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!

The 2018 All-New Terrain!

Liberty Buick GMC is gearing up for the New Year. With just a few months left in 2017, all-new 2018 vehicles are starting to fill the lot at Liberty Buick GMC. The 2018 GMC Terrain has a new look and some awesome new features that we are excited about. Liberty Buick GMC already has 12 of the new vehicles on standby, ready for you to take a test drive. The new GMC Terrain model comes in several different packages and has many unique features available. The vehicle is priced thousands of dollars below MSRP values to ensure that you are getting the best prices and there are many different packages to help provide a range of different prices. 

What’s New? 

·         All New Lights- New signature C-shaped lighting is designed to shape the bold exterior of the vehicle while providing a little extra lighting to help shine through some of those dark roads.

·         Distinctive Grille- GMC vehicles are proudly known for their signature front grille. The new GMC Terrain has a bold front grill that comes in different styles for the SLE, SLT, and the Denali vehicle. Each of the three front grilles are unique and set a daring look for the vehicle.  

·         Interior Material – The vehicle’s interior has been completely redesigned to give passengers even more comfort. The vehicle comes standard with a leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, and soft-touch materials.

·         New Center Console- It’s an all-new and innovative Electronic Precision Shifter. This new design uses a switch-based system to open up space and allows for a larger storage area.

·         Performance- The new GMC Terrain model uses a turbocharged engine. There are several engine options including a 1.5 liter gas engine, 2.0 liter gas engine, and a 1.6 liter diesel engine.

·         Traction Control- This crossover vehicle is designed to help you tackle challenges drivers face. The new Traction Select System allows the driver to adjust the mode to fit road surfaces and unexpected conditions in real-time.

Come take a test drive in the spectacular new GMC Terrain. It is the perfect compact SUV vehicle with the perfect amount of space for both passengers and cargo. Slide on over to the dealership and give this family-friendly sport vehicle a spin.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Acura RDX

SUVs have become an American staple. These days, they are so much more than just a crossover between a truck and a sedan. They have become their own entity, proving their worth over years of adjustments and perfection. One company that has managed to lead the charge in the world of SUVs is Buick. Since 2014, the Buick Envision has won drivers and critics over year after year. This year, Buick continues to plug away at making quite possibly the best running SUV on the road, and at Liberty Buick GMC we have the best selection of 2017 Buick Envisions at the lowest price.

The market has been flooded with SUVs in recent years, this makes it essential to do meticulous research before settling on your new ride. Going for a test drive, popping the hood, and kicking the tire a few times is good. It gives you a feel for the vehicle, but what you really need is a good comparison. 

Take a look at the 2017 Buick Envision compared to three of the most popular SUVs out today.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Nissan Murano

Both the 2017 Buick Envision and the 2017 Nissan Murano come with a nice, sleek exterior and roomy, comfortable interior. They both drive well, and have impressed the competition in recent years. However, upon closer look, one does stand out a bit more than the other in terms of overall performance. Here is what we have found:

·         Fuel Economy. While the Nissan Murano gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28-highway, the 2017 Buick Envision gets 22-mpg city and 29-highway. It may not seem like that big of a deal to have one gallon less for both city and highway, but it’s a very big deal. Over years of driving a Buick Envision, these two extra gallons will add up to quite a bit of money. Think long-term on this category and you begin to realize just how much Buick saves you.

·         Safety. The results to this comparison are a little different than those on fuel economy. A lot different actually. While the 2017 Buick Envision receives top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2017 Nissan Murano only gets four stars from the federal government. The biggest difference between the two vehicles is that the Buick Envision comes standard with a slew of impressive safety features. The Murano, however, requires you to upgrade to the SL or Platinum trim levels before you get to really see some top-level features in safety.

Overall, there is no reason to pay more money to feel safer when Buick provides this at the standard price. Better gas mileage and higher safety ratings cause the 2017 Buick Envision to win out over the 2017 Nissan Murano.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Subaru Outback

Until recently, Buick was struggling to come up with an interesting design to its vehicles. The quality has always been there, and actually gotten better by the year, but in terms of looks, Buick couldn’t quite catch up to vehicles like the Subaru Outback. Things have changed in recent years though, and now Buick is making its mark with bright, new styles that can compete with the likes of the respected Outback. Here is what we found out after taking a good look at both exteriors and testing out how well they perform:

·         Styling. The 2017 Subaru Outback manages to keep its wagon-like look, its soft, yet rugged feel, but it loses in way of its stylishness. Actually, there really isn’t much style at all to the new Outback. Its nice curves and extra elevation from the ground make it look different than in years past, but it’s hard to find anything definable about it, it is rather boring. Enter the 2017 Buick Envision and we have ourselves a different story. The sheer presence of the large SUV provides enough emphasis to make anyone turn a head. The small front grille helps accentuate the billowing curves coming from the front and folding themselves over and around the large body. The cat-eyed headlights offer a sophistication not found in the Outback, and for a moment you are not sure if you are looking at a foreign luxury vehicle or an off-roading machine fit for muddy trails and dirt roads.

·         Performance. The 2017 Buick Envision comes standard with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that can easily be upgraded to a 2.0-liter Turbo. Most impressive about the new Envision is the ultra smooth and quiet ride with the option for all-wheel-drive. Sitting at a stoplight, you might honestly think the vehicle has turned off. Even with the windows down it is tough to hear that powerful engine purr. The Outback offers two engines styles: a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder. While it is nice to have the option between the two, the Outback’s renowned all-wheel-drive tends to drink a lot of fuel. It does have a nice ride, however, we found it not to be nearly as soft and quiet as the 2017 Buick Envision.

Between the all-new Envision and the new Outback, we like the Buick. There is just this feeling of quality that isn’t there in the Subaru.

2017 Buick Envision Versus the Acura RDX

Even though the Acura RDX is considered more of a luxury SUV than the Buick Envision, it is increasingly more difficult to see the differences. While the 2017 RDX maintains the status quo, it’s safe to say the 2017 Buick Envision makes some impressive advancements that push it out ahead of the Acura to a certain degree. Both perform at top levels, but there is more that sticks out in the Envision.

·         Features. Looking at both vehicles list of features, we find things we like and a few we do not. The 2017 Buick Envision has plenty to offer with its five trim levels. You are sure to find all the regulars: collision alerts, power everything, a wide range of paint colors, individual climate control, and packages with nice new features that are beyond adaptive. The 2017 Envision pushes the envelope and makes driving easier, more fun. The only downside is navigating through the long list of features that correspond only to certain trim levels. The 2017 Acura RDX comes in ten different builds, but you won’t find much of anything that is not also offered in the Buick Envision. The problem with the Acura is that you are already paying more for a luxury title, but then you have to spend even more cash to get the features you really want. Those feature packages you can also find in the Envision end up costing you a whole lot more in the end. The way we see it, if you can already get the same quality in ride, safety, comfort, performance, and features from the 2017 Buick Envision, why pay more to get the Acura. It might have made sense to go for the Acura five or ten years ago, but not when you look at the new things Buick has done. Spend less and get top quality.

Needless to say, we are impressed with the 2017 Buick Envision. We stacked it up against three of the best SUVs on the market and the Envision won out each time. Read more about the Buick Envision and how it is truly a vehicle you can Envision your family in or come in and see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and find the best prices on one of the best SUVs made today.

Andrae Bergeron

Content Writer

CCP Web Design