It’s rare that I step into a vehicle and immediately think to myself, “This car feels more expensive than it is.” In most instances, there’s a bit of sticker shock and while in some cases I can justify the cost of entry (see my review of the 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG HERE), most often I’m perplexed by the cost of entry versus the end result. Not so with the 2020 Buick Encore GX. This is a car that might very well be one of the best bargains for the buck in a crowded market segment.
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is a new offering in Buick’s catalog and is a premium compact SUV in a segment more specific as a CUV (compact utility vehicle). Powered by a 1.2L Ecotec 4-cylinder turbo engine (my test vehicle, the Essence edition, featured a slightly upgraded 1.3L Ecotech 4-cylinder which adds 18hps and 12 lb.-ft. torque from base for an additional $395), this spry utility vehicle won’t win any drag races but it doesn’t need to. It’s designed for consumers who value a comfortable, premium ride in a package that’s environmentally-friendly yet still provides enough “go” when entering a freeway or passing to the left. It’s nimble, stylish, and up to the task with technology integration that’s smart and functional. A continuously variable transmission is offered with the base and Essence front wheel drive version of the Encore GX which provides responsive acceleration with a focus on providing seamless shifts to maintain peak performance. The all-wheel drive version is highlighted by a 9-speed automatic and features a disable switch to alternate between all-wheel and front wheel driving to enhance fuel economy when desired.
Encore GX’s 1.3L Ecotec 4-cylinder turbo engine is fuel efficient with just enough power , at 155hps and 174 lb.-ft torque, to zip around passerby if needed.
I spent my week with the Encore GX mostly around town, driving to and from the grocery store with an occasional jaunt on the interstate. The ride quality is good, particularly for a vehicle in this price range. I won’t bore you with the details about the MacPherson Struts up front or the Compound Crank rear. It rides nicely and that’s what you want to know. Hankook Kinergy GT all-season tires wrap the Encore GX’s 18” machined aluminum w/painted pocket wheels. While I didn’t test the vehicle in rain or mud (the weather this summer has been quite dry), these tires are an appropriate choice for the Encore GX.
The chili red metallic paint on my test vehicle is one of nine exterior paint options and is an eye-catcher in the sunlight. Several of the paint options, including the version on this car, come at a $495 premium.
18” machined aluminum wheels wrapped in Hankook Kinergy GT tires keeps the rubber to the road while complimenting the Encore GX’s suspension for a comfortable and nimble ride.
On the inside, the Buick Encore GX really highlights its premium feel in a compact package with an intuitive 8” touchscreen Infotainment system that makes it one of the most connected vehicles in this segment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with Bluetooth pairing and Buick Marketplace which provides real-time information on local shopping suggestions, fueling stations, and dining while also allowing you to order, pay, save and make reservations in advance and then guide you along your journey. Sure, you can do all this on your phone but I found it to be a nice feature that takes your attention away from the phone and keeps it focused on the vehicle in a way that’s easy to use and maintains engagement with the Encore GX. Additionally, the Essence edition I drove featured an advanced technology package highlighted by a surround vision camera system to guide the driver in tight spots in parking lots and around home, a heads up display to keep your eyes focused on the road ahead while providing speed and other information, a backup camera in the rear, and adaptive cruise control.
Rounding out the interior, two-tone leather seats with 10-way power controls including lumbar adjustment on the driver side, 8-way power controls with lumbar adjustment on the passenger side, and foldable and appropriately angled seats in the rear. The seating, as well as the curvature of the dash paneling and layout of the Infotainment system, really compliments the aesthetics of the Encore GX’s design.
My only real long term question is how reliable this vehicle will be 5, 10, or 15 years from now. Only 3% of the parts used to build the Encore GX are from the U.S./Canada. With General Motors, in addition to all the major OEMs, setting up shop in Mexico to take advantage of tariff laws via NAFTA, the major components of the Encore GX are built south of the border with final assembly done, in all places, South Korea. Undoubtedly a global economy warrants utilizing resources to mass produce product. However, I’ve found it peculiar that U.S. brand manufacturers are building more and more product outside the U.S. while foreign brands, such as Toyota and Mercedes, are bringing more production to the U.S.
The layout and ambience of Buick’s Encore GX suggests its quality and design are far more premium than its sticker price.
Setting that aside, I found every aspect of the 2020 Buick Encore GX to be comfortable and successfully executed with a premium feel at an attainable price. For the discerning customer with a somewhat limited budget seeking a CUV that’ll not only get you from Point A to Point B but also do so in style with so much tech and beauty, I feel the 2020 Buick Encore GX is an exceptional buy. Now if I just didn’t have to turn in the keys…