The 2020 Buick Encore is a small crossover SUV that combines a compact design with premium features, making it a standout in the subcompact SUV segment. Known for its quiet cabin, user-friendly technology, and easy maneuverability, the Encore is well-suited for city dwellers and anyone looking for a versatile, upscale compact vehicle. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 2020 Buick Encore, from its design and performance to technology, safety features, and how it compares to competitors.
Overview of the 2020 Buick Encore
The 2020 Buick Encore has carved out a niche in the subcompact SUV market with its focus on refinement and comfort. While many subcompact SUVs prioritize sporty handling or rugged capability, the Encore leans more toward luxury, providing a quiet and composed ride, a high-quality interior, and premium technology. It’s available in four trims: 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence, each adding more features and amenities to suit various budgets and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a city-friendly vehicle with easy handling or an affordable luxury option, the Encore delivers on both fronts. Its compact dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver, while its elevated seating position provides the visibility and comfort of an SUV.
Trim Levels and Configurations
The 2020 Buick Encore is offered in four main trims, each providing a mix of standard and optional features to cater to different needs and budgets:
- 1SV: The base model, featuring essentials like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration. It’s a good choice for those seeking the Encore’s luxury at a lower price.
- Preferred: Adds more customization options, including the ability to select all-wheel drive (AWD). The Preferred trim also introduces minor upgrades like a cargo cover and additional color options.
- Sport Touring: This trim focuses on adding a sporty aesthetic, with unique 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and fog lamps. It’s ideal for drivers who want a bit more style and presence in their Encore.
- Essence: The top trim level, adding luxury touches such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. This trim also includes additional safety features, making it a fully-loaded option for those seeking a premium experience.
Each trim can be equipped with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the 1SV, which is available only with FWD.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The 2020 Buick Encore is powered by a single engine option: a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine is tuned for efficiency and smoothness rather than high-speed thrills, making the Encore ideal for urban and suburban driving.
Fuel Efficiency
With its small engine and compact size, the Encore offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class. In its FWD configuration, the Encore achieves 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates. Opting for the AWD model slightly reduces these figures to 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, but it’s still a solid option for those who need added traction in adverse weather.
Driving Dynamics
The Encore’s driving dynamics are geared toward comfort and ease of use. Its compact dimensions and responsive steering make it easy to navigate tight city streets and crowded parking lots. While it may not offer the sporty handling of some competitors, the Encore’s suspension is tuned to provide a smooth, comfortable ride, making it an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize comfort over performance.
The Encore’s AWD system is designed to improve stability and traction on wet or slippery roads rather than off-road capability, making it a good fit for those who live in regions with seasonal weather changes. Overall, the Encore delivers a relaxed, refined driving experience that’s well-suited for urban environments.
Interior Comfort and Quality
One of the highlights of the 2020 Buick Encore is its upscale interior. Despite its compact size, the Encore offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and thoughtful design.
The Encore provides seating for up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with available upgrades like leather upholstery and heated front seats in the Essence trim. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, adding to the driver’s confidence on the road.
While the Encore’s rear seat may feel a bit tight for taller passengers, the compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in city settings. The rear seats also fold down to expand cargo capacity, allowing the Encore to accommodate larger items when needed.
The 2020 Encore offers 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This flexibility allows the Encore to carry groceries, luggage, or even small furniture items with ease. For a subcompact SUV, this cargo space is competitive, making the Encore versatile enough for everyday errands and weekend trips.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2020 Buick Encore comes equipped with a suite of modern technology features designed to keep passengers connected and entertained. The infotainment system is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with smartphones, making it easy for drivers to access navigation, music, and other functions.
Key Technology Features
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Display: The centerpiece of the Encore’s infotainment system, the touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. It controls audio, phone, and available navigation functions.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard on all trims, these features allow for seamless integration of smartphones, enabling drivers to use maps, make calls, and stream music.
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: The Encore comes with built-in Wi-Fi capability, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go. This feature is particularly useful for families or anyone who needs internet access during travel.
