Is the 2020 Encore GX a GOOD small SUV with GREAT features?

The Buick Encore GX is not a trim level but a totally NEW separate vehicle. This will be the sister small SUV to the Chevy Trailblazer. Under the hood is a 1.3L turbocharged inline-3 that produces 155HP & mated to a CVT transmission. The exterior of the Encore GX is longer and wider than the Encore. On the inside you will find more room in the cabin and the cargo area with all the latest tech that you could want. Is the ALL NEW 2020 Buick Encore GX a small SUV you should buy?
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[@_IIN01]

Many people review cars on KZbin... Your teaching history has really paid off when it comes to car journalism, difference with with you is you literally teach us the car manufacturer, the history of the car itself, review the car in-depth, then take it for a spin and give us your honest unbiased opinion of the performance, despite what class it falls in. I should get a diploma for attending Raiti’s University 👨‍🎓🗞 Keep up the awesome job Joe!!

[@jasone1290]

Joe, you seem to be one of the very few that like how it rides as quite a few journalists have complained that it didn’t ride all that well. Refreshing to hear a positive review on the Encore GX.

[@tragicdeyz2641]

Really impressed with this one. If this is the size you're looking for it seems loaded with lots of nice features. Great review as always Joe!

[@robhelinger1143]

I own one of these. The manual passenger side front seatback allows for the back of the seat to fold flat for added cargo room. Very nice when you have something long to put in the vehicle.They knew what they were doing.

[@andrewmarinkovich8657]

My wife just got one of these. Not the top trim like this one but she got all the features she wanted and for a lot less than $34K. It's a nice car. Very comfortable to ride in and great for around town.

[@normt5463]

Glad to hear. We like our 2013 Encore and it's almost 40 mpg. But the rear seat vents missing left the dogs panting.

[@eduardomojica546]

Nice review Joe, dissappointed that at 34k, no sun or panoramic roof, big Zoink. I enjoy your videos after I'm off work at 2:30am

[@sully3900]

I’ve always liked Buick. My buddy in Boston has a 1972 Riviera and it’s beautiful. My college roommate had a convertible 1970 Skylark which was a great, powerful ride. Awesome review!

[@jjessica7582]

This channel works really hard Thanks and keep it up for such good videos and good information 😊👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@connermt74]

Good looking car. Buick makes some nice looking cars last few years. They get overlooked too much imo

[@UpperAnimated]

hiroshima thompson Can’t agree more. I wouldn’t even bother looking at this when considering a Kia.

[@dyingangelo]

I have driven the biggest SUV they have as rental I have to drive back after 20 mins of driving can't stand driving it. Reminded me of the dodge caliber

[@Coupydog]

For $34K, I ain't looking at them any further.

[@rbielarski]

This is great, we're thinking of going down to one car and the sub-compact SUV class seems to fill the bill. Plus fits in the garage with no problem and easy to park. We will put this on our shopping list. Thanks!!!

[@Tom-db4gz]

Another great review, as I struggle to decide between Encore, Encore GX or something else. (It looked like the shot of the nav display at 7:50 sort of gave away your undisclosed location.) ;-)

[@Leomtnz]

Great vid. Keep up the good work. One quick question. All the cars you reviewed which car is your favorite?

[@realbeetlejuice]

Joe talking about the Grand National and GNX.. YASSSSSSSS

[@mariowhyte2816]

Bruh!!!! Undisclosed location it is!!! Loving the look of this lil Buick here man!!! I feel like they should've just axed the regular Encore for this. It's barely bigger than the Encore🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 At any rate, great review Joe!!! Shout out to Crown Vic, Lori and the entire crew!!! 👍🏼❤🚗💨💨💨💨

[@RaitisRides]

I think this is going to eventually happen. I appreciate all of your great support!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Yikes!!! The writing's on the wall!!! You heard it here on Raiti's Rides first guys!!!

[@jeffs6090]

@@mariowhyte2816 - it's been a known thing. Look for my other post I just made.

[@UpperAnimated]

I think the Buick name is a thing of the past. Most young people aren’t aware of it or think of it as their grandpa’s car. I can’t imagine who would pay 34k for this rather than a Kia, Hyundai, or even Mazda. Great video as always.

