2020 Buick Encore

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Rating6.4

Ranked #7 in 

Subcompact SUV
Write Review
$23,200 - $30,800
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Smooth ride on high speed

Tepid performance

TBD

Compact Size

Languid acceleration

Attractive interior

Uninspiring handling

Generous standard safety tech

Higher price than rivals

Specs & Features

$23,200

price

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

horsepower

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Compact is the latest trend. Buick- a GM's premium car marque has been the race with its sweet little Encore. It is a pocket size SUV with traits of the bigger Buick like the Enclave. Well laid interior with high quality material looks upscale than most of its rivals. Every Encore receives Buick's QuietTuning treatment, which include different sound deadening measures.

Buying Advice

The Sport Touring variant strikes the perfect balance between standard features and power output. People looking for an extra safety blanket can look for the Essence trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Encore's performance is however disappointing. Acceleration is slow due to the sluggish 134 -horsepower four-cylinder engine. Buick's optional 153 hp engine is a substantial improvement.

Features
5.0/10

"Pleasant ride, first-rate infotainment system, comfy interior." - Car and Driver

Trims and Pricing of the 2020 Buick Encore

The Buick Encore is a compact crossover that is offered in four trim levels. 1 SV or the base, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence. The base 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 138 hp is offered in 1 SV and the Preferred variant while the more powerful 153 hp engine is equipped in Sport Touring and Essence trim. All of the variants come well equipped with features while individuals who desire safety and can go with more expensive trims. Buick covers the Encore with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Trims

Encore 1SV

Preferred

Sport Touring

Essence

MSRP (FWD)

$22,990

$24,365

$25,565

$29,065

MSRP(AWD)

N/A

$25,865

$27,065

$30.565

Features

4G Wi-Fi hotspot

1SV+

Preferred +

Essence +

 

Enhanced 4.2" multi-color Driver Information Center

Rear Cargo Cover

Exclusive Rear, integrated Sport Spoiler

Bose Premium 7-speaker sound system

 

Keyless Open and Start

Front and rear color-keyed floor mats

Remote Vehicle Starter System

Rainsense Wipers

 

QuietTuning technology with Active Noise Cancellation

 

Fog lamps

Front and Rear Park Assist

 

Rear Vision Camera

   

Forward Collision Alert

 

6-way power-adjustable driver seat

   

Lane Departure Warning

Cargo Net and Rear Carpeted Cargo Mat

We Recommend

At a fine price and offering several features, we would recommend you to go in for the Preferred Trim, which sits between $24,365 and $25,865. There are however two trims that come equipped with a couple more features, they are Sport Touring and Essence. However, they come at a slightly higher price and diminishes the virtue of value for money.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

"The front-drive Encore has an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway; the all-wheel-drive Encore's estimates are 24 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway." - Car and Driver

The front-wheel-drive Encore returns 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. For all-wheel-drive models, reduce 1 mpg from both numbers. The combined MPG is slightly above the average for its class. The more powerful engine is actually efficient which is surprising.

Model

2020 Buick Encore

2020 Honda HR-V

2020 Hyundai Kona

2020 Chevrolet Trax

MPG (city)

25

28

27

26

MPG (highway)

30

34

33

31

MPG (combined)

27

30

30

28

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 returns even better fuel economy and will be lighter on your pocket, while the identical Chevrolet earns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway which is slightly below average.

Interior
5.0/10

“As long as space isn’t a priority, the 2020 Buick Encore delivers a refined experience and premium feel”. - Carconnection

Seating and Comfort of the 2020 Buick Encore

The Buick Encore may be branded entry-level crossover but don’t consider it an “econobox”. It can be equipped with different materials like fabric, leatherette, or genuine cowhide, the cabin is well laid and refined. The front seats are comfortable, and drivers have great visibility due to their high seating position. The back seats have a fair measure of headroom and can fit two grown-ups without grumbling. There's more space than the outside impression would recommend, however it could get confined with three grown-ups toward the rear.

Model

2020 Buick Encore

2020 Honda HR-V

2020 Hyundai Kona

2020 Chevrolet Trax

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (cu. ft)Headroom/Shoulder/leg

39.6/54.2/40.8  39.5/56.8/41.2

39.6/55.5/41.5

39.6/54.1/40.8

Rear (cu. ft)Headroom/Shoulder/Legroom

38.8/52.5/35.8

38.3/54.5/39.3

37.8/54.5/34.6

38.8/52.8/35.7

Despite its small footprint, the Encore feels roomy inside because of its tall roof and high seating position. It's less outright fun to drive than most of the rivals but there's good space inside for an average size individual, which is a squeeze in some of those competitors. The Honda HR-V offers the most amount of rear space in the subcompact crossover SUV class.

