Buick Encore or Encore GX—Which 2020 Model Should You Choose?

For the model year 2020, Buick has released the all-new Encore GX—a crossover that is set to add even more depth to an already-loaded compact SUV segment. Unlike what the name would suggest, the Buick Encore GX is not a trim level of the Encore. The Encore and Encore GX are two separate models with their own sets of trim levels. 

Sure, there are some similarities between the two, but there are also some significant differences that should be considered if you are trying to determine which SUV is right for you. Below, we’ve provided some information on both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX and highlighted some of their key distinctions.

Dimensions

To the casual observer, the Encore and Encore GX are quite similar in terms of all-around design and appearance. However, they are built on two different platforms. Naturally, this means that they differ in overall size. Both the Encore and Encore GX are about 64 inches tall. The Encore is roughly 70 inches wide, while the Encore GX is a hair over 71 inches wide. 

The length is where these two SUVs become noticeably different in appearance. Measuring 175.7 inches long, the Encore GX is significantly longer than the Encore (168.5 inches). Furthermore, the Encore GX’s wheelbase comes in at 104 inches while the Encore’s measures about 100 inches. This extra distance between the front and rear wheels makes for a smoother riding experience and better handling, not to mention a more aggressive appearance. 

Exterior Appearance 

Along with the dimensions, the Encore and Encore GX are distinct in their exterior stylings. Similar to recent years, the 2020 Encore sports sedan-like design with its curved front and compact, rounded grille and air intake. The Encore GX looks more like an SUV. It has more of a squared-off shape overall and a front-end that is more horizontal than it is rounded. 

Set between the headlamps—which are further apart than those of the Encore—is a new grille that also plays a big part in distinguishing the Encore GX from the Encore and other vehicles. A newly-designed lower fascia and fog lights also contribute to a more aggressive appearance. Moreover, deeper character lines along the side and rear, as well as a newly-designed rear fascia and taillamps, help distinguish the Encore GX even more. 

Technology 

Both the 2020 Buick Encore and Encore GX provide drivers with plenty of options in regards to technology. Available in the Encore is a four-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a six-speaker audio system, though you can opt for a Bose audio system. The Encore GX comes with GM’s most recent infotainment software, which has been recognized for being especially easy to use and responsive. All and all, you can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs if you want a vehicle with great technology, though the Encore GX offers more standard features.  

Safety Features

The Encore and Encore GX also boast plenty of safety features. However, the Encore GX seems to offer more features standard in this category as well. With the Encore, you can opt for front and rear parking assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. The Encore GX comes standard with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. What’s more, you can get an HD 360-degree camera system and head-up display on the Encore GX, which go a long way in increasing visibility. 

Engines

The engines on the Encore and Encore GX are quite different and can play a major role in determining which SUV is right for you. All Encore trims come with a 1.4-liter DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched with a six-speed transmission, and it provides plenty of power for a compact SUV. 

There are two engine options for the Encore GX: an ECOTEC 1.2-liter Turbo and ECOTEC 1.3-liter Turbo. The 1.2-liter engine is good for 137 horses and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The 1.3-liter makes 155 ponies and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine can be had with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that provides more luxury than the price tag reflects, both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX fit the bill. The Encore is a solid choice if you like the rounded appearance of recent Encore models and are willing to pass on a few features. However, if you are hoping for a slightly bigger, more aggressive-looking SUV with more standard features, you would do better to go with the Encore GX. Of course, the best way to see for yourself is to schedule a test drive at Liberty Buick GMC!

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Why the 2020 Buick Encore Will Be a Crowd-Pleaser This Black Friday

Black Friday season has arrived! Here at Liberty Buick GMC, we’ve got deals that are nothing short of amazing on a slew of brand-new models, including Buick’s flagship SUV—the 2020 Encore.

