2020 Buick Encore GX Review: Awkward Inbetweener

The 12 months 2021 marks the second in a row that GM’s near-premium Buick model has bought two totally different automobiles with the identify “Encore” on the again. There are a couple of good causes for that, however for those who take one factor away from this assessment, it is that you really want the Encore GX somewhat than the traditional Encore.

Whereas the 2 automobiles share a reputation, the commonality roughly stops there – the Encore GX is in-built a distinct manufacturing facility, in a distinct nation, on a distinct platform, and with totally different powertrain choices. It is smarter, higher trying, and extra environment friendly. The Encore GX’s solely perceptible flaw relative to the Opel-based automotive that got here earlier than it’s the price ticket. That is to not say the GX is freed from different points, although. It is a much better Encore, however nonetheless a so-so subcompact crossover.

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Of GM’s 4 manufacturers, none have supplied such a constant string of visually enticing automobiles as Buick. The Encore GX, although, stands out as a dramatic enchancment on an already enticing car. The GX is just three inches longer than its predecessor, however nearly all of that’s between the axles – the proportions are far cleaner due to this achieve. However the refined floating roof, sturdy wheel arches, and fashionable entrance and rear ends are all important enhancements, too. Buick nailed the Encore GX’s exterior design.

There’s much less progress within the cabin, although. It is neither as premium nor as luxurious as its exterior would counsel, and too much like the GX’s down-market sibling, the Chevrolet Trailblazer. A mish-mash of plastics and pretend leather-based litters the sprint, whereas widespread GM switchgear abounds. The black-on-black shade scheme is drab and uninviting, though the Whisper Beige or Signet designs on Buick’s client web page induce little pleasure, both.

The additional size within the Encore GX’s wheelbase yields a barely bigger cabin total and noticeably bigger cargo space in comparison with the usual Encore. However for those who have been hoping for a plusher or extra refined driving expertise, the GX is extra of the identical and, in a couple of areas, a bit lower than its older sibling.

Complete passenger quantity is up from 92.8 cubic ft to 94.3, which interprets to a noticeably roomier first and second row. The entrance seats supply ample area, with greater than sufficient headroom and even loads of shoulder room. A ten-way energy driver’s seat is normal on all however the base trim, whereas the range-topping Essence we examined wears upholstery that Buick claims is leather-based. The fabric itself is inoffensive, nevertheless it lacks the richness or smooth really feel of actual hides.

Second-row passengers can stretch out considerably, with the GX providing up 36.0 inches of legroom to the traditional Encore’s 35.7 – each fashions finest a Mini Countryman (33.8 inches) however fall in need of extra conventional rivals just like the Mercedes-Benz GLA (38.0 inches). The cargo maintain is the place the GX stretches its lead over the older Encore, with 23.5 cubic ft of area to 18.8, and a max of fifty.2 to 48.4.

Steps backward occur, although, with noise, vibration, and harshness from below the hood. As with the Trailblazer we examined final 12 months, the Encore’s turbocharged three-cylinder is a thrashy, disagreeable singer, with Buick’s trademark QuietTuning doing little to mute the 1.3-liter engine. Not less than the Encore’s journey is plush, with sufficient sound deadening to cover suspension impacts and tire roar, and the proper tuning to cover most small and medium street imperfections.

Our range-topping Encore GX Essence has a powerful assortment of ordinary gear. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and a powerful suite of lively security gear in a sub-$30,000 car is an uncommonly good worth. Our tester provides a head-up show, adaptive cruise management, a wi-fi cost pad, a rear digital camera mirror, and automated parking, creating an unimpeachably good tech suite.

A lot of the gear works nicely, too. Buick’s present infotainment – a reskin of what the GM presents in Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac merchandise – is responsive, and the 8.0-inch touchscreen presents respectable graphical constancy. The structure, as we have famous in different opinions, is logical and straightforward to study, so even tech-averse customers will come to grips rapidly. Wi-fi CarPlay performance was faultless throughout our testing, with the system connecting rapidly on startup and displaying not one of the dangerous manners we have encountered in different automobiles.

Different options, like GM’s rear digital camera mirror and wi-fi cost pad, are little issues to make life simpler. The pinnacle-up show is useful, however the flip-up glass plate feels just a little low hire and the picture itself is tiny. However hey, a minimum of the inexperienced font is usually seen with polarized sun shades.

The Encore GX is obtainable with certainly one of two three-cylinder engines. The bottom turbocharged 1.2-liter and elective turbo 1.3-liter are traditional examples of the breed, with the latter engine packing essentially the most oomph, at 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Efficiency is diesel-like, with a swell of low-end torque dominating the driving expertise and making low-speed, city commuting a breeze. Peak twist arrives at simply 1,600 rpm, so there’s seemingly at all times torque out there in around-town motoring.

Process the Encore with high-speed commuting, although, and it struggles with the identical issues that afflict most turbocharged three-cylinders and diesel-powered engines: it runs out of steam quick. There’s little energy to work with above 3,500 rpm, so any time you stand on the gasoline pedal, you will face an excruciating look ahead to the speedometer to climb.

A nine-speed automated is obtainable however pairing front-wheel drive with the bigger 1.3-liter