[@tony4God]

JOE ~ I have 126 thumb's up haha. nice lil SUV, good stuff for the money. seems like it rides nice - pretty impressed. great report - Joe receives no zonks & bonus Twinkies (happy face) - tony

[@oskarsfreestyle6351]

You should definitely do the buick enclave soon

[@DudeDude491]

Awesome Review Joe... Has your Mustang arrived yet?

[@dwaynewoodard5651]

I’m so happy that I’m subscribed because your really the only person that reviewed this car.!And you upload more than almost car person. Except for Scotty.😂😂😁😁😂😂

[@alejandrozuniga4426]

no one uploads more than Scotty 💪

[@larrylaub4277]

Joe is so dependable when it comes to uploading videos!! I agree

[@DwayneWoodard06]

I have never heard such truth!😂

[@dwaynewoodard5651]

Dwayne Woodard Omg we have the same name😂😂

[@yiyangcheng]

I had the encore GX ST as a loaner from dealer. I think there’s definitely some pep as the one I had was a 1.2T with CVT. I’m sure of it that the 1.3 will be better. I’d go for the Encore GX if I was shopping for this class for sure if I wanted more premium ride than the mainstream counterparts and not breaking the bank and worry about reliability (I’m looking at you GLA and GLB and X1 and X2). Hyundai/Kia products if it’s judging by the Kia Forte rental I had I could say forget about it. I’m sure their upper end models would feel better. But judging by the rental I had, that’s pretty crappy from them in terms of ride quality and not having enough power going up the mountains.

[@missv108]

Excuse me...do you have a bottle of Grey Poupon...🤣🤣🤣

[@hamburglar83]

My girl just got and I’m impressed. Tech is great, that fold down on the front passenger is so you can put long items not for putting feet up. Also....Buick has quiet tuning so it’s very quiet compared to crv, cx5, rav 4. For my girl that was key plus super easy to drive and park in the big city.

[@hamburglar83]

Also she got $4k off so fully loaded for $31k . Good value for a slightly premium car.

[@LS1007]

Better looking shape than the regular Encore but a three cylinder? That’s a zonk. With all these turbocharged vehicles nowadays Buick should bring back the Grand National. Nice job Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@stephanyvaldes4519]

Finally caught up with Joe. I can you’re definitely working hard for your viewers and its really appreciated it.

[@edgardoescobar2520]

It would so awesome to have a Raiti’s Ride decal.

[@sandyconnolly9003]

Love the car I leased one two weeks ago .

[@robcarey2411]

Love your reviews Raiti. I've been preparing to start my own automotive media website for several months now, really taking the time to research. Your content offers great inspiration into what makes a thorough and entertaining review. Keep it up 🤙

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

I am two years late! But I still buy one Joe.

[@jeffreybell5043]

Good looking car. Buick are always being overlooked.

[@colderbeer]

This is actually a very, very nice people mover .....clean design, very cute......I like it.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Europe the Buick Encore (the normal Encore) is the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka X.

[@thegoodman3810]

Joe can you do a comparison with the 2020 Toyota Camry XSE vs 2020 Lexus ES 350 Ultra Luxury

[@mikeharris7261]

It has the looks, and that's all it has.

[@deand3223]

I like what Buick has been doing styling wise recently, but not sure I'd buy one :)

[@mchoch4576]

Hi, does it have a homelink system, and what is the deal with 3 cylinder motor, thanks for the review

[@handcuffed302]

When are you going to review your Shelby GT350 . I'll be waiting . You are awesome God Bless You.

[@RaitisRides]

I am still waiting on it. Should be any day now.

[@handcuffed302]

@@RaitisRides I am happy for you.

[@marlyn2852]

I ❤🧡 my GX!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you having my back!

[@wildforthecats661]

My next vacation will be at an undisclosed location. 😎

[@Boomtendo4tw]

I like those mpgs

[@AbdullahHood]

Nice looking. Not bad. Forgot Buick was still alive 😂

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@bextar6365]

$34,000 for a 3 cyl ? )(*&^%$#@! Insane !

[@AbdullahHood]

Bextar636 agreed. See what you can get from Hyundai or Kia for the same money...

