2020 Buick Encore GX Review | Wait, that’s a Buick?!

Consider the Buick Encore GX the biggest surprise of 2020. With few compromises, this subcompact crossover delivers the goods.
Shop for the new 2020 Encore GX on CarGurus: cargur.us/C2lpb
Buick has been fighting against a reputation of numb, floaty vehicles for years. With the Encore GX, we expected more of the same. But with terrific ride quality, good insulation, terrific tech, and a curious little engine, we walked away from the Encore GX pleasantly surprised.
The engine in this little Buick is a 1.3-liter three-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. And that's the upgraded engine! The standard unit is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. While it's good around town, revving the three-cylinder results in a buzzy, noisy note.
Inside, most of the materials above the waistline are of good quality. The greenhouse is big and bright and easy to see out of. However, below the waistline, you'll find plenty of cheap, hard plastic. In the rear, the seats are comfortable and supportive, with enough legroom for an adult.
Buick's infotainment system, like most GM units, is terrific. Easy to understand and use, it features big icons and crisp graphics. Navigation works well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported.
The kicker with the Encore GX is its price tag. Very little comes standard, and when kitted out like our test car, you can expect to pay over $35,000. That's too much for a car of this size. Especially when you look at the competition: the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Jeep Compass all over similar dimensions and features at thousands of dollars less.
For more information on the 2020 Buick Encore GX, head to CarGurus: cargur.us/C2ln5
Presenter: Matt Smith
Cinematography: Elliot Haney
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Check out our 2020 Test Drive Reviews playlist: • 2020 Volvo XC90 - The ...
Crossovers & SUVs • Crossovers and SUVs
0:00 Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX
1:18 Driving Impressions
2:30 Engine Options and Impressions
4:02 Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
5:05 Infotainment Walkthrough
6:07 Safety Offerings
7:28 Exterior Impressions
7:58 Legroom and Interior Thoughts
8:37 Cargo Space and the Encore's Party Trick
9:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[@kimammerman8014]

I have this car in the AWD Essence model and it's fantastic. It's super peppy, fun and has great tech and safety features. This review does not do it justice. It's my first Buick after owning a BMW 328x then a Lincoln MKC. I prefer the GX. I leased it but, plan to buy if it makes sense in 36 months. I've gotten many positive comments on the styling and quiet ride. The red grill and black roof package are home runs. Love it!

[@hannahpettit6489]

My husband just bought me a white one and I absolutely love it! It’s super nice. I agree that this review doesn’t do it justice

[@OldThomMerton]

Do I like the look of the Encore GX? It is possibly the best looking CUV that I've seen . . . seriously!

[@sallyduke6869]

Have this Buick I love ❤️ it this guy don't do it justice it's a great car

[@erknyc8423]

i agree just got one im happy with it

[@reaperreconnaissance599]

My wife and I purchased a 2019 Buick encore a month after we got married instead of going on a honey moon so she could have a more reliable vehicle. It’s almost a year later it’s still a fantastic vehicle. I’ve been looking at the encore GX for sometime and may consider getting one in the near future as my personal vehicle, as my 2011 Malibu is starting to show its age.

[@joshzi76]

Do it you won’t regret it!

[@KT-dp5hu]

I am one of those who tests drive and loves it, got it 2 weeks ago.👏👏👍👍👍

[@glenonbutler391]

I’ve had this Buick for 8 months now and Love this car. The ride is comfortable, the cabin is quiet, and the interior is elegant. The only negative comment is the slightly growling engine. Make sure you get the 1.3 L engine got good power.

[@jamesdingell]

I just finished up my week with a GX and agree with all your points! Having owned a standard Encore, the GX really takes it to the next level with all the refined elements and tech.

[@baldheadlogic]

This is surprisingly positive review for this cuv. Most other reviews ripped it a new one. Buick should have used to the 2.5L from the Envision with their 9 speed auto

[@sharedknowledge6640]

Nice opinions and perspective but the Buick has some things you can’t get on most of the competition at any price including the Crosstrek you mentioned. The most useful might be the 360 camera system. It’s also nice you can get adaptive cruise on something other than the top trim which many competitors require. You also get a 9 speed auto (with AWD) while you’re stuck with a CVT or clunky dual clutch with most of the competition. In many ways the Buick competes with the likes of the XC40, X1, and Q3 while being far less expensive when similarly equipped. The Germans are far worse at “nickel and diming” as you put it. Even the base bottom trim GX comes with many things the base small luxury SUVs lack.

