Compact is the latest trend. Buick- a GM's premium car marque has been the race with its sweet little Encore. It is a pocket size SUV with traits of the bigger Buick like the Enclave. Well laid interior with high quality material looks upscale than most of its rivals. Every Encore receives Buick's QuietTuning treatment, which include different sound deadening measures.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
7.0
Engine And Performance
7.7
Interior
7.5
7.3
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.3
Overall Rating
The Encore's performance is however disappointing. Acceleration is slow due to the sluggish 134 -horsepower four-cylinder engine. Buick's optional 153 hp engine is a substantial improvement.
2020 Buick Encore Three Quarter View
2020 Buick Encore Rear View
7.0/10 Features
7.7/10 Engine and Performance
7.5/10 Interior
2020 Buick Encore Features
7.0/10
Trims and Pricing
The Buick Encore is a compact crossover which is offered in four trim levels. 1 SV or the base, Preferred, Sport Touring and Essence. The base 1.4 liter turbocharger engine producing 138 hp is offered in 1 SV and the Preferred variant while the more powerful 153 hp engine is equipped in Sport Touring and Essence trim. All of the variants come well equipped with features while individuals who desire safety and can go with more expensive trims. Buick covers the Encore with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Trims
Encore 1SV
Preferred
Sport Touring
Essence
MSRP (FWD)
$22,990
$24,365
$25,565
$29,065
MSRP(AWD)
N/A
$25,865
$27,065
$30.565
Features
4G Wi-Fi hotspot
1SV+
Preferred +
Essence +
Enhanced 4.2" multi-color Driver Information Center
Rear Cargo Cover
Exclusive Rear, integrated Sport Spoiler
Bose Premium 7-speaker sound system
Keyless Open and Start
Front and rear color-keyed floor mats
Remote Vehicle Starter System
Rainsense Wipers
QuietTuning technology with Active Noise Cancellation
Fog lamps
Front and Rear Park Assist
Rear Vision Camera
Forward Collision Alert
6-way power adjustable driver sea
Lane Departure Warning
Cargo Net and Rear Carpeted Cargo Mat
2020 Buick Encore Engine and Performance
7.7/10
“With a refined ride and sound deadening in all the right places, the Encore is a pleasant, albeit slow-moving, place to spend time. The 2020 Buick Encore is have a sluggish acceleration.” -Carconnection
The Encore is offered in two engine options, both of them are different versions of the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder. One with a slightly smaller bore and less displacement (1364 cc vs 1399 cc) which produces 138 hp and 148-pound feet of torque. The bigger engine with a higher compression ratio (9.5:1 versus 10.0:1) and fuel injection rather than port, generates 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Neither of the powertrains is lively, though the grunt is apt for city driving. Encore feels sluggish when all the seats are occupied.
2020 Buick Encore
Both of the engines use the same 6- speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting function, operable by a switch atop the shift lever. A front-wheel-drive is available with an optional AWD. The more powerful engine is available on sport touring and Essence trim.
Models
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
MSRP
$20,520
$20,945
$19,500
$23,200
$20,390
$21,859
21,300
$20,945
Engine
1.8 Liter Inline-4
2.0 Liter Inline-4
2.0 Liter Inline-4
1.4 Turbocharged Inline-4
2.0 Liter Inline-4
2.0 Liter Boxer-4
1.4 Liter Inline-4
2.0 Liter Inline-4
Transmission
2-speed CVT with Overdrive
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and auto-manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic with Overdrive and auto-manual
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and Manual mode
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
2-speed CVT with Overdrive and Manual mode
Horsepower
141 hp @6500 rpm
144 hp @ 6100 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
148 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
127 lb. ft. @ 4300 rpm
139 lb. ft. @ 3900 rpm
132 lb. ft. @ 4500 rpm
148 lb. ft. @ 1850 rpm
146 lb. ft. @ 2800 rpm
145 lb. ft. @ 4000 rpm
148 lb.-ft. @1850 rpm
145 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm
There is no significant difference in the power outputs of all the rivals, however, the Subaru Crosstrek churns out the most amount of ponies. Chevrolet Trax is identical to the Buick while the Mazda produces the highest amount of horsepower among them.
Acceleration
You can say that the engine is “peppy” as it does 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds with the more powerful engine option. The lower displacement motor takes 8 .4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. AWD option adds more weight to the car which in turn affects the performance.