[@bextar6365]

@@AbdullahHood I did a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL with all the safety features, larger in size with a 4cyl 175 hp engine. Can average 33 mpg on hwy..$26,000 with a long warranty !

[@AbdullahHood]

Bextar636 and they are turning out good looking cars

[@curleneslifenyc]

Interesting, i was looking into getting a Hyundai Tuscon Sport not sure which would be better

[@cameronschindler25]

Honestly, get a Mazda CX30 Premium and get good power, a premium interior, and stunning style! Agree Joe?

[@clothestravel]

Is it just me, or does the back of the front passengers seat have cutouts to rest your feet? I don’t see them on the driver side.

[@niyazmather]

Joe, on a scale of one to ten, is it a major go?

[@eduardomarroquin5529]

Nice job Amigo. Me wife like that car. But i buy the Corolla SE 2020 for save money in gas.

[@RaitisRides]

You went the smart route Eduardo!

[@raist315]

You win for the Grey Poupon comment!

[@donellclemons2195]

Gm could make a hot hatch version of this and call it the gsx. Just add the ats-v engine, awd and lower the car.

[@kimallen5438]

Had the same zonks today but the smooth quiet drive blew me away compared to so many others seriously considering this one. Thank you much for your honest reviews.Been looking and test driving for more than 6 months now and I think this one might be the one. Now I'm hungry from snacks you shove into every crevice of a vehicle

[@craignh75]

Whatever happened to Big Guns McGee?

[@tracymcreations]

I just wish they were a little more pretty and luxurious as when they first came out with the Enclave and Encore. My 2012 Enclave is so pretty that I don't want to give it up even though I'd like to downsize ☹

[@gryaris.......5648]

I like your channel 👌😊

[@MichaelHauger08]

Why didn't you do any reviews of the Buick Encore (not the GX) or the Chevy Trax?

[@marcusdallas4141]

Somewhere in Oldsmar lml I know them crates from anywhere

[@LGMinnesota]

Waited for this GX and was somewhat disappointed for the price. Seats especially. Sister has an Encore and her leather seats are more supportive, bigger, plusher and more comfortable than GX. GX leather seat is thinner, narrower and less deep on seating surface, about 3-4" less for leg support. Chrome on infotainment is super blinding. BTW I've sat in my sis' Encore in back with front seat down, yup, pretty comfy lol.

[@lisamccray9079]

Like the encore gx have the wireless charger but I have the 2021malibu in red

[@a.k-1shot3]

Great small cross over but that cvt.... ur better off optioning awd

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@chefgoose777]

Don't forget about Litte Debbie!!!

[@patelravi49]

Can u review 2021 Hyundai Tucson pls because i saw online that some dealerships already have it!

[@LGMinnesota]

2021 is same as 2020. The new version of 2022 was just shown off for first time yesterday. Search youtube for Hyundai and they have their preview with great visuals. Personally I think the exterior is not that great, too much going on and looks like a Rav 4 in many ways.

[@patelravi49]

Lee G thanks for the reply, i just bought 2020 Kia Sorento ex v6 for bargain

[@stellantistom6881]

Hello Joe. What an interest choice of an undisclosed location you chose there. XD

[@RaitisRides]

This one was a new one! LOL

[@stellantistom6881]

@@RaitisRides LOL

[@tameerwilliams]

$34k?? You might as well get a fully optioned kia seltos

[@LGMinnesota]

@hiroshima thompson yes the Tucson was what I was looking at. Coming from a long time GM owner, including one of us has an Encore, this disappointed A LOT! They had to price it this way as they still have that Encore model. That is going away in 1-2 years. They already dumped the highest trim off the Encore, so it's on it's way out. Then maybe price will go down. The seat too was VERY cheap compared to the leather in Encore. Test drove it, it was louder too.

[@robertstv8045]

GM replaced the Sonic and Cruze, Made in USA, with the Encore-EncoreGx-Trax-T:Blazer, Blazer made in Kore-Korea-Korea-Korea-Mexico. Getting the public to accept a 3 cyl with a CVT is amazing when a Honda CRV or Rav4 is so, so much better. Cant fault sales. Mind boggling. Amazing slight of hand.

[@BostonCelticsWWEEdge]

I kinda like it a little bit

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that I can share it with you!