[@mariewalker7682]

I just bought 2023 encore gx essence I just love it. Everything about it suits my lifestyle.

[@gerrimiller3491]

Excellent detailed opinion....much appreciated

[@dtay8913]

It's a nice little crossover

[@houndlander]

I love my Buick Encore 2021 AWD. My 2010 VW got totaled recently. And to be honest, I had terrible luck with my VW moonroof leaking constantly which caused me a lot of angst. The stereo components went out at 5 years! But VW isn’t making the Jetta Wagon anymore. All of these new SuVs have moon roofs it seems, no spare tire either! Just a can of Fix a flat! What? Well through mutual friends I went to Enterprise Car Sales, I tried out the Nissan Kicks, Chevy, Toyota Rav 4, Honda (another dealership) and then I got into the used 2021 Buick Preferred AWD. It just felt great. Loved driving it. I just knew this was my car. It was perfect with the lumbar support! Comfort, head room! Ease of driving etc. I never had considered a Buick but I’m sure glad I got this little SUV!

[@Johngengelbach2]

I test drove that model, I was impressed

[@MrJt3451]

I love the look of the encore gx

[@peterkarahalios3488]

Got mine in September of 2020. Never looked back. Reviews are just someone's opinion, and people give themselves a lot of license in their opinion.

[@jeffmorse645]

TBH, all I would want and probably use is front collision mitigation, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. All the stuff in the convenience package or advanced technology package doesn't matter and I'm glad I wouldn't have to pay for it built into the price of the car. The Select trim makes the most sense of all of them - gets most of the Essence trappings save for leather seats and LED headlamps for a lot less money.

[@joshzi76]

Have a 2022 Gx Essence model, with FWD, the FWD model feels especially peppy and the ride is super smooth and comfortable, bought my gx after owning a 2021 envision preferred and a 17 enclave before that, the ride is so much smoother than the Rav4 CRV..

[@A3rdeye69]

I recently purchased a GX ST AWD. IN AWD and FWD I don't hear the noise that you spoke of and I'm getting in and out of the aggressive traffic of the Chicagoland area without any issues. No it's not built for speed but you definitely wont be left behind by anything other than a performance vehicle.

[@bikerrich1200]

recently rented one from Hertz. Really nice car. Possibly the nicest small car I've ever rented. And I usually go for the least expensive econobox. I might buy one. Just concerned about that three cylinder engine. Am I going to see 100,000 miles out of it, or is it going to perish from over exertion soon as the warranty expires??

[@tonya7610]

Love that car

[@hom2fu]

tiny engine for a suv will it hold up over time? at least, they should make 2.0t 4 banger

[@speaseoffice]

I got mine this past Saturday and it was an unsold 2020 still being sold new with 1300 miles on it (they did make sure my warranty started at the mileage I left the dealer with as well) so I got it for only 26K, 9K off original sticker of 34K and mine has the pano sunroof. In this case waiting all around paid off because I got the car I wanted still new but for a huge deal, and made them throw in the all weather mats since it already had miles on it.

[@speaseoffice]

And before anyone says "the engine won't last over time", well A. Actually genuinely no one knows that, until time passes. Everyone thought that a lot of engines would turn out to be "trash" that weren't. B.This is a car for people that WANT a BUICK with the main things a Buick is known for, comfortable interior, nice features, and a great ride, with smooth handling. Yes the Mazda does "handle" better in the sense that the steering is tighter (which could be good or bad depending on the driver), I drove it for a 24hr test drive 2 days before getting the GX, and also drove the GX and chose the GX. Why? Because I wanted the Buick, the cushier yet still responsive steering, the better mileage than the Mazda on fuel, and the taught looks and ride. If you ask me they both look equally good for their own reasons although if you get the LED headlights without argument, the Buick evonic acro-light LED is the best looking signature lighting I've seen in modern cars. That little touch alone is one thing that sold me on the Buick over the Mazda. I want something comfortable not sporty, which is why I got the Buick. This is coming from a person who drives for my job mind you and my car is my office, so likely I won't even have it for long enough to see how reliable it really is over time and none of us will really. It'll be the 2nd hand owners that either do or don't have the never ending issues.