Interior Features of the 2020 Buick Encore

  • Available features inside of the 2020 Buick Encore includes:
  • Remote start
  • Moon roof
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Seven-speaker sound system
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Forward collision alert
  • Parking assist and lane departure warning

Infotainment System of the 2020 Buick Encore

The Encore comes with lots of tech goodies and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. It is known by the name “IntelliLink” with the following features:

  • Android Auto & Apple Car Play
  • Onboard Wi-Fi
  • 4G LTE
  • Bluetooth audio and phone
  • Voice command
  • USB input

Cargo volume of the 2020 Buick Encore

U stands for utility in SUV, Encore despite its smaller size can hold a large amount of cargo than most of the bigger vehicles. The space behind the rear seats is large enough for moderate grocery loads and 7 to 8 carry-on bags.

It provides 18.8 feet of cubic feet of cargo and increases to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. A fold-flat front passenger seat allows you to carry very long items. The Chevrolet Trax offers a similar cargo room to that of the 2020 Buick Encore.

Model

2020 Buick Encore 2020 Honda HR-V

2020 Hyundai Kona

2020 Chevrolet Trax

Trunk Volume (ft.3)

18.8

24.3

19.2

18.7

Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)

48.4

58.8

45.8

48.4

In terms of competition, it is the 2020 Honda HR-V that proves to be the best, offering as much as 24.3 cubic feet and 58.8 cubic feet. The 2020 Hyundai Kona ranks 19.2 cubic feet for its standard offering and has a maximum room of 45.8 cubic feet.

Exterior
6.0/10

“For the 2020 model year, the Encore gets a visual refresh both inside and out, and gives prospective buyers more of the options they want to keep”–New York Daily

Design and styling of the 2020 Buick Encore

From its winged grille and sculpted hood to the classy 18-inch alloy wheels, the Encore looks athletic and designed to stand out. The dynamic outlook is to attract people of younger generations. The utility vehicle's profoundly etched bodywork and a classy variety of brilliant emphasize bits are adequately set off by conspicuous LED-highlighted projector-pillar headlights and LED-mixed taillights. Brushed-aluminum fake back skid plates and a wide wheelbase bundle include a more aggressive silhouette to the general blend.

Model

2020 Buick Encore

2020 Honda HR-V

2020 Hyundai Kona

2020 Chevrolet Trax

Curb weight (lbs.)

3569

3563

3276

3040

Length(in)

170

164

158

180

Width(in)

70.1

69.8

70.9

69.9

Height(in)

61

62.8

62.9

64.9

Ground clearance (in)

5.9

7.3

5.5

5.1

Wheelbase (in)

106.3

102.4

101.2

106.3

Track width (in) F/R

60.62/60.62

60.4/60.6

61.2/60.2/60.3

60.6/60.6

The four cars in the competition have significant differences in their exterior dimensions. While the 2020 Honda H-RV proves to be the longest at 170.4 inches, it does get the longest wheelbase measuring 102.8 inches. On the other hand, the 2020 Hyundai Kona proves to be the widest while the Buick Encore proves to be the tallest. Having just an average height of 63.2 inches, the Honda H-RV records the largest ground clearance of 7.3 inches.

Exterior Features of the 2020 Buick Encore

  • Some of the exterior features include:
  • LED headlights in Essence and Premium
  • Halogen headlights in all trims except Essence and Premium
  • LED DRL
  • Fog lamps in Sport Touring and above
  • 18-inch alloy wheels on all trims

Safety
5.0/10

"Mixed reviews from the two U.S. crash-test agencies and a dearth of driver-assistance tech make the Encore a disappointing choice for buyers focused on safety." - Car and Driver

The safety rating of the 2020 Buick Encore

The Encore does not provide many safety features. The only standard feature is a rearview camera. The available safety features include:

Safety features of the 2020 Buick Encore

  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Forward collision alert
  • Parking assist
  • Lane departure warning

Competition
9.0/10

2020 Buick Encore Vs 2020 Mazda CX-3

The CX-3 is young and brimming with soul. Mazda mixes the CX-3 with excellent handling and balance with an addition of a solid motor that outpaces the Encore. The CX-3 additionally has one of the most pleasant cabins among rivals. Encore advantages lie in the rear seat, which is much more spacious than Mazda’s. Also, Encore has more standard and available features.According to the cost-to-feature ratio, the Mazda is a clear winner. It costs a few thousand dollars less than Encore and doesn’t compromise with comfort or performance.

2020 Buick Encore Vs 2020 Honda HR-V

The HR-V is somewhat more versatile than the Buick. It's back seat overlaps to make an extensive floor-to-roof stack floor that is ideal for transporting bicycles or other tall articles. The HR-V is the ace of performance and utility in this rivalry. The Encore can't stand in front of the Honda overall, yet it beats the HR-V in the quality of its cabin materials.

2020 Buick Encore Vs 2020 Chevrolet Trax

Mechanically, the Trax and Encore are about equivalent. They share similar dimensions, power outputs since they belong from the same parent organization. The Trax offers a rundown of standard highlights like the Encore and inside is entirely utilitarian. It takes care of business, yet it won't inspire you with the quality of its materials. This likewise makes it less expensive than the Encore by a couple of thousand dollars, so it's a savvy decision on the off chance that you simply require essential subcompact SUV utility.