[@timothycoyne5874]

Nice review. This new generation of the Encore looks much better than the last one in my opinion. But a 3-cylinder engine?! C’mon Buick. Do better than this. The fuel economy is great, but vehicles need enough power to get out their own way.

[@pebble4713]

You wouldn't be making this comment if you actually drove one with the 1.3T engine. My wife has one and the acceleration is very responsive, much better than the 1.4T 4-cylinder that was in her previous "regular" Encore.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Peb Ble I’m glad you’re both happy with it. But it’s too small an engine and too slow for my taste, especially for a near-luxury car like a Buick. The engine bay can clearly accommodate something with more displacement. BTW, I’m not biased against Buick or GM. I had a terrific Regal GS for a couple years, just one of the 10-12 GM cars we’ve owned.

[@pebble4713]

@@timothycoyne5874 Have you actually driven it and found it slow?

[@timothycoyne5874]

Peb Ble No, I haven’t, but according to Joe its 0-60 time is 8.9 seconds. That is not fast at all. It’s not even quick. I’ve read that the engine is “peppy,” so maybe it has some nice torque off the line, but almost 9 seconds 0-60 is pretty poor. I know that’s not what this car is designed for, and that’s fine, but for a car over $30K I think we should expect a little better.

[@yiyangcheng]

Timothy Coyne well I mean the subcompact class you’re not gonna find anything that’s gonna be a 6 sec. let alone MB but those are somewhat just a tad bigger.

[@mts982]

do those drive modes really work anyway?

[@RaitisRides]

Yes they do Michael.

[@Msleelee9487]

nice!

[@Dac54]

The only way I would have this vehicle is with the all-wheel drive and 9 speed automatic. While they are getting better (Toyota's CVT on their non-hybrid vehicles blends in a conventional 1st gear), I really don't care for CVT transmissions, not counting the eCVT found on Toyota hybrids; those are excellent.

[@normt5463]

GM CVT'are not supposed to be like the Japanese.

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

Once you start noticing these cars you realize there's a lot on the road for a car no one talks about. Most GM small car's are FUGLY so good for them making a good looking one.

[@robertk1049]

Only 30 mpg is pretty disappointing. What exactly is the benefit of going down to three cylinders?

[@sm_flys]

Might just be me, but the front end looks very similar to the 2020 Ford Escape, especially on the higher trim levels.

[@normt5463]

I have seen the white GX on the road and it looks stunning. The Escape does not. Not even with the redesign.

[@nateh8427]

Every door pocket should be measured by how many chipotle burritos you can fit in it

[@christopherhasse6684]

Is this car worth looking at?

[@samsaid9170]

I’m not a grandma over 65 years old driving 15 under the speed limit. I will never buy a Buick for that reason. Also, it’s made by General Motors so it’s not gonna last more than five years without a big mechanical problem. However, I will admit that this is a great value for all the features that you get

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

Only person I trust a CVT from is Toyota/Lexus. Maybe Honda. Everyone else can forget about it.

[@nikonmark37814]

I'd give it a ZONK for the 3 cylinder turbocharged engine, think about durability or the lack thereof.

[@bgmarksu]

No power on passenger seat so it can fold flat for long cargo.

[@derekanderson5830]

When I make my wife change a flat tire I like to leave a little present back there for here. Ya know what I mean.

[@majorcalvary6515]

I personally really like Buick. It’s Europeans and Asian design what American car would be. This is a rebadged Darwoo from Korea. I also like the Regal X, a rebadged Opel, and made in Germany. Envision is made in China by Shanghai GM. I like them all. Very good cars that GM has given up on.

[@beinghumankhan7448]

DOMINATOR 💖👍

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that!

[@beinghumankhan7448]

MOST WELCOME ..AM ALWAYS BE FOR YOU AS 💖 HUMAN BEING💖

[@RaitisRides]

@@beinghumankhan7448 Thank you!

[@jokesta1989]

For that price I'll get a cx5 grand

[@LGMinnesota]

Buick has a better paint job than Mazdas though! I've heard enough complaints from Mazda owners on paint chipping and other issues.

[@jokesta1989]

@@LGMinnesota I would still have enough money to get it wrap

[@namvet1968]

Which is better the Honda HR-V or this Buick Encore?

