The 2020 Encore GX at a Buick Dealership Near Me

If you are searching online for a “Buick dealership near me,” for the new 2020 Encore GX, look no further than Rick Hendrick. At Rick Hendrick Buick GMC in Duluth, we are excited to welcome the arrival of the 2020 Encore GX. Inspired by the Buick Enspire concept SUV, the Encore GX is not to be confused with its smaller sibling, the Encore. While the Encore is a subcompact SUV that has been manufactured by General Motors since 2012, the all-new Encore GX is making its initial debut in early 2020. This larger SUV is just a tad smaller than the Buick Envision. It’s set to launch in three different trims, the Preferred, Select, and Essence. Although Buick hasn’t officially stated the exact details on this up-and-coming addition to its SUV line-up, so far, the outlook seems promising. At the perfect size for adventurists (both with and without families to pack for), the Encore GX is likely to perform well in a market that loves SUVs.

Two Powerful Engine Options

The new Encore GX will be built on the VSS-F Platform, which is also shared with the new Chevy Trailblazer. Drivers will have the option to mix and match two transmissions and two drivetrains, along with a choice of two turbo-charged, three-cylinder engines. These eighth generation Eco-tech engines are excellent performers in both fuel economy and power. The I-3 engine is a rare find for GM in North America. It hasn’t been seen since the Geo/Chevrolet Metro from years passed. In China, GM already offers the I-3 engine in a variety of models.

The smallest engine on the Encore GX is a 1.2-liter that is estimated to produce 137 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. Drivers may opt for this engine in any of the three trim levels, and it will be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Next up is the 1.3-liter engine that is estimated to offer 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This will be available on the Select and Essense trims, still with front-wheel drive and the CVT. For any of the all-wheel-drive models, this 1.3-liter engine is standard. If you opt for all-wheel-drive, the 1.3-liter engine will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Which Features to Expect in the 2020 Encore GX

Despite sharing a name, the new Encore GX will vary from Buick’s original Encore in several ways. It’s bigger overall size offers up to five additional cubic feet of cargo space. This makes it an ideal choice for the driver who isn’t quite ready for the big and heavy Envision, but feels the Encore is just a bit too small. For reference, the Encore GX is about three inches longer than the standard Encore and a foot smaller than the Envision. It is still classified as a subcompact SUV. Given the lasting success that SUVs have experienced in the North American market, it seems likely that Encore GX will fill a gap for many SUV enthusiasts.

To put the icing on the cake, the Encore GX offers an array of standard features that prospective buyers are sure to find appealing. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection isn’t available on any trim levels of the Encore, but it will be included as part of the standard package for the new Encore GX. Forward collision alert and lane-keep assist technology (including lane-departure warning) will also be included in the standard package. Blind spot warning is optional on the base (Preferred) trim, but comes standard with the Select and Essence trims.

An 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will sit at the center of the dashboard. For standard models, you’ll find a leatherette trim over cloth upholstery. A six-way power driver’s seat is also included as standard. Available upgrades will include a power passenger’s seat, rear camera mirror, moonroof, heads-up display, heated front seats, and leather surfaces. One thing is for sure, there’s a lot to like about the Encore GX.

The Best Predictor of the Future is the Past

There’s still quite a bit we don’t know about the upcoming Encore GX, but based on GM’s success with both the Encore and Envision, we have high hopes for this latest creation. To get a better idea of the quality of SUVs that Buick is putting out these days, here are a few points noted by Kelley Blue Book on the 2019 Encore and Envision, as the Encore GX will be slotted right in between.

Kelley Blue Book, an objective, third-party resource, describes the 2019 Encore as a “small but stylish SUV that’s big on features you’d normally expect from a luxury brand.” The 2019 Encore is celebrated for its quiet interior, good fuel economy, and optional all-wheel-drive. Active noise cancellation technology is responsible for the Encore’s tranquil ride. The Encore offers an affordable way for SUV drivers to enjoy several high-end features, although it’s understandably not as roomy as many drivers would prefer. For 2020 the original Encore (which is still being sold separately alongside the GX got a few styling updates. It offers 27 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. For 2020, the base MSRP for the newest Encore is $23,200.

The bigger Buick Envision is also well-liked by Kelley Blue Book and customers. The 2019 Envision was noted as having a “refined and comfortable interior for five…an upscale compact SUV with a comfortable ride, plentiful features, and high crash-test scores, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.” Again, this Buick SUV is commended for offering a quiet ride. Its sharp steering capability is another asset that has lead its success in the market. The 2020 Envision starts at $31,995 and is expected to provide a combined 25 miles per gallon.

Given that the 2020 Encore GX is in the middle of these two SUVs, it’s probably safe to assume that the MSRP will be somewhere between $25,000-$30,000. A quiet interior will be a definite, as Buick has been a leader in noise-cancellation for all of its other comparable vehicles. Fuel efficiency in the 2020 Encore GX is still a bit of a mystery. With an all-new engine, examples from 2019 might not reflect the optimum fuel efficiency that Buick SUVs have to offer. At just the right size with lots of great features, we’re gearing up to schedule lots of test drives for the new Encore GX.

Shop 2020 Buick SUVs at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC

At our dealership in Duluth, GA, we’re proud to offer the best new and used Buick SUVs. Not sure if you can afford a new SUV? Our experienced vehicle financing department can help you figure out which option is best for you. Whether it is a barely used 2019 model, or the latest and greatest that 2020 has to offer, our finance center is at your disposal. With our strong network of connections, we’re sure to find you the best leasing or payment plans available. For New Car Specials that are updated regularly, be sure to check out our website. We look forward to showing off the impressive 2020 line-up of Buick SUVs to all of our valued customers at Rick Hendrick. Contact us today to learn more.