The 2020 Buick Encore GX: Not Just Another Encore

Buick drivers who have been seeking an SUV between the small Encore and the larger Envision may finally have a model to fit into the mid-range of the two. Buick SUVs are now the focus for the brand, so it comes as no surprise that Buick has designed an Encore that’s a little larger for those who want a vehicle with more space and more tech. You may be wondering whether the Buick Encore GX is just another trim level for the Encore, but it’s actually a whole new model.

The price range for the 2020 Buick Encore GX starts at MSRP of $24,100 and comes loaded with plenty of the features you expect from Buick’s tendency to pamper its buyers. Everything Buick buyers love about this brand will be found in the Encore GX, including the hushed interior and plentiful space for both passengers and cargo. There are a few extras to make life even easier, too.

Exterior Features

The 2020 Encore GX is a small crossover SUV with a decidedly bold front end which curves back to a spoiler above the back window. It comes in nine colors, most of which are of an attractive, glossy metallic sheen. Summit white is the standard color for all Encore GX models, but colors like deep azure, satin steel, or chili red are just a few of the tantalizing choices available. Bright silver-painted aluminum wheels are standard for the Preferred trim, with machined aluminum wheels being standard for the Select and Essence trims.

Acoustic laminated glass both absorbs solar rays and keeps the interior cabin quiet, while dark-tinted rear windows maintain privacy. LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, and halogen headlights come standard, along with heated, powered wing mirrors. Quiet Tuning is a specialized technology that incorporates noise cancellation with other technology to keep the interior cabin noise as low as possible.

All trims have the option of adding a programmable powered liftgate, a keyless entry keypad, or a panoramic powered moonroof. Additionally, all trims can add the Sport Touring package, which adds attractive red accents to the grille, bumpers, and wheels, with body-color moldings. Roof-mounted rails are standard for all but the Preferred trim, but they are available as an option.

Driver Confidence

Every Buick Encore GX comes standard with the Driver Confidence package. This package offers a number of driver-assisted safety features, which will both keep passengers safer and make driving easier. Features such as automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and forward collision alert will help prevent accidents. Lane keep assist with lane departure warning also help prevent accidents, but can also make driving on the highway less stressful.

When you utilize the following distance indicator, it helps the driver maintain safe distances from other vehicles, again preventing possible accidents in case of sudden stops. Finally, Intellibeam headlights with automatic high beams will mean you no longer have to remember to flick your high beams on and off at night for oncoming traffic.

Interior Features

Every Buick interior tends to be an oasis of comfort, from the upholstery to the quality of the materials. The Encore GX delivers the quality of comfort and quiet you expect from a Buick, with available powered driver and front passenger seats upholstered in cloth and leatherette trim. Few competitors in this price range have seats that adjust as many ways as the Buick, including the powered lumbar. Other comforts like the available automatic dual-zone climate control, the tilting and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and start functions, and the rear vision camera will remind you just how good the inside of a Buick can be.

Technology on board the Encore GX is plentiful. Features like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, the six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, OnStar and Buick Connected services, USB data ports with an auxiliary jack, an eight-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ability to utilize two phones at once are all standard on the Encore GX for all trims.

The cargo area of the trunk with the seats in place is 23.5 cubic feet, and then with the seats folded flat, it expands to 50.2 cubic feet. In some trims, the front passenger seat may also fold flat for additional cargo space.

Ample room for five passengers will seat even taller occupants comfortably throughout, and storage for beverages and extra items is placed in the doors and the center console.

A wide variety of choices for interior colors is an option across all trims. Available features like the heads up display, remote start, rear park assist, wireless charging, HD surround vision, adaptive cruise control, and a collapsible cargo area organizer will bring the Encore GX into an even more luxurious and convenient driving experience.

Engine Options

The standard engine which comes with all models is the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. Also standard is front-wheel drive for all models, but all-wheel drive is an option for all trim levels. If all-wheel drive is selected for your Encore GX, then the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine with nine-speed automatic transmission will automatically be added. For those who prefer front-wheel drive, but want the more powerful engine, the option to add the 1.3-liter with a continuously variable transmission is available.

Don’t get hung up on how small the engine may seem for a larger vehicle like an SUV. With new technology, vehicles with turbocharged engines are quite zesty in traffic. With better designs, engines no longer need to be gas-guzzling beasts unless you need to tow or haul a lot of heavy cargo. Instead, enjoy the zippy smaller engine that sips less gas and gets you where you need to go with plenty of power when you hit the pedal.

Trim Levels

Three trim levels are offered for the 2020 Buick Encore GX: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Features for the Preferred trim level are generous and ensure convenience even in the lowest price range for the Encore GX. The features for this trim level have been listed as standard throughout the vehicle description, though there are packages that can be added. The Cold Weather Comfort package offers remote engine start and heated front seats as part of the convenience for those who live in colder climates. A Safety Package will offer extra driver-assisted safety features like a blind-spot monitor and rear parking sensors. Lastly, the Sport Touring package listed above is also available for the exterior.

Moving up to the Select trim will make the cold weather package a standard feature, along with roof rails, dual-zone climate control, the blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Packages like the Advanced Technology package and the Experience Buick package will add features like a navigation system, head-up display, panoramic moonroof, or a high-definition rearview camera.

Buick’s top trim, the Essence, provides the most comfort and convenience features. This includes standard LED headlights, an in-cabin ionizer for air filtration, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Despite having so many standard features, the Essence then has additional options like the Advanced Technology package, the Experience Buick package, the Convenience package, a wireless charging pad, automatic wipers, a rearview camera in the interior rearview mirror, an automated parking system, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, and the Sport Touring package.

Find the 2020 Encore GX at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth

With so many options, the 2020 Encore GX can be fine-tuned to suit nearly any buyer interested in a small crossover SUV. Buick has taken the Encore up a notch to provide a comfortable SUV that brings you a luxury experience without the luxury price tag. If you haven’t driven a Buick, this is a great time to test drive. From the seats that will cradle you to the sound of the soft-ticking turn signal, every inch of a Buick will delight you with quality and class.