2020 Buick Encore Acceleration
Models
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
0-60 MPH (sec)
9.3*
11.0
10.0
8.4
8.6
9.0
9.3
8.9
Quarter mile (sec)
16.8*
18.4
17.3
16.2
16.3
16.9
16.8
16.6
Engine
1.8-L I-4
2.0-L I-4
2.0-L I-4
1.4-L I-4
2.0-L I-4
2.0-L H-4
1.4-L I-4
2.0-L I-4
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
6.3*
6.0
5.9
6.3
5.7
7.0
6.3
7.1
If compared to the rivals such as the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-v it is a second quicker in accomplishing the 0 to 60-mile mark.
Ride and Handling
The Encore is staggering as a daily driver. Buick like in its premium cars provides a comfortable ride even over rough patches, there is little body roll around corners. Crossover’s little size makes it agile and maneuverable, which is helpful in traffic and tight spaces. You will feel short on power for highway driving and handling is tactile but not sporty.
Encore's ride is smooth on a lower speed, it can get wallow over the uneven landscape on higher velocities. Buick has incorporated some energetic styling prompts like a thick-rimmed steering wheel, yet the Encore is considerably more suited as an urban cruiser than a lively crossover.
Braking
The brake bite is enough for red light stops and city jaunts, pedal travel is small with high response. You will certainly hear a weird squeal from the pads after using it repetitively. No automatic emergency braking limits the 2020 Buick Encore's appeal.
2020 Buick Encore Wheel
Model
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Brake Front (in.)
11.5
11.8
11.8
11.8
11
11.6
11.8
11.6
Brake Rear (in.)
11.1
11.1
9.0 (Drum)
10.6
11.1
10.8
9.0
11.9
Curb Weight (lbs.)
2906
3300
2890
3237
2809
3113
2805
3,032
60-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
122
N/A
N/A
N/A
118
2020 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive Encore returns 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. For all-wheel-drive models, reduce 1 mpg from both numbers. The combined MPG is slightly above the average for its class. The more powerful engine is actually efficient which is surprising.
Model
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
MPG (city)
28
27
27
26
29
27
25
24
MPG (highway)
34
31
33
31
34
33
33
30
MPG (combined)
30
29
30
28
31
25
28
27
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 returns even better fuel economy and will be lighter on your pocket, while the identical Chevrolet earns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway which is slightly below average.
2020 Buick Encore Interior
7.5/10
“As long as space isn’t a priority, the 2020 Buick Encore delivers a refined experience and premium feel”. - Carconnection
Seating and Comfort
The Buick Encore may be branded entry-level crossover but don’t consider it an “econobox”. It can be equipped with different materials like fabric, leatherette or genuine cowhide, the cabin is well laid and refined. The front seats are comfortable, and drivers have great visibility due to a high seating position. The back seats have a fair measure of headroom and can fit two grown-ups without grumbling. There's more space than the outside impression would recommend, however it could get confined with three grown-ups toward the rear.
2020 Buick Encore Seating
Model
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Passenger Capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (cu. ft)Headroom
39.5
38.1
39.6
39.6
38.4
39.8
39.6
39.4
Shoulder room
56.8
49
55.5
54.2
53.5
56.7
54.1
56.2
Legroom
41.2
43.5
41.5
40.8
41.7
43.1
40.8
41.6
Rear (cu. ft)Headroom
38.3
38.3
37.8
38.8
37.2
38
38.8
37.9
Shoulder room
54.5
52.5
54.5
52.5
50.4
55.6
52.8
55.5
Legroom
39.3
31.7
34.6
35.8
35
36.5
35.7
36.3
Despite its small footprint, the Encore feels roomy inside because of its tall roof and a high seating position. It's less outright fun to drive than most of the rivals but there's good space inside for an average size individual, which is a squeeze in some of those competitors. The Honda HR-V offers the most amount of rear space in the subcompact crossover SUV class.
Interior Features
Available features inside of the 2020 Buick Encore includes:
Remote start
Moon roof
Rear cross-traffic alert
Blind-spot monitoring
Seven-speaker sound system
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Forward collision alert
Parking assist and lane departure warning
Infotainment System
The Encore comes with lots of tech goodies and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. It is known by the name “IntelliLink” with the following features:
2020 Buick Encore Infotainment Display
Android Auto & Apple Car Play
Onboard Wi-Fi
4G LTE
Bluetooth audio and phone
Voice command
USB input
Cargo volume
U stands for utility in SUV, Encore despite its smaller size can hold a large amount of cargo than most of the bigger vehicles. The space behind the rear seats is large enough for moderate grocery loads and 7 to 8 carryon bags. It provides 18.8 feet of cubic feet of cargo and increases to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats down. A fold-flat front passenger seat allows you to carry very long items.
