2020 Buick Encore GX
What’s new
- The name is new, but it's essentially a second-generation Encore
- Larger than the Encore, with more passenger and cargo room
- Choice between turbocharged three-cylinder engines
- Launches the first Encore GX generation for 2020
Pros & Cons
- Appealing design inside and out
- Comfortable ride quality
- Desirable infotainment and driving assistance tech is standard
- Lots of space for passengers and cargo
- Front seats are narrow and don't fit a wide variety of body types
- Thick roof pillars reduce the view out the back
- Ho-hum handling
2020 Buick Encore GX pricing
in Ashburn, VA2020 Buick Encore GX Review
Having broomed its sedans from its 2020 model-year lineup, Buick is nearly an all-SUV brand. It's even adding one more to the mix: the all-new 2020 Buick Encore GX. It shares a name with the current Encore extra-small crossover SUV, and the distinctions start getting a little murky from there.
The current Encore has been on sale since 2013, which is a long time in car years. But rather than simply introducing a second-generation Encore, Buick has decided to name its successor the Encore GX and sell the two vehicles side by side. The Encore GX is slightly larger, and the two SUVs cost almost the same price. Unless you absolutely can't stretch your budget, the Encore GX is the way to go here. It is by far the superior vehicle thanks to its more robust set of features and more modern cabin design.
Is the Encore GX a good value?
Buick has positioned the Encore GX as a premium extra-small SUV. With a starting MSRP in the mid-$20,000s, the Encore GX costs as much as fully loaded competitors, or about the same as larger SUVs such as the Honda CR-V.
But its interior design and materials quality are generally more upscale than what you'll find in its less expensive direct rivals, and its turbocharged engine feels relatively sprightly. We hesitate to call the Encore GX an excellent value, but it is clear that you get what you pay for.
How does the Encore GX drive?
The Encore GX's available 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy. Though ultimate acceleration won't blow your hair back, there's enough grunt under the hood to keep you moving with traffic without much issue. The brake pedal is stiffer than you might expect, and stopping smoothly requires a bit of practice.
Like most other extra-small SUVs, the Encore GX isn't much fun to drive on twisty mountain roads. There's quite a bit of body roll. While it's tuned well enough to not make you nauseated, the Encore GX is better suited for drama-free city commuting.
How comfortable is the Encore GX?
The Encore GX rides comfortably and its well-tuned suspension reduces harshness from poorly paved streets. Driving over large bumps can be unpleasant since they produce a lot of body motion, but there's no residual floatiness. The cabin is also fairly quiet, thanks in part to the GX's standard active noise-canceling system.
Seat comfort leaves a lot to be desired, however. The seats themselves are narrow, and the headrest is set at a slightly aggressive angle, so you are forced into a very upright driving position. That said, we do like that the front passenger seat offers an eight-way adjustment; most passenger seats in this class do not offer height, seat bottom tilt or lumbar adjustment.
The back seat is no penalty box either. Though the seat bottom is flat and there are no back angle adjustments, the standard position is pleasant enough. The only downside is a noticeable bump where your lower back presses against the seat.
How's the Encore GX's interior?
The cabin is nicely laid out and looks fetching when you pick the optional black-and-beige two-tone color scheme. Controls for the climate system and various safety systems are intuitively laid out. Visibility is good overall, with a wide and clear view out the front thanks to a tall roof and narrow roof pillars. But the rear pillar is rather thick, resulting in a compromised rear three-quarters view.
The most notable aspect of the Encore GX's interior is its sense of space. Our test Encore GX did not come equipped with the optional sunroof, but even then our 6-foot-4 driver sat several inches below the roofline. Headroom in the back is almost as roomy. There's good legroom all around as well — two 6-foot-plus passengers won't have a problem sitting in tandem.
How's the Encore GX's tech?
The Encore GX is loaded with standard tech features such as a sizable touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and several advanced safety features. It offers several features — including a 360-degree parking camera, an automated parking system, and a digital rearview mirror — that are either rare for the segment or exclusive for the Encore GX.
Our Essence trim test vehicle came with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad and a 115-volt, household-style outlet. In short, there's zero chance your devices will run out of juice.
How's the Encore GX's storage?
The Encore GX offers a useful amount of storage inside. The front door pockets will each hold a water bottle plus other goodies. And you can place small items in the front storage bin (where the wireless charging pad is housed), in the cubby aft of the cupholders, or in the narrow but deep under-arm storage. Back-seat space is a little more limited, but the door pockets will hold a water bottle.
Cargo space is relatively roomy, and the rear seats fold completely flat. And even if the front seat is pushed back for a tall driver, the rear seats will lower without needing to move the front seat up.
Which Encore GX does Edmunds recommend?
