How Does the New Encore GX Compare to the Encore?

Announced in the first half of 2019, the upcoming Buick Encore GX is the latest addition to the impressive lineup of Buick SUVs on the market. Despite its name, however, it is not a trim level for the existing Buick Encore – though that is a pretty understandable mistake to make. It is, in fact, its own creature and is set to make a splash and establish itself as a real contender on the marketplace for the best new SUV.

Now that we have the naming issues out of the way, you might wonder how the new Encore GX will compare to the Encore that has been available for years. That’s a good question, and while they will certainly have some things in common, the differences between them are quite significant. Much of what sets them apart is their size – the new Encore GX is a bit larger overall, particularly in terms of length. But even with their dimensions put aside, the GX is a clearly different vehicle and makes an immediate impression.

Let’s take a deeper look at how these two Buick SUVs differ and what each of them will have to offer going forward.

Their Dimensions

Both the 2020 Buick Encore and the Encore GX are crossover SUVs with similar overall designs, but they are built on two different Buick platforms. The current Encore is part of the first generation for this vehicle; while a new generation of the Encore is being introduced in China, there are no plans to release it in the US. So, basically, the Encore GX is an all-new vehicle, and the Encore is an older generation model that will not be updated in the US.

That being said, one particularly notable way in which these two vehicles are quite different is in their overall size and dimensions. In terms of height, the current Encore measures about 64 inches tall, as does the Encore GX. The Encore is about 70 inches wide, while the Encore GX is just over 71 inches wide. So far, those are not huge differences, but the length is the major one.

The 2020 Encore measures 168.5 inches long, while the 2020 Encore GX measures 175.7 inches long. That is a significant difference and is very noticeable when looking at these two vehicles. Just as important is the fact that the Encore has a wheelbase of about 100 inches, while the Encore GX has a wheelbase of 104 inches. Again, the GX is not only longer overall, but there is more distance between its front and rear wheels, which affords it a smoother riding experience and better handling on the road.

Exterior Design

In addition to the dimensions of these two Buick SUVs for sale, they also look dramatically different from the outside. The Encore continues its design that has been successful for many years, with a curved front end that makes it feel a bit like a sedan. The grille and air intake is fairly compact with an overall rounded shape.

By comparison, the Encore GX has a much more striking set of features with a more squared-off shape overall. The headlamps seem set further apart, which creates more room for a larger, bolder grille between them. The entire front of the GX has a more distinct horizontal feel to it that makes it seem wider than it is and makes it feel more like an SUV than a car.

Similarly, the side panels and doors of the Encore GX have a more pronounced style and shape to them than the sides of the standard Encore. Your eyes are carried along the side of the GX with a graceful momentum that makes it feel stronger and more prepared to leap ahead than the Encore. The longer wheelbase on the Encore GX is quite noticeable from profile and really makes it appear more aggressive and powerful overall.

Engines and Performance

The engines on these two Buick SUVs are significantly different and will certainly make an impression when deciding on which one to purchase. The Encore had two engines available in the past, but with the 2020 model, only one engine is available. Fortunately, it is a very good one: a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, which comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The standard engine on the Encore GX will be a 1.2L beauty that offers up to 137 hp for a smooth and speedy ride. If you want more power, then there is an available 1.3L engine that produces up to 155 hp and comes paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both of these engines are available on models with front-wheel drive, while the more powerful engine is the only option for an Encore GX with all-wheel drive.

Technology and Safety

While we don’t yet have too many specific details about the inside of the Encore GX and all of the features it will have to offer, we do know some things and can see how it compares to what the Encore has available. Just keep in mind that a lot of these options and details will depend on which trim level you are looking at and what packages you might choose. With that in mind, here are some of the things you can look for on these two Buick SUVs.

The Encore has an available 4-inch driver information center, a 6-speaker audio system standard, and a 6-way power adjustable driver seat. There is a Bose audio system available on the Encore, and the interior is quite nice, though an update would have been welcome. In terms of safety features, the Encore has 10 airbags and a number of available features that include a forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, and a lane departure warning.

From what we have seen of the inside of the Encore GX, it definitely offers the level of luxury and sophistication that you would expect from a Buick SUV. It seems to have the latest version of the GM Infotainment system and software, which is well-rated for ease of use and general responsiveness. Available features we have seen include a head-up display and an HD 360-degree camera system to help with overall visibility and safety. Speaking of safety, the Encore GX will have some optional features, but automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist will all be standard.

Looking to the Future

As we look at the Encore and the Encore GX side-by-side, we cannot help but feel like the GX really represents the future, and the Encore feels a bit stuck in the past. We wish the new generation of the Encore would come to the US, but that does not seem to be in the cards. In fact, it seems quite likely that the Encore we have today is winding down and will probably be replaced by the Encore GX in the near future. Until that time, however, both of these Buick SUVs offer excellent technology, fantastic driving experiences, and tremendous safety features and options to help protect you on the road.

Whether you are interested in the current Buick Encore or the upcoming Encore GX, contact us at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC of Duluth, GA, to learn more about your options.