Buick and GMC marketing vice president, Phil Brook, said it best when he described the Buick Enclave as “everything [buyers] want in a premium crossover with its distinct styling, quality and driving dynamics.” It’s true. In a crowded midsize SUV class that includes the Enclave’s siblings—the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia—the Enclave is an attention-getter.

Since its design overhaul in 2018, however, the Buick Enclave has offered buyers much more than its sleek and subtle styling. The second-generation Enclave provides performance, comfort, safety, technology, and overall quality to rival any luxury crossover on the market. Yes, the three-row, seven-passenger Enclave makes for a superb family vehicle, but you don’t have to be toting around kids to appreciate its abundance of premium features.

The 2020 refresh of the Buick Enclave comes with several notable changes, such as significant tech upgrades and the new Touring Sport appearance package, among others. Simply put, it’s better than ever, and it just might be the perfect vehicle for you if you’re in the market for a got-it-all midsize SUV.

Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy qualities of the 2020 Buick Enclave and why you should consider making it your Black Friday purchase:

Just in for 2020
The newest Enclave receives a number of updates that set it apart from 2018 and 2019 models. First of all, there is some new technology. Buyers of the 2020 Enclave will get the next generation of Buick’s renowned infotainment system and an eight-inch IntelliLink touchscreen standard on all trim levels. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, and six USB ports are still standard. Sirius XM/360L capability and navigation with traffic and weather alerts are still available as infotainment upgrades.

Coming standard on Premium and Avenir models are an HD Rear Vision Camera, HD Surround Vision, and a massage feature and four-way power-adjustable lumbar support for the front and passenger seats.

Also new for 2020 is the optional Sport Touring (ST) appearance package. This package is available on the Essence trim, and it features several exterior tweaks, such as a black mesh front grille, body-color grille surrounding, and 20-inch machined alloy wheels with contrasting graphite pockets. Overall, the ST package adds a little aggression and sportiness to the Enclave.

The 2020 Enclave Avenir has a body-color lower panel, which is sleeker than the black plastic panels on previous models. Also, three colors have been added to the list of Enclave exterior finishes. Avenir buyers can now get the Rich Garnet Metallic, while Champagne Gold Metallic and Dark Moon Blue Metallic are available for all trims.

Powertrain and Performance
The 2020 Buick Enclave is available in four trim levels: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. All trims come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s matched with a nine-speed transmission. Performance is not Buick’s primary goal for the Enclave, but the 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque produced by the engine are sufficient for passing moves and towing up to 5,000 pounds.

When it comes to the ride and handling, the 2020 Enclave is composed, comfortable and quiet. This is largely due to its responsive steering and brakes, as well as a suspension that provides a pleasant ride on smooth and rough terrain alike.


Interior
The 2020 Enclave’s cabin comes in impressive design. All and all, it looks simple yet sophisticated, and it’s unmistakably luxury. The wood-grain/metal trimmings, asymmetrical vents, and easy-to-access controls help in that regard. Also, the seats are really, really comfortable, and the Enclave’s cabin is among the top of the class in spaciousness. Plus, with a Pitch Slide seat in the second row and 60/40 folding seats in the third row, even more space opens up for cargo.


Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Buick Enclave five out of five stars in crash-test ratings. It comes standard with a rearview mirror camera, and you can opt for automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.

There are plenty of incredible deals to be found at Liberty Buick GMC this Black Friday. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that comfortably fits seven, looks distinguished inside and out, and has tons of features, the 2020 Buick Enclave could be the one for you. Be sure to come by our dealership to see the deals for yourself and take a test drive!

Bridging the Gap: the 2020 Buick Encore GX

Since they first broke into the luxury automotive industry, Buick has made a name for themselves in terms of quality and user experience. Because of this, so many individuals want to add a Buick to their garage! Since it is a luxury vehicle, many feel that this dream is unattainable, or that Buick just does not offer the right vehicle for them, but with more and more Buick models being released, that dream of luxury could become a reality. With the recent introduction of the Buick Encore GX, many are starting to wonder if this could be the smooth-riding, power-inducing, and sweet ride they have been dreaming of.

