Traded in my 18 Encore as well and didn't even bother with a test drive of the GX, I just liked the design better with the Trailblazer. Definitely like the more spacious interior over my old Encore.I have the LT AWD version. What really sold me was the black bottom/wheel well trim/protector. I think its an excellent accent color for the base color. I was actually trying to decide between the Encore GX and my Trailblazer. Didn't like the test drive as much with the Encore GX.