Buick Encore GX models
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is an extra-small crossover SUV offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Select and Essence. Standard on all front-wheel-drive models is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard on all-wheel-drive models — and optional for front-wheel-drive Select and Essence trims — is a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). This engine is paired to a CVT on front-drive models, while AWD versions get a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Preferred
The base Preferred model comes standard with:
- Heated mirrors
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Cloth/imitation leather combination upholstery
Included safety and technology features:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six-speaker audio system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Options for the Encore GX Preferred include a sunroof and a power liftgate. You can also add the following packages:
Cold Weather Comfort package
- Remote engine start
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated front seats
Safety package
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
- Rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Sport Touring package
- Sporty exterior body kit
- Remote engine start
- Roof rails
Select
Moving up to the Select trim adds:
- Cold Weather Comfort package
- Roof rails
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear armrest
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
The hands-free liftgate is optional for the Select as well. Other options include:
Advanced Technology package
- Navigation system
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto a piece of plastic near the windshield)
- 360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the car for tight parking situations)
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Rear parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Experience Buick package
- Sunroof
- Navigation
- High-definition rearview camera
Essence
The top-trim Essence comes standard with:
- LED headlights
- In-cabin air ionizer (helps remove air particulates)
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Driver-seat memory settings
- Power passenger seat
- Leather upholstery
As with the other trims, several options are available for the Essence. These include:
- Advanced Technology package
- Experience Buick package
- Hands-free liftgate
- Convenience package
- Wireless charging pad
- Automatic wipers
- Rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror (allows you to display a live rear camera video feed on the rearview mirror)
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
- Seven-speaker Bose audio system
- Sport Touring package
Sponsored cars related to the Encore GX
Features & Specs
| Preferred 4dr SUV 1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,100 |
| MPG | 26 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Select 4dr SUV AWD 1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,700 |
| MPG | 26 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Essence 4dr SUV AWD 1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,500 |
| MPG | 26 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Preferred 4dr SUV AWD 1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,100 |
| MPG | 26 city / 29 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Encore GX safety features:
- Teen Driver
- Monitors teen driver use of a vehicle, providing a driving report card to parents after the teen returns home.
- Buick Driver Confidence
- Bundles a collection of driving aids including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking.
- OnStar Safety and Security Plan
- Provides automatic collision notifications and other connected safety services through OnStar.
Buick Encore GX vs. the competition
Buick Encore GX vs. Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is aimed at the same premium customer as the Buick Encore GX. It offers turbocharged performance and expressive design inside and out. But in spite of regular updates, the 500X hasn't proved terribly popular. The Fiat offers standard all-wheel drive, lots of personality, Italian style, and more power than the Buick, but the 500X's cargo space suffers in comparison to the Encore GX's.
Buick Encore GX vs. Mazda CX-30
Buick may not have seen the Mazda CX-30 coming. Based on the excellent Mazda 3 sedan, the new CX-30 has sleek luxury styling, an upscale interior design, and engaging performance at a price that undercuts the new Encore GX. The Buick offers more cargo space but could otherwise find itself at a disadvantage here.
Buick Encore GX vs. Mini Countryman
In comparison to the Mini Countryman, value is the name of the Buick Encore GX's game. Pricing of the all-wheel drive Mini starts where the top-trim Buick leaves off. The Mini has plenty of personality and superior performance, but it comes at a significant cost. Go with the Encore GX if you want the most space and value.
FAQ
Is the Buick Encore GX a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Buick Encore GX:
- The name is new, but it's essentially a second-generation Encore
- Larger than the Encore, with more passenger and cargo room
- Choice between turbocharged three-cylinder engines
- Launches the first Encore GX generation for 2020
Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?
Is the 2020 Buick Encore GX a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Buick Encore GX?
The least-expensive 2020 Buick Encore GX is the 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,100.
Other versions include:
- Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $24,100
- Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $27,700
- Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $30,500
- Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) which starts at $26,100
- Select 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,700
- Essence 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $28,500
What are the different models of Buick Encore GX?
More about the 2020 Buick Encore GX
2020 Buick Encore GX Overview
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is offered in the following submodels: Encore GX SUV. Available styles include Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A), Select 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT), and Essence 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT).
What do people think of the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Buick Encore GX and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Encore GX.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Buick Encore GX and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Encore GX featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Buick Encore GX?
2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28,735. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is trending $2,399 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,399 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $26,336.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is 8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,130. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is trending $2,647 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,647 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,483.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is 9.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 20 2020 Buick Encore GX Select 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,135. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is trending $2,328 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,328 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22,807.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is 9.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 12 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,200. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is trending $2,852 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,852 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,348.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is 8.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 13 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,930. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is trending $2,780 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,780 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $27,150.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) is 9.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4dr SUV (1.3L 3cyl Turbo CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A)
The 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28,580. The average price paid for a new 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is trending $2,616 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,616 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $25,964.
The average savings for the 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) is 9.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 8 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Buick Encore GXES are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Buick Encore GX for sale near. There are currently 327 new 2020 Encore GXES listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $25,095 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,671 on a used or CPO 2020 Encore GX available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Buick Encore GXs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Buick Encore GX for sale - 12 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $13,075.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Buick Encore GX?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Buick lease specials