Why Buick is adding to their lineup

By releasing the Encore GX, Buick has successfully captured drivers in small, compact and midsize sport utility vehicles (SUVs). This revolutionary vehicle bridges the gap between the Encore and Envision in Buick’s SUV lineup. Considered one of the best small (or compact) options for SUV lovers, the new Encore has features that change the way drivers view safety and specifications, for a price incomparable to other SUVs on the market.

With consumer demands becoming more intense in today’s marketplace, automakers are forced to diversify their vehicle lineups. They do this since there is so much existing competition in the market; rather than letting a consumer buy another vehicle, they step in to fill the consumers’ needs. By releasing the Encore GX and “filling” their lineup, Buick is taking another step in the same regard.

The new 2020 Buick Encore GX is meant to give consumers another choice when choosing a Buick vehicle. Once it is officially released into the lineup, it means Buick will be offering four premium SUVs across their consumer segments, making them a leader in the automotive industry.

About the Encore GX

First unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Encore GX holds true to Buick’s language style, including a chrome body that follows the curvature of the side glass windows, blending into the rear hatch and oversized tail lights; not to mention what brings it all together at the face: the large chrome grill that proudly sports the Buick logo. With all of these stylistic features, the Encore GX undoubtedly lives up to Buick’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and luxury transportation.

Even though the vehicle has already been unveiled, Buick has been refraining from releasing pertinent information about the crossover SUV. Information that has yet to be released includes the model’s exterior and interior dimensions, as well as, price and powertrain information. Despite withholding so many details, the superstar car brand has shared that the Encore GX will come standard with the same safety features as other Buick models; these include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. The vehicle will also come equipped with a rear-camera mirror and surround-view monitor.

How it compares

The unveiling of this new Encore model has many Buick enthusiasts wondering what makes it so different than other Encore models already on the market.

In terms of how it looks on the outside, the new Encore GX carries some resemblance to the original, smaller Encore; however, it has been given a newer dose of Buick’s latest design language and has been said to look more like the Buick Regal or Enclave models.

On the inside, the design from the original Encore has been particularly influential in the Encore GX. Despite this heavy influence, some surfaces have been freshened up a bit to give a heightened feel of luxury.

High gear

While we already know of the standard safety amenities that will be included in the new Encore GX, Buick has not been quick to release other technical information about the vehicle. Buick has stated that real specifications about the vehicle and pricing information will not be made available until the Encore GX is released to automotive dealers in the United States, which is not supposed to happen until early 2020.

To all of our Buick fanatics out there: remember, patience is a virtue.

The perfect fit

Being first in class for both sophistication and comfort, this Buick model is perfect for drivers looking to accommodate their families, friends, or a full carpool. While the spirited, yet efficient, performance of the Encore GX will surely get your crew where they need to go, it does not stop there. This new vehicle is said to feature five more cubic feet of storage space than the original Encore models, making it a strong option for those in need of a larger cargo area for all of the essentials (and then some), and still want a compact SUV.

What are you waiting for? Contact your local Liberty Buick GMC dealer and to learn more about the release of the Buick Encore GX today!

-Morgan Evans

The Buick Encore GX: Something New and Exciting is Coming in 2020

The sleek new Encore GX comes to us next year, and it’s quickly becoming all the rage. An already successful crossover vehicle, the 2020 Encore GX arrives with a brand new look, feel, and size. That’s right, the all-new Encore GX fits itself perfectly between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision, in terms of size, and it makes big moves by way of upgrades. Buick brings excitement to the crossover market, and we can’t wait to drive the new Encore GX.