[@matthewreed1078]

So what package did you get?!?!? 🤔 been looking at that gx or the 2021 gmc terrain SLT

[@speaseoffice]

@@matthewreed1078 I got the 1.3 engine upgrade on the Front wheel drive (I live in NC and travel for work locally so I don't really need an AWD as we don't get tons of snow and when we do I am not required to work) and mine has the Experience Buick Package and the Power Liftgate group. That's it. I didn't get the automatic parking, camera rearview or the HUD mainly bc I couldn't find one with all that in a color I liked, only ones that had all of that on top of what I already got (in my area at least) were white and black, I wanted a color (either the Azure Blue, Black Currant, or Bronze color). Ordering one custom due to the semiconductor issue, was out of the cards unless I wanted to wait months, and my overall 2 big things were the Experience Buick package for the moonroof and it being an upgraded color, so I got one in Azure Blue with the Experience Buick that was a brand new unsold 20 for almost 9K off its original sticker and it only had demo miles on it, and they started my warranty at the demo mileage which was even better (my warranty wasn't already demo-tapped like they are in some cases)

[@BTC909]

Engines you do not want long term. Makes sense to lease especially with its bloated MSRP.

[@frodobaggings3132]

Im debating between getting the 2020 or the 2021 same trim, same milage but theres a 2k price difference....any advice?

[@stupid8911]

Looks a bit like the Kia Niro in the back. Not a bad-looking car. Shame about the engine. I know this thing is a more refined Chevy Trailblazer, but GM could've gone up to at least a 1.8L to aim for fuel economy and a bit of "oomph". Otherwise, is worth a test drive. Biggest style mistake? I'd say it the stick-out antenna. Fine for the Trailblazer, but for a Buick? Sharkfin, please!

[@stephenhendricks103]

I have to admit that I find this entire class of "hatchbacks on stilts" to be puzzling. Unless one prefers the "styling" of SUV's, (There's no accounting for taste), I don't get the attraction. The cargo space of the Encore GX amounts to 23.5 cubic ft behind the second row and 50.2 cf overall. My GTI provides 22.8/53.7 cf in a vehicle that's almost 4" less in length than the Buick. Want a vehicle that's easy to park in the city? My Golf is even easier than the Encore GX (and almost every other subcompact crossover) to park and maneuver in traffic. Arguably, the most appealing features of SUVs/CUVs are the elevated driver's "command" (i.e. elevated) seating and their "off road" chops. But in a subcompact crossover the driver isn't going to get a much better view than any vehicle other than a Miata. As for "off-roading" only the Jeep Renegade makes any pretense, whatsoever, of versions that offer that capability. And as everyone realizes, very few Encore GXs are ever going to see any surface more challenging than an occasional gravel road. A challenge my GTI easily meets. If I were shopping in this category, I'd be looking at the KIA Seltos with far more interior space and much better engine and drive train options than the Encore GX or virtually any other subcompact crossover. But in the real world I'll stick with my GTI with a much, much better engine, the choice of an MT or dual clutch transmission and performance and handling that no subcompact crossover including the Encore GX can match.

[@clarissacastro6552]

GX stands for Gorgeous Xcellence Hahalol

[@n1k0flow]

What's the name of the color? I must have missed it in the video

[@YNOTONY]

Looking to buy a 2021 encore. Can anyone tell me some of the bad things to expect?

[@trubiekegley2640]

We love ours I have a ram truck but we don’t us it unless we going camping to tow our camper

[@mrlim282]

This is the first Buick I think that looks sporty! A Buick!!

[@Vdood]

...would make a great small truck...

[@whiskeydrinker7861]

I love my 2022.

