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!

It’s Finally Here! Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX

The all-new, 2020 Buick Encore GX is here! Though Buick’s Encore has already seen success as a crossover vehicle, the 2020 GX comes in a new size and look, which creates a completely different, and new, feel to the vehicle. The Encore GX fits itself perfectly between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision, in terms of size, and it comes with tons of upgrades. Buick is bringing fresh excitement to the crossover market, and at Liberty Buick GMC, we can’t wait for you to drive the 2020 Encore GX. 

America has experienced—and is still exciting—a surge in crossover vehicle sales. Something about having the control and luxury of a sedan mixed with the power and grit of a sport utility vehicle makes us happy and excited to drive. Vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Subaru Crosstreck, and the new Mazda CX-30 are all carving out a section for themselves within the crossover family. The 2020 Buick Encore is a perfect addition to this lineup, and not only because it fits the bill as a crossover. The new Encore GX hopes to take a lead in the crossover market by bringing high style, true luxury, and innovative technology to the Encore GX. 

The Exterior 

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has a great new look. It comes in a total of nine beautiful colors:

• White Frost Tricoat
• Deep Azure Metallic
• Burnished Bronze Metallic
• Black Currant Metallic
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Summit White
• Dark Moon Blue Metallic
• Chili Red Metallic

The slight curvature throughout the body provides contours and shadows, showing off the sleek design that could easily, at first glance, be mistaken for a modern Mercedes or Porsche SUV. 

After a second look, though, you’ll realize you are in the presence of something impressively unique: a chrome surround starts at the front and reaches to the back; large taillights emphasize the breadth of the vehicle, while the modern design 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. 

Exterior Specs:

• 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 Interior 

Inside the Encore GX, there are soft-touch materials throughout, LED lighting to set the mood, and an Infotainment center with all the bells and whistles. 

Compared to the Encore, the 2020 GX has 5.0 more cubic feet of cargo space, and it comes with all sorts of standard safety features: There’s the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection—a must-have these days; lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning (great for those long, exhausting drives); there is also a rear-camera mirror and a surround-view monitor to keep you always aware of your surroundings; and these safety features only scrape the surface of what’s available. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the interior specs:

• 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

More Features

The 2020 Buick Encore GX comes with a turbocharged I4, 1.4-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, electronically-controlled with overdrive transmission—with driver shift control. The vehicle itself is considered an all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle.

The four-door GX holds five passengers with ease and comfort for all, and it has a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and a combined mpg of 26. Not bad at all, especially for a souped-up, turbocharged engine. 

Here are just a few more features to the 2020 Buick Encore 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 interior, and a cool-compact look to the exterior, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is quickly winning our hearts at Liberty Buick-GMC.

Visit our website or call us at 704-708-8000 to find out more about the all-new Encore GX.