2020 Buick Encore Cargo Space
Model
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Trunk Volume (ft.3)
24.3
19
19.2
18.8
12.4
20.8
18.7
21.7
Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)
58.8
36.4
45.8
48.4
44.5
55.3
48.4
49.5
Most of the rivals provide a similar amount of cargo space like the Chevrolet Trax and Mazda Cx-3. The Honda HR-V is a class leader when it comes to capacity.
2020 Buick Encore front seat2020 Buick Encore cockpit area2020 Buick Encore front seat2020 Buick Encore rear seat2020 Buick Encore instrumental cluster2020 Buick Encore center console
2020 Buick Encore Exterior
“For the 2020 model year, the Encore gets a visual refresh both inside and out, and gives prospective buyers more of the options they want to keep”–New York Daily
Design and styling
From its winged grille and sculpted hood to the classy 18-inch alloy wheels, the Encore looks athletic and designed to stand out. The dynamic outlook is to attract people of younger generations. The utility-vehicle's profoundly etched bodywork and a classy variety of brilliant emphasize bits are adequately set off by conspicuous LED-highlighted projector-pillar headlights and LED-mixed taillights. Brushed-aluminum fake back skid plates and a wide wheelbase bundle include more aggressive silhouette to the general blend.
2020 Buick Encore Side View
Model
Honda HR-V
Toyota C-HR
Hyundai Kona
Buick Encore
Mazda CX-3
Subaru Crosstrek
Chevrolet Trax
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Curb weight (lbs.)
2906
3300
2890
3237
2809
3157
2805
3,032
Length(in)
170.4
171.2
164.0
168.4
168.3
175.8
167.2
171.9
Width(in)
69.8
70.7
70.9
70.1
69.6
71
69.9
71.3
Height(in)
63.2
61.6
61
65.2
60.7
63.6
64.9
64.8
Ground clearance (in)
5.4
5.9
6.7
6.2
6.1
8.7
6.2
8.5
Wheelbase (in)
102.8
103.9
102.4
100.6
101.2
104.9
100.6
105.1
Track width (in) F/R
60.4/60.6
60.6/60.6
61.2/60.2/60.3
60.62/60.62
60/59.5
61/61.2/61.2
60.6/60.6
60.6/60.6
Exterior Features
Some of the exterior features include:
LED headlights in Essence and Premium
Halogen headlights in all trims except Essence and Premium
The Encore does not provide many safety features. The only standard feature is a rearview camera. The available safety features include:
2020 Buick Encore Safety
Rear cross traffic alert
Blind-spot monitoring
Forward collision alert
Parking assist
Lane departure warning
2020 Buick Encore Competition
Buick Encore Vs Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is young and brimming with soul. Mazda mixes the CX-3 with excellent handling and balance with an addition of a solid motor that outpaces the Encore. The CX-3 additionally has one of the most pleasant cabins among rivals. Encore advantages lie in the rear seat, which is much more spacious than Mazda’s. Also, Encore has more standard and available features.According to the cost-to-feature ratio, the Mazda is a clear winner. It costs a few thousand dollars less than Encore and doesn’t compromise with comfort or performance.
2020 Mazda CX-3
Buick Encore Vs Honda HR-V
The HR-V is somewhat more versatile than the Buick. It's back seat overlaps to make an extensive floor-to-roof stack floor that is ideal for transporting bicycles or other tall articles. The HR-V is the ace of performance and utility in this rivalry. The Encore can't stand in front of the Honda overall, yet it beats the HR-V in the quality of its cabin materials.
2020 Honda HR-V
Buick Encore Vs Chevrolet Trax
Mechanically, the Trax and Encore are about equivalent. They share similar dimensions, power outputs since they belong from the same parent organization. The Trax offers a rundown of standard highlights like the Encore and inside is entirely utilitarian. It takes care of business, yet it won't inspire you with the quality of its materials. This likewise makes it less expensive than the Encore by a couple of thousand dollars, so it's a savvy decision on the off chance that you simply require essential subcompact SUV utility.
2020 Chevrolet Trax
2020 Buick Encore Final Verdict
The Buick Encore is possibly the company’s most successful effort. It has attracted numerous buyers in a younger demographic for a small upscale crossover. Ranking among the top subcompact SUVs, it has one of the nicest interiors in its class and an impressive list of standard features. The performance is not, though it has a comfortable ride and composed handling. There are many reasons to like the Encore when contrasted with other rivals.