2020 encore driver#

The perforated and heated power front seats (10-way for the driver with memory eight-way for the passenger) are functional and supportive. Our GX Essence was loaded with pretty much everything you would want or expect for an accommodating driving experience. The GX also comes in a ST (Sport Touring) model. Inviting InteriorĬlean Fleet Report tested the Encore GX Essence, which is the highest of the three trim levels (Preferred and Select are the other two). We especially liked the chrome strip that runs the length of the roof, and finishes off with a point on the C pillar. A restrained use of chrome and a lack of harsh edges makes for a smooth, polished design.

The LED tail lights with a down-pointing boomerang light signature, curve softly around the backend. The roofline gradually slopes to the integrated wing over the rear hatch, which is hands-free power operated. Buick’s history of reserved styling, not relying on fads or trends, comes across with a tasteful new wing-shaped grille with LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lights. If the size looks familiar, the Encore GX shares a platform with the all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer. The Encore GX has a nice stance that includes it being longer, lower and wider than the sibling Encore. Small crossovers can tend to be tall, narrow or both. The Encore GX, all-new for 2020, has benefited from Buick designers paying close attention to proportions for this compact crossover. The brakes have automatic drying feature, but because of our seemingly endless summer here in SoCal where rain is a vague memory, we had no chance to test this technology. The suspension and the stability control were tuned nicely so the four wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist made for straight and true stops. Overall, the handling and ride make for a well-balanced crossover with negligible wind noise.īrake pedal feel was firm with no fade. The light steering made in-town driving and parking easy. Hard to put a finger on it exactly, but maybe the small movements were felt as the suspension was responding to road surface conditions. The overall ride on the freeway was a bit squishy and light on its wheels. The tires gripped well until pushed hard on corners, where understeer and modest body roll limited any hard charging. The ride was stable, good for either around-town driving or on longer road trips. The Encore GX Essence comes standard with front-wheel drive and 225/55 Hankook Kinergy GT all-season tires mounted on 18-inch machined aluminum wheels. Not fast, but the person looking to buy an Encore GX will be satisfied with that performance for entering highways and passing big rigs. The 3,094-pound Encore GX with the 1.3L and the CVT turned 0-60 times around 8.7 seconds.

Fuel economy reported by Clean Fleet Report is non-scientific and represents the reviewer’s driving experience. The EPA estimates are middle of the pack for compact crossovers, but if driven with an eye towards being fuel-wise, the fuel economy numbers are quite good. On the freeway with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we achieved 36.6 mpg over a 125-mile run. Our real-world experience was a bit different, as over 425 miles our combined average was 32.7 mpg.

The EPA rates the 1.3L Buick Encore GX FWD at 30 mpg city/32 highway/31 combined. If you want AWD, you also get a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is an even smaller 1.2-liter three-cylinder delivering 137 hp and 162 lb.-ft. This little three-banger puts out 155 horsepower (hp) and 174 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque, while mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The design is easily among the best among its peers, and the quiet ride is a bit more premium than others in this category.Ĭlean Fleet Report drove the 2020 Encore GX FWD throughout Southern California, powered by the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence FWD is a nice, comfortable crossover that gets 30+ mpg, and has ample storage and passenger space. There are so many choices in the compact crossover SUV category that is tough saying one is the best. The Korean-built Encore GX is not a fancy version of the smaller Buick Encore, as these are two completely different vehicles.

2020 encore