2020 Buick Encore GX review | Car Reviews

The glorious earlier of the 3-defend division is just that – earlier. The period when the sedan dominated the American brand’s lineup is coming to an conclusion, with the Regal Sportback the only model even now lively, along with its GS version. Because the arrival of the Enclave in 2008 – and perhaps even the Rendezvous in the early 2000s – the automaker has been escalating its presence in the utility phase, a lot like the relaxation of the automotive sector.

For 2020, Buick welcomes a new member, the Encore GX, which positions alone involving the Encore and the Imagine. At the time of crafting, we currently know that the Imagine will be completely revised for 2021, but for the “frequent” Encore, nothing has been introduced nonetheless. Does the arrival of the Encore GX imply the conclusion of the “frequent” Encore? It likely does, but for now, Buick has information to present two Encore models to its prospects. The far more the merrier, in SUV-land. Bear in mind that Chevrolet is also splitting its little SUV lineup, as the Trax gets nudged about in the lineup in 2020 to make area for the Trailblazer, a non-identical twin of the Encore GX.

I experienced occasion to drive Buick’s latest utility model, the Encore GX, in its Essence trim, the most high-class in the lineup. At $37,678, this little city automobile isn’t just a bargain for 1st-time buyers, but for all those who want an agile, uncomplicated-to-park crossover, the Encore GX could be a practical alternative. Here’s what I’ve discovered about this latest Buick, and of course, a different SUV!

Explore Shopicar! All new makes and models and all current promotions.

2020 Buick Encore GX, profile

A little much larger than the Encore
The Encore GX identify suggests we can count on a cancellation of the Encore model that’s been with us since 2013. At the same, it could just be a case of the brand’s strategists determining to make fantastic use of the badge’s identify recognition Immediately after all, the Buick Encore speedily turned Buick’s best-offering model soon after it debuted. The addition of the Encore GX is strategic in my viewpoint, a bit like the Ford Bronco and its far more reasonably priced equivalent, the Bronco Sport.

What is value noting about the Encore GX is that it provides pretty very similar dimensions to the Encore it is hardly much larger. A little longer and a little broader, the Encore GX is also decrease to the ground than its cousin in identify, though the wheelbase is longer as perfectly.

Exact same story inside?
These more substantial dimensions, even if the dissimilarities are slight, do translate into enhanced inside volume. It is not a major gain in each rows of seats, but in the trunk, the Encore GX boasts far more than 100 litres far more cramming place than the Encore (665 vs 532 ). In this phase, every single litre counts!

2020 Buick Encore GX, inside

The inside is also pretty very similar to that of the Encore. The dashboard has various similarities, especially in the curves of the dashboard and the structure of the ventilation and central touch-display screen controls. You can experience it is really considerably less cluttered in the centre console some buttons have been relocated not significantly from the transmission lever. What is far more, the in general high quality of execution is in line with the brand’s other products and solutions.

3 cylinders, a turbo and thoughts
The preference of engines is, of class, the subject matter of some debate. By picking to present two tiny 3-cylinder turbocharged engines, GM is betting that consumers will goal the Encore GX for its gas financial system 1st and foremost. It is also value mentioning that little-displacement engines are preferred in China, a current market which is of class crucially critical for Buick and in which its products and solutions market significantly far more than listed here.

Outfitted with the “huge” one.3L motor, my tester wasn’t just an acceleration monster. With a hundred and fifty five hp and offered lower-conclusion torque of 174 lb-ft, the Encore GX is hardly much better equipped than the Encore. However, it is helps by the actuality that even with its more substantial sizing, it weighs considerably less in general The electric power-to-fat ratio is consequently much better in the GX.

2020 Buick Encore GX, entrance

The only transmission offered is a 9-velocity computerized device (when compared to 6 speeds in the Encore) and it functions in the shadows with no grumbling. As for the all-wheel drive, it is really a partial configuration. Which indicates that to reward from four-wheel drive, you have to press that little AWD button located a several centimetres from the gearshift lever. The wonderful par of that of class is that it is really possible to drive in two-wheel drive method to save a several pennies at the pump.

At the wheel
So, how does this Buick Encore GX execute on the highway? In two text: pretty perfectly. Alright, the working experience is rather very similar to that provided by the Encore, but you can experience that the GX is far more stable due to the fact of its broader track, though the electric power steering looks to give much better responses to the driver. As envisioned, accelerations are not lightning-speedy, the transmission carrying out its best to decrease gas consumption and the little engine’s RPMs when doing work tough.

Soundproofing could be enhanced rather, but at the possibility of repeating myself, the Buick Encore GX is an entry-amount automobile. Its mission is various from that of the Enclave. As opposed to the previous Encore, the new model is a lot quieter, which is not surprising given the style and design variation.

2020 Buick Encore GX, 3-quarters rear

All through my time with it, I was also able to test the AWD drivetrain many thanks of a large rain shower all through a journey in the Laurentian mountains north of Montreal. Even though not the sportiest creature on the current market, the Encore GX has the sizeable advantage of sticking the automobile to the ground even when the pavement is moist.

In the conclusion, by alternating involving inspired driving and a quieter journey, my average gas consumption came in at eight.9L/100 km – a satisfactory statistic thinking about my – ahem – driving style and the actuality that the AWD button was utilised various situations all through my week driving the wheel.

The very last term
Buick can eventually rely on a trio of contemporary crossovers the new 2020 Encore GX joins the Enclave redesigned a several a long time ago and the Imagine that is about to be renewed. The first Encore, meanwhile, life on borrowed time. Or perhaps it does not. Time will notify, but given that the American crossover is dependent on the same method as its predecessor, but is enhanced in most every single way, the previous Encore is just that – previous. And little.

The only flaw in the ointment for the GX is that it is not equipped to face the luxury models that Buick likes to test to compete with, mainly due to the fact it isn’t going to present the same amount of electric power less than the suitable foot. The German, British or even Japanese models are all far more dynamic in this regard.

It’s fairer than to compare the latest Buick to generic brand name models. But at close to $40,000 just before applicable taxes, this pocket-sized crossover is suddenly considerably less attractive, even with all the attraction it exudes. It is a great little product or service to consider, but the levels of competition is fierce, pretty fierce!

2020 Buick Encore GX, entrance conclusion

We like

More at ease than the Encore
Efficient all-wheel drive
General high quality

We like considerably less

Powertrain considerably less strong than the luxury levels of competition
Only a bit far more inside volume than the Encore

The levels of competition

Audi Q3
BMX X1 / X2
Fiat 500X
Ford EcoSport
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Jaguar E-Pace
Jeep Compass/Renegade
Lexus UX
Mazda CX-30
Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB
MINI Countryman
Mitsubishi RVR/Eclipse Cross
Nissan Qashqai
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota C-HR
Volvo XC40

2020 Buick Encore GX, rear

Gurus

Shoppers