For the past ten to twenty years, crossover vehicles (a modern morphing of a sedan and an SUV) have grown in popularity. These vehicles have now become such a part of our lives, it seems that’s mostly what we see out on the roads. It’s no surprise car manufacturers have taken notice of this, and we are seeing the crossover market grow at an incredible rate—in particular, smaller crossovers. Vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Subaru Crosstreck and the soon-to-arrive Mazda CX-30 are all creating their own habitat within the crossover family. The 2020 Buick Encore is a perfect addition to this lineup; only it’s not just another pretty face. The new Encore GX hopes to take the lead by adding extra style, luxury, and technology to the Encore.

The Look

There’s really no other way to put it: the 2020 Buick Encore GX looks cool. A chrome surround starts at the front and reaches to the back; large taillights emphasize the breadth of the vehicle, while the slow curvature along the sides seems to pull the body in, giving it a fit, sporty aesthetic. The large grille up front is non-intrusive, but it does make a statement that this is something new, and quite possibly Buick’s most modern move in years.

Honestly, not until you see the Buick emblem would you be able to guess who makes this crossover. Nothing against the Buick brand, this is just something brand new. It’s luxurious, yet simple—a crossover but something much more; this is something we haven’t seen before from Buick.

Though we don’t have a lot of information on the new Encore GX just yet, what we do know is impressive. Inside there are the standard soft-touch materials throughout, LED lighting, and an Infotainment center with all the bells and whistles.

Compared to the Encore, the GX has 5.0 cubic feet more cargo space, and it comes with (standard) the following safety features:

·         Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

·         Lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning

·         A rear-camera mirror and a surround-view monitor

  

The Specs

Though Buick is keeping a lot of information about the 2020 Encore GX close to the chest, we do have a list of specs to give an idea of just how substantial the GX is. Have a look at the breakdown:

·         Engine: Turbocharged I4, 1.4

·         EPA Class: 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle

·         Style Name: Essence AWD

·         Drivetrain: All Wheel Drive

·         Passenger Capacity: 5

·         Passenger Doors: 4

·         Body Style: Sport Utility

·         Transmission: 6-speed automatic, electronically-controlled with overdrive includes Driver Shift Control

Here is a bit on the vehicle’s dimensions:

Interior—

·         Front Hip Room: (in)51.65

·         Front Leg Room: (in)40.82

·         Second Shoulder Room: (in)52.5

·         Passenger Volume: (ft³)92.8

·         Second Head Room: (in)38.78

·         Front Shoulder Room: (in)54.18

·         Second Hip Room: (in)50.08

·         Front Head Room: (in)39.58

·         Second Leg Room: (in)35.75

Exterior—

·         Wheelbase: (in)100.6

·         Track Width, Rear: (in)60.62

·         Height, Overall: (in)65.25

·         Length, Overall: (in)168.35

·         Min. Ground Clearance: (in)6.22

·         Track Width, Front: (in)60.65

·         Width, Max w/o mirrors: (in)70.1

The 2020 Encore GX is also expected to have a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and a combined mpg of 26. Not bad at all, especially for a turbocharged crossover.

Here are just a few more specs Buick has recently released on the GX:

·         Brakes: 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc

·         StabiliTrak, stability control system

·         Daytime Running Lamps, separate cavity, LED

·         Airbags, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger

·         Airbag, Passenger Sensing System

·         Seat belt, 3-point, driver with load limiter, height adjustable

·         Seat belt, 3-point, front passenger with load limiter, height

·         Restraint provisions, child Isofix 2 point for outboard seating

·         OnStar and Buick connected services capable

·         Buick Connected Access capable

·         Side Blind Zone Alert

·         Rear Cross Traffic Alert

·         Rear Vision Camera

·         Door locks, child security rear, manual

·         Tire Pressure Monitoring System, manual learn

With a zippy engine that does well to conserve fuel, a luxurious—and extra comfy—interior, and a cool-compact look to the exterior, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is quickly winning our hearts at Liberty Buick-GMC Trucks.

Visit our website or call us at 704-708-8000 to find out when the 2020 Buick Encore GX arrives on our lot!

*www.buick.com

-Andrae Bergeron