Final Verdict

The Buick Encore is possibly the company’s most successful effort. It has attracted numerous buyers in a younger demographic for a small upscale crossover. Ranking among the top subcompact SUVs, it has one of the nicest interiors in its class and an impressive list of standard features. The performance is not, though it has a comfortable ride and composed handling. There are many reasons to like the Encore when contrasted with other rivals.

Trims

    1SV
    $23,200 onwards
    • Automatic headlights
    • Cruise control
    • Heated mirrors
    • Keyless ignition and entry
    • Rear privacy glass
    Preferred
    $24,600 onwards
    • 18-Inch alloy wheels
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seats
    • Power-Adjustable driver's seat
    Sport Touring
    $25,800 onwards
    • Foglights
    • Rear spoiler
    • Remote start
    Essence
    $29,300 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Leather upholstery
    • Led headlights
    • Power-Adjustable passenger seat

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,200- $30,800

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.38

Horsepower

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

Torque

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$21,300- $29,100

Gasoline

5.65

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,995- $27,715

Gasoline

5.78

123 hp @ 6000 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 6000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,885- $36,835

Gasoline

7.36

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

177 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$25,000- $40,600

Gasoline

7.12

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,820- $28,890

Gasoline

6.11

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,300- $29,350

Gasoline

7.36

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,375- $30,495

Gasoline

7

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,990- $35,090

Gasoline

7.02

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,295- $26,350

Gasoline

6.79

144 hp @ 6100 rpm

139 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.8 sec17.2 sec150 mph
    7.7 sec16 sec110 mph
    7.8 sec16.1 sec-
    8.3 sec16.5 sec120 mph
    8.3 sec16.5 sec122 mph
    8.4 sec--

    2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg30 mpg28 mpg14 gal.350/420 mi.
      31 mpg36 mpg33 mpg10.8 gal.334.8/388.8 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg14.8 gal.399.60/488.40 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg11.9 gal.321.3/416.5 mi.

      2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        168.35 in.70.1 in.65.25 in.6.22 in.100.6 in.
        184.5 in.72.4 in.68 in.7.8 in.106.5 in.
        182.3 in.72.4 in.65.4 in.6.9 in.107.3 in.
        180.5 in.74.1 in.66.1 in.7.3 in.106.7 in.
        179.1 in.72.5 in.66.2 in.7.5 in.106.2 in.
        176.4 in.72.8 in.64.8 in.6.4 in.105.1 in.

        2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          18.8 cu.ft.92.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          20.2 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          20.9 cu.ft.91.1 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.
          14.1 cu.ft.91.7 cu.ft.39.8 cu.ft.
          33.5 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.
          31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.

          2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            89.7 cu.ft.18.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.74 ft.
            63.8 cu.ft.30.9 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.-
            70 cu.ft.39.3 cu.ft.70 cu.ft.-
            63.3 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            45.8 cu.ft.19.2 cu.ft.45.8 cu.ft.-
            53.1 cu.ft.25.3 cu.ft.53.1 cu.ft.79 ft.

            2020 Buick Encore vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1018 lbs.3237 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1089 lbs.2890 lbs.
              2959 lbs.1095 lbs.2906 lbs.
              2000 lbs.-3298 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1034 lbs.3541 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1118 lbs.3056 lbs.Jeep USA

              2020 Buick Encore SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              15

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 9.8 sec

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              2020 Buick Encore User Reviews

              0.0

              [2 Reviews]

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              POPULAR TAGS

              MEM

              Marianne E McCarthy

              2020 Buick Encore

              1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 3, 2024

              Buick Encore GX

              Pros - ["Love the way it rides.", "I like how it tells me when I need to have an oil change."]

              Cons - ["I don't care for the gage for the fuel, it was hard to get use to.", "There is any thing else that I can think of that that I don't like about the car, I have only good things to say about it."]

              I leased my car in 2020 it was my first time leasing and I love it. My car is red with a gray inside. It has a wide screen which has all the apps that you could want, and it was easy to set up my cell phone, it also has a place to plug in a cord to charge your phone while your in the car. It also has a good size truck space, and you can also open the truck by waving you food near the truck to ope...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              CS

              Carolyn Seals

              2019 Buick Encore

              1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 6, 2024

              Buick Encore for the win

              Pros - ["Great gas mileage", "Hatch makes it easy to haul stuff"]

              Cons - ["Sometimes it's to small", "Not enuf room in backseat"]

              I love my Buick, it gets great gas mileage, room in the hatch for my moms wheelchair, easy opening hatch. Very roomy in the front, not so roomy in back. I love that it's Bluetooth, I can hook my phone up and answer calls, but mostly I can listen to my music.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review