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| Yes | Apple Carplay/ Android Auto | Yes |
| 6-Speaker | Standard Speaker System | 6-Speaker |
| 5 Passengers | Seating | 5 Passengers |
Buick is well known for large, comfortable sedans. But did you know that this American automaker also builds amazing compact crossovers? With fuel-efficiency, safety, and comfort high on the priority list, Buick has released two petite SUVs built on the same platform that are dripping in style. Here, we will compare the 2020 Buick Encore vs 2020 Buick Encore GX head-to-head to see what the major differences are between these two models of the same name.
Both vehicles can carry five people with no problem. There is plenty of leg and shoulder room for everyone to sit comfortably. The Encore offers 18.8 cubic feet behind the back row of seating. If you need more space, you can simply fold down the second row to reveal 48.4 cubic feet of room. On the other hand, the Buick Encore GX is a bit larger. It offers 23.5 cubic feet of cargo room, and it has a maximum cargo area measured at 50.2 cubic feet. When it comes down to the details, this can make a difference for families. For example, if you have three children that all play different sports, you may need the extra cargo room for their equipment and gear.
Now, if we are finished warming up, let’s jump right into the thick of things and compare the performance, interior features, and exterior styling elements for these two vehicles.
Typically, when a person is searching for a compact crossover, they tend to lean towards models that get great gas mileage. Performance and capability are also favored. So, let’s pop the hoods on these two vehicles to see which one is better.
The 2020 Buick Encore is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD. AWD is optional for every trim level except for the base model. The 1.4-liter engine generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, and it has an estimated fuel economy of 27 MPG combined (25 city/30 highway). That’s stellar for an SUV!
If you are looking for something a little more powerful that still gets great gas mileage, we invite you to try out the 2020 Buick Encore GX. This model is powered by one of two great engine choices. The first engine is a robust turbocharged ECOTEC 1.2-liter engine that is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine produces 137 hp and an amazing 162 lb-ft of torque; as for fuel economy, this engine gets an estimated 28 MPG combine (26 city/30 highway).
The second engine offering is perfect for people who want a little more power. It’s a turbocharged ECOTEC 1.3-liter engine mated with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission or a CVT. This engine produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Models with this engine can be equipped with either FWD or AWD. When it comes to fuel economy, this engine gets an estimated 31 MPG combined (30 city/32 highway).
Now that we are starting to see the differences between the Buick Encore and the Buick Encore GX, it’s time to slip behind the wheel and see what’s inside.
The Buick Encore is available in two trim levels. First, the base model is known as the 1SV. It comes with a fold-flat front passenger seat, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition/entry, and a 60/40 split-folding back row. Air conditioning, power accessories, and cruise control are also standard. The infotainment interface is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that operates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can charge your mobile devices via either of the two USB ports, and you can listen to music through the 6-speaker sound system.
The second trim is called the Preferred. It offers a few safety upgrades including rear cross-traffic alert, remote start technology, and blindspot monitoring. It also comes with protective floor mats and a cargo cover. The Preferred has many available options that the 1SV does not. For example, you can add features such as a cargo area tray for optimized organization, a front footwell, cupholder lighting, and a 120-volt power outlet.
On the other hand, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is only offered in three trim levels. Here, we skip right over the 1SV trim and kick things off with the Preferred trim as the base model. Featuring keyless ignition/entry, air conditioning, and cruise control, this model also comes with a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The infotainment system carries over from the Encore. It offers the same high-tech features, including Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. OnStar telematics is also included. You can even charge up to two mobile devices using the dual USB ports.
The second trim is the mid-level Select model. This adds remote start technology, power-adjustable/heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, and some additional safety features. These added systems include rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert, and blindspot monitoring. Lastly, the top-tier trim is the Essence. This beauty comes with a leather-wrapped/heated steering wheel and full leather seating. A 120-volt power outlet is located on the backside of the center storage console, and an air ionizer helps to keep the cabin smelling clean and fresh.
While there are a few stand-alone options that you can add the Encore, the Encore GX has a plethora of packages that you can add. On the Preferred base trim, you can add the Cold Weather Package that includes remote start technology, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. You can also add a Safety Package that adds blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. There is also an available Sport Touring Package that adds remote start technology, roof rails, and sporty exterior accents.
On the Select model, you can add the Advanced Technology Package that includes rear parking sensors, a navigation system, a Head-Up Display, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. You can also add the Experience Package that includes a sunroof, a navigation system, and an HD rearview camera. Finally, the Essence model can come with any of these packages plus extra add-ons like a hands-free liftgate, a wireless charging pad, and more.
Looks are very important when it comes to compact crossovers. While you might think that all of these models look the same, that is not the case for the Buick Encore and Encore GX. They each have their own style, and we are going to explore their unique exterior elements.
The 2020 Buick Encore 1SV rolls out onto the street with 18-inch alloy wheels. It also features roof rails for extra storage space and automatic headlights for enhanced visibility. These exterior features carry over to the Preferred trim as well. However, the Preferred gets several additional options for you to customize the look of the vehicle. For instance, you can add 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a 5-split-spoke design, an accessory carrier hitch for bicycles, and a roof rails for added storage space. You may also choose to add a power moonroof, a wheel lock kit, and accents done in Satin Nickel Metallic finish.
Moving to the 2020 Buick Encore GX, you will notice that the Preferred model rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels. It also comes with automatic headlamps, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors. The mid-level Select model adds handy roof rails for additional storage space. Lastly, the Essence included LED headlights and taillights for optimized visibility at night and during stormy weather.
As for paint colors, the two vehicles offer surprisingly different choices. The Encore is available in seven shades, including Deep Azure Metallic, Winterberry Red Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Summit White, Quicksilver Metallic, and White Frost Tricoat. On the other hand, the Encore GX is available in nine various hues. These include Burnished Bronze Metallic, Deep Azure Metallic, Chili Red Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Summit White, White Frost Tricoat, Dark Moon Blue Metallic, and Black Currant Metallic. While some of the colors carry over to the GX, there are a few others to choose from as well.
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Our auto experts here at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth are happy to help you along the car-buying journey. Whether you are looking for a new or used vehicle, we have one of the best selections in the area. Located near Atlanta, GA, our dealership is your one-stop-shop for all things Buick. We specialize in comfortable, family-friendly vehicles, and our goal is to provide you with a stress-free car-buying experience. Our on-site finance team can also help you apply for the most competitive loan options available. Ready to go for a test drive? Call us or stop by our dealership located at 3244 Commerce Avenue in Duluth, GA, today!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