- Voice Recognition: The voice-activated system lets drivers make calls, change music, or input destinations without taking their hands off the wheel.
The Encore’s infotainment system is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy for drivers to stay connected without distraction. Optional features like satellite radio and additional USB ports enhance convenience for those who need extra connectivity options.
Safety Features
The 2020 Buick Encore includes a range of safety features to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers. While it may not offer as many advanced driver-assistance features as some newer models, the Encore covers the essentials and provides additional options on higher trims.
Standard Safety Features
- Rearview Camera: Standard on all trims, the rearview camera helps drivers see what’s behind them when reversing, improving visibility in tight spaces.
- 10 Airbags: The Encore is equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision.
- StabiliTrak: Buick’s stability control system helps maintain vehicle stability by reducing wheel slip in slippery conditions.
Optional Safety Features
For those seeking additional safety, the Essence trim offers optional driver-assistance features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning. These features provide extra awareness in busy parking lots and crowded roads, helping to reduce the risk of accidents.
While the Encore doesn’t come standard with all of today’s advanced safety features, its suite of options covers essential safety basics, making it a dependable choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the 2020 Buick Encore, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and longer trips. With its compact design and efficient engine, the Encore delivers competitive fuel economy in the subcompact SUV category.
In front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration, the Encore achieves an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For those who opt for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, the fuel efficiency drops slightly to 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, but these figures are still impressive for an SUV with AWD capability.
The Encore’s fuel economy makes it a practical option for budget-conscious drivers who want the flexibility of an SUV without sacrificing efficiency. It’s well-suited for city driving, where stop-and-go traffic can often lead to lower fuel economy in larger, less efficient vehicles.
Pros and Cons of the 2020 Buick Encore
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Overall, the Encore is well-suited for those who prioritize comfort, technology, and easy handling, particularly in urban environments.
Competitors in the Subcompact SUV Market
The 2020 Buick Encore competes with a number of popular subcompact SUVs, each offering its own strengths. Key competitors include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Chevrolet Trax. Here’s how the Encore stacks up against its rivals.
| Honda HR-V | Mazda CX-3 | Chevrolet Trax |
| The Honda HR-V is known for its versatile interior, thanks to the innovative Magic Seat system that allows for various cargo and seating configurations. While the HR-V offers more interior flexibility, it lacks some of the Encore’s premium touches and is noisier on the road. | The Mazda CX-3 is a sporty alternative to the Encore, with agile handling and a more powerful engine. While the CX-3 is fun to drive, it has less rear seat space and a smaller cargo area, making it less practical for those who prioritize passenger comfort and storage. | The Chevrolet Trax shares a platform with the Encore and offers a similar driving experience at a lower price. However, the Encore stands out with its quieter cabin, more refined interior, and additional tech options, making it a more upscale choice than the Trax. |
Each competitor has its strengths, but the Encore is an appealing option for those seeking a comfortable, upscale subcompact SUV with a focus on technology and refinement.
Is the 2020 Buick Encore Right for You?
The 2020 Buick Encore is an excellent choice for those seeking a subcompact SUV that combines luxury, comfort, and technology in a city-friendly package. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park, while its quiet cabin and upscale interior provide a premium feel. The Encore is especially well-suited for urban drivers, empty-nesters, and individuals who value a refined ride over sporty performance.
If you’re looking for a practical, economical, and upscale small SUV that offers essential tech features and a comfortable ride, the Encore is worth considering. While it may not be the most powerful vehicle in its class, its blend of quality, efficiency, and user-friendly technology makes it a solid choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures.
Conclusion
The 2020 Buick Encore is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that shines with its premium touches, easy handling, and comfortable interior. Its focus on refinement, combined with modern technology and flexible cargo space, makes it a top pick for those who want a small SUV with a touch of luxury. While it may lack the raw power of some competitors, the Encore’s balanced approach to comfort, technology, and efficiency makes it a versatile choice in the subcompact SUV market.
Whether you’re a city driver looking for a nimble SUV or someone who values a quiet, comfortable cabin, the 2020 Buick Encore offers a compelling mix of features and quality that are hard to beat.
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