. Feature highlights on Encore GX, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, support confident driving to and from each stop. That blend of helpful tech and easy-loading convenience is what turns the hands-free power liftgate from a nice-to-have into an everyday upgrade.
Evening outings along Ottawa Beach Road benefit from IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, while commuting between Holland and business parks near Zeeland is made smoother by driver assistance cues. The Encore GX focuses on stress reduction at every touchpoint—before, during, and after loading up.
Trim considerations—how the liftgate fits the Encore GX lineup
Encore GX offers three personalities. If the hands-free power liftgate is a must, you will want to look closely at Avenir. Beyond the liftgate, each trim brings a distinct look and feel so the SUV can match both function and style.
- Avenir: The highest expression of Buick luxury with an exclusive Avenir grille and bright chrome accents, 19-inch aluminum wheels with Pearl Nickel finish, perforated leather-appointed seats with a unique quilted stitching pattern, and the available hands-free power liftgate that opens and closes with a simple kick below the bumper.
- Sport Touring: A bold, athletic style featuring a Black mesh grille with ST badge, 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, and leatherette seats with perforated inserts and Santorini Blue accents—great for drivers who want a sportier look and feel.
- Preferred: Sophistication with every drive, including 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels, the Ultrawide 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen and infotainment display, and cloth with leatherette seating—a smart foundation for everyday utility.
Our team can help you compare Avenir’s premium touches with Sport Touring and Preferred so you can decide how much emphasis to place on convenience tech, cabin appointments, and styling details. If hands-free loading resonates with your routine, we will guide you to Avenir models in our inventory that check the rest of your boxes as well.
Quick tips to get the most from the hands-free power liftgate
Like any smart convenience feature, a few simple habits make the Encore GX Avenir’s liftgate even easier to use day to day. Try the pointers below during your test drive around Holland to see how naturally the motion fits your routine.
- Proximity matters: Keep the key fob on your person—purse, pocket, or backpack—so the vehicle recognizes you.
- Kick, do not sweep: A quick forward-and-back foot motion under the bumper works better than a side-to-side wave.
- Centered motion: Aim your kick near the center of the rear bumper for consistent activation.
- Close with confidence: Use the same motion to close the liftgate after loading so both hands can stay on bags or a stroller.
- Keep it clear: If the bumper is muddy after a trail stop, a quick wipe near the sensor area can improve detection.
During a visit to our showroom in Coopersville, we will demonstrate the motion in our delivery area, then encourage you to try it yourself. Feeling the timing once or twice builds instant confidence for busy Saturday outings or quick school pickups.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get the hands-free power liftgate on Sport Touring or Preferred?
The hands-free power liftgate is available on Avenir. If you prefer Sport Touring or Preferred, our team can walk through alternatives in our inventory and help you weigh whether Avenir’s added convenience is the right fit for your routine.
Will it still work if I am carrying a stroller or wearing boots?
Yes—what matters is a clear, quick in-and-out kicking motion below the bumper with the key fob nearby. Make sure the motion is centered and that you step back slightly after the kick so the system can open the liftgate.
Does the 2026 Encore GX support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while I am loading up?
Yes. The Ultrawide 11-inch diagonal infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, so your phone can stay in a pocket or bag while you load. It keeps directions, playlists, and calls hands-free and organized.
What driver assistance features support errands in busy parking areas?
Feature highlights include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. These systems are designed to support confident driving as you navigate lots, surface streets, and evening trips.
At Baker Chevrolet Buick Coopersville, we believe a helpful feature earns its keep when it improves everyday life. Around Holland, MI, the Encore GX Avenir’s hands-free power liftgate does exactly that—making market mornings, beach days, and curbside pickups simpler and less stressful. If you want to experience the motion yourself, visit our showroom in Coopersville—just a short drive up I-196—and take the 2026 Buick Encore GX for a spin. Our team will walk you through the liftgate demo, the Ultrawide 11-inch screen setup, and the trim differences so you can choose the Encore GX that makes your routine easier from day one.