The 2020 Buick Encore GX promises a premium compact SUV experience, but does it deliver on its promises? This 2020 Buick Encore GX review dives into the performance, interior, safety features, and overall value of the vehicle, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. We’ll explore the pros and cons, compare it to competitors, and address common questions potential buyers might have.

2020 Buick Encore GX Review: Performance and Fuel Economy

Engine Options and Performance

The 2020 Buick Encore GX is equipped with two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter. The base 1.2-liter engine generates 137 horsepower, while the optional 1.3-liter engine offers a modest boost to 155 horsepower. These figures fall short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30, which offers up to 186 horsepower from its 2.5-liter engine. The Kia Seltos, with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, also outperforms the Encore GX, producing 175 horsepower.

The CVT transmission, while known for its fuel efficiency, often results in a rubber-band effect, where acceleration feels sluggish and unresponsive. “The CVT in the Encore GX is a prime example of how this transmission type can compromise driving enjoyment for fuel efficiency,” says [Expert Name], automotive journalist. “While it works well for city driving, it lacks the responsiveness and sporty feel that many drivers seek in a compact SUV.”

This lack of power can be particularly frustrating in situations requiring quick acceleration, such as merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. The Encore GX’s sluggish acceleration can make it feel less confident and less enjoyable to drive. The CVT’s tendency to hold gears too long can also lead to engine noise and vibrations, further detracting from the driving experience.

Torque steer, a phenomenon where the steering wheel pulls to one side during acceleration, is more noticeable in front-wheel-drive models. This can make handling feel less precise and less stable, especially on uneven surfaces.

Fuel Efficiency: A Bright Spot

On a positive note, the Encore GX’s fuel economy figures are commendable, especially considering its relatively small size and the use of turbocharged engines. These figures are competitive with rivals like the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V, which also prioritize fuel efficiency.

The Encore GX’s fuel efficiency is a significant advantage for drivers who frequently commute or spend a lot of time on the road. It allows them to save money on gas and reduce their environmental impact.

2020 Buick Encore GX front

Interior Design and Features: Premium Aspirations, Budget Reality

Interior Design and Layout

The interior design of the Encore GX attempts to convey a premium feel, but the overall quality of materials often falls short of expectations set by Buick’s reputation for luxury. While the dashboard and center console are designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the use of hard plastics and less refined materials throughout the cabin can make it feel somewhat cheap and uninspired.

“The Encore GX’s interior is a missed opportunity,” says [Expert Name], automotive designer. “Buick has a reputation for creating luxurious interiors, but the Encore GX falls short in this regard. The use of hard plastics and lack of premium materials detract from the overall experience.”

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and navigate, but its graphics and responsiveness could be improved. The system’s interface feels somewhat dated compared to the more advanced systems found in rivals like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona.

Material Quality and Feel

The use of hard plastics on the dashboard, door panels, and center console can make the interior feel less luxurious and more utilitarian. This is particularly noticeable when compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30, which features soft-touch materials throughout the cabin.

“The Encore GX’s interior quality is a significant weakness when compared to competitors,” notes [Expert Name]. “The Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos both offer more luxurious and refined interiors with higher-quality materials and a more sophisticated design.”

2024 Mazda CX-30

Tech Features: A Mixed Bag

The Encore GX’s tech features present a mixed bag of functionality and usability. While the vehicle includes a range of modern tech amenities, some of them can feel outdated or impractical.

The head-up display, while a welcome feature, lacks the sophistication and functionality found in more advanced systems. It only displays basic information, such as speed and navigation instructions, and its resolution and clarity could be improved.

The rearview camera mirror, on the other hand, is a helpful feature that provides a wider field of view than a traditional rearview mirror. This can be particularly useful when backing up in tight spaces or when visibility is obstructed.

The 360-degree camera system can sometimes produce distorted or blurry images, especially in low-light conditions. The system’s resolution and clarity could be improved for a more accurate and reliable experience.

Automatic parking assist is a helpful feature for drivers who struggle with parallel parking or find it challenging to park in tight spaces. However, it’s not a game-changer in a compact SUV like the Encore GX, as many drivers prefer to park manually in smaller vehicles.

Safety and Reliability: A Step in the Right Direction

Standard Safety Features

The 2020 Buick Encore GX excels in its safety offerings, coming equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, can help prevent accidents and provide peace of mind while on the road.

The Encore GX’s four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA is a positive sign, indicating that it meets basic safety standards. However, it’s important to note that the IIHS has not yet released its crash-test results for this model.

Optional Safety Features

In addition to the standard safety features, the Encore GX offers several optional safety enhancements that can add value, particularly for urban driving. These include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. These features can further enhance the vehicle’s safety capabilities and provide additional reassurance for drivers.

The effectiveness of these features can vary depending on factors such as road conditions, weather, and traffic density. It’s important to remember that these features are designed to assist drivers, not replace their attention and judgment.

Reliability

While it’s too early to say definitively, the Encore GX shares its platform with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, which has generally received positive reliability ratings. This suggests that the Encore GX may also prove to be a reliable compact SUV option.

Comparison to Competitors: Where the Encore GX Falls Short

The Competition

The 2020 Buick Encore GX faces stiff competition from other compact SUVs that offer more compelling features and a better overall value proposition. The Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Chevrolet Trailblazer are all strong contenders in the segment, each offering a compelling blend of performance, interior quality, and value.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, the Encore GX struggles to keep up with its rivals. The Mazda CX-30, with its more powerful engine and engaging handling, provides a more enjoyable and spirited driving experience. The Kia Seltos also offers a more potent engine lineup and a more refined driving experience.

Interior Quality Comparison

The Encore GX’s interior quality falls short when compared to competitors. The Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos both offer more luxurious and well-appointed interiors with higher-quality materials and a more sophisticated design. These rivals create a more premium and inviting cabin experience than the Encore GX.

Value Proposition

The Encore GX’s value proposition is weakened by its shortcomings in performance and interior quality. While it offers decent fuel efficiency and a reasonable price tag, buyers seeking a well-rounded compact SUV experience would be better served by exploring alternatives that deliver more compelling features and driving dynamics.

Conclusion

While the 2020 Buick Encore GX is a decent compact SUV, it struggles to stand out in a crowded market. Its lackluster performance, average interior quality, and limited value proposition make it difficult to recommend over more compelling alternatives.

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that balances decent fuel efficiency with a reasonable price tag, the Encore GX might be worth considering. However, if performance, interior quality, or a premium driving experience are top priorities for you, it would be wise to explore other options available in the market.

FAQ

Q: What are some of the Encore GX’s strengths?

A: The Encore GX’s strengths include its decent fuel economy, comprehensive suite of standard safety features, and relatively spacious interior. It also offers a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Q: What are some of the Encore GX’s weaknesses?

A: The Encore GX’s weaknesses include its underwhelming performance, average interior quality, and lack of overall value proposition compared to rivals. The CVT transmission can also be frustrating for some drivers due to its lack of responsiveness.

Q: Is the Encore GX a good choice for families?

A: The Encore GX can be a good choice for small families or individuals who need a compact SUV with decent cargo space and fuel efficiency. However, its lack of power and limited interior quality may make it less appealing for larger families or those who prioritize performance and luxury.