[@rogeroceguera6098]

I’d lease it

[@gemster18]

Where's the adaptive cruise control? I can't believe GM doesn't have this in this vehicle You can't even get it in the top of the line trim

[@charliemontero5217]

Needs a bigger engine

[@jkang_2929]

Gosh, i hate those product’s review, where the screen time focus predominantly of the host’s face while talking than the actual product.

[@iosianchad2180]

Mazda CX-5 Signature trim is at about the same price with a 2.5L turbo engine.

[@emeyer6963]

And drives a hell of a lot better than this Buick

[@mfmf100]

Not based in class, loaded it seems pleasant enough but ridiculously over priced. And where does Buick get off on the Porsche options strategy? Only worth even considering at a discount.

[@clarissacastro6552]

I have this Buick crossover and her name is DARLA* and she is front-wheel drive , 1.2L which I preferred. I love this Buick even though I wanted it in white the steel grey was ok BUT for my next Buick crossover it’s gonna be WHITE! Hahalol

[@kentgabriel3572]

that as tested price is insane. I have a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate trim level, with the 2.4 L engine, and FWD, and it sticker'd for around $36,600....Not the best ride quality but literally two sizes bigger for less money than this Encore GX.....

[@sampak7739]

Door dash and uber eats great car for delievry Sometimes uber lyft toi.

[@courteneydorcena7325]

I don’t appreciate that definition of my city 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@clarissacastro6552]

I love this car 🚘❤️ and I own this satin steel encore GX ST 1.2! And her name is DARLA 🚗🚘💋❤️Hahalol

Like almost all GM products, annoying start / stop feature that you cannot permanently turn off. No thx. 3 cylinder is also cause for concern for me. I don;'t see it holding up.

[@silvesterjohnson1620]

No turn signal on morrow Buick you got to be kidfing

[@mileshilmes1384]

Very narrow front seats, which make it not worth buying.

[@PANOSDX1968]

Good review but 4 minutes too long for such a vehicle. Average video should be around 6 max 7 minutes on all reviewing channels I mean.

[@swanblake]

The GX does nothing better than the cheaper Trailblazer. Car is slow, manual selected awd and feels cheap inside. As long as you know this isn't coming from North America (like all but one Buick) and are cool with that, then enjoy. I do think it's nicer than the Encore and visually is more appealong, but thats a low bar in my opinion. It's average which in this segment seems to be more than enough.I'd go Mazda CX30 or Kia Selto 1.6T for that price

[@frankaven7407]

Wrong. The 1.3 produces 18 more hp and 12lbs more torque. Gx provides regenerative braking which converts inertia into energy instead of wasting it, improving fuel economy. Gx has cap-less fueling. Trailblazer does not. Gx has better traction, handling, hard cornering, and control at highway speeds because of its hight to width ratio, stiffer sidewall, larger tires, and variable assist power steering (which Trialblazer doesn't have). Gx utilizes computer-generated noise cancelation. Trailblazer doesn't.

[@classic287]

I would never buy that car at that price tag. That's ridiculous...

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Is this another car missing a audio volume and tuning knob? Really ??? This is what customers want ?? I think not, at least not me.

[@fuelon]

Huge knob on the middle, no worries man

[@allancatellier7424]

I would rather have any other car

[@19chucky62]

It's for people who live in tiny houses!Or have no friends

[@richv8351]

This car is a joke and should appeal to the uninitiated CUV buyer who sets a very low bar for themselves... sad !

[@user-iy3ct1ci3o]

Dear followers!! Don't let the beautiful pictures confuse you . Anyone who buys a new car from GENERAL Motors the chance you threw your money into the trash is very large. In this company there is no customer service, the company's management does not care at all, if you have a problem or a malfunction, you can only pray to God there is a chance that the help will come faster. GM is a very dangerous company, be careful and keep your money safe.!!!Share so more people don't get screwed.GM is a big bluf

[@jrs9264]

just another General Mess con. an overpriced, fancy version of the chevy trailblazer. now that gm sold opel to the french, it has to rebadge chevy or daewoo vehicles instead of opels. no competition to Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, or Nissan.

[@emeyer6963]

What an embarrassment for Buick.Another rental special.

[@FlyGuy457]

Daewoo/opal. Buick is dead and makes nothing. And, like the Trax, its a piece of crap.