[@RaitisRides]

If you want the latest gadgets and gizmos I would go Encore. If you want reliability I would go HR-V.

[@lisamccray9079]

Love 💘it just right ✅👌not to big or small

[@alejandrozuniga4426]

No way the Encore will sell as much as competition

[@yankeedave]

They use thicker glass like GMC

[@normt5463]

Acoustic glass!

[@yankeedave]

@@normt5463 I stand corrected. It's still slightly thicker

[@normt5463]

@@yankeedave I'm not sure about the thickness. But Buick uses allot of acoustic laminated glass. GMC does to but not sure about the Terrain.

[@yankeedave]

@@normt5463 I googled lol

[@realbeetlejuice]

they need to drop a 2.0T in this. 250hp/260lb-ft.

[@dalelong4716]

Only way I would buy one.

[@franholt454]

I have one I had a 2014 on core loved it but it was small. I traded it for a 2019 toyso rave 4

[@yiyangcheng]

That is why equinox’s terrain and envision exist

[@realbeetlejuice]

@@yiyangcheng Buick > Chevy & GMC

[@yiyangcheng]

Lennox Lewis but Buick envision has that engine tho?

[@dumbestbiscuit]

Another SUV with super small displacement turbo. Great for about 60k miles. Make sure you get rid of it well before you hit 100k.

[@donaldoc]

Would look better with a Pontiac emblem in the grill, and I can nearly guarantee the younger generation, Buick is trying to draw in, would suck 'em up! 🙄 🏁🏁 P.S... AWD would be the only way to go!

[@JoeE.]

That keyfob is a big zonk for me. For such a compact SUV, you get a humungous keyfob for your pocket. If majority of the buyers are female, then it won't be a problem as most of the time they have it in their purse.

[@LGMinnesota]

Same size as any other compact SUV I've test driven, lol. Not 'humungous' at all. ;)

[@matthewgaines10]

Nice looking but over priced for a 3 cylinder engine car. GM cut costs but didn't pass on the savings to the customer. A 4 cylinder with 20 more horses would've better justified the pricing GM is asking for. The vehicle isn't light considering the size and I have doubts about long term durability of the 3 cylinder pulling all that weight. The competition uses mostly 4 cylinders. They didn't cheap out like GM. $34k for a subcompact FWD is asking too much.

[@Deez_Nutts974]

👍and i luv Eggs 😂

[@RaitisRides]

LOL

[@OldThomMerton]

The seat folds forward on the passenger side, allowing a long cargo area on the passenger side, so, no power-controlled seat back. He he . . . never mind, he found it!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it all with you Tom!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it all with you Tom!

[@lisamccray9079]

He mentions mountain ⛰dew 🤣pop like his reviews

[@andrejdestradi7414]

wassup man we have for sale in eu this small suv under the name OPEL MOKKA big big ciao joe you are the best in the world like coming in 1 sec

[@ahalgormeli401]

👍

[@Coupydog]

To me, all the "specific" front treatment, wheels, etc looks as though it's meant to appeal to a 'mature' clientele. Buick can't get away from that & I'm sorry to say, they've distanced themselves light years from getting back to a re-release of the infamous GN - in proper form, not one of their 4 door cars rebadged!

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points!

[@TheEasyeman]

$34K for a motorcycle engine???? really nice looking ride but at least give a 2.0 T 4 cyl. for over 30K...Zooonk

[@bextar6365]

Too Moocha Munyea !

[@AbronHawkins]

Buick should get a zonk for dropping the Regal and the Lacrosse

[@jimmyo7772]

Toyota RAV4 vs the Buick Encore GGX?

[@RaitisRides]

I am going RAV4!

[@jimmyo7772]

@@RaitisRides Thanks for the advice!

[@sonnyblu6299]

This is the Trailblazer... Right? I'd rather have the Chevy with the Skid plate and AT Tires...

[@RaitisRides]

AGREED!

[@thinkabout602]

I stay away from Buick drivers as they are slow - slow - slow. " just throw it in the back seat " etc 💚That sense of humor

[@RaitisRides]

This is true!

[@michiganss8426]

Like to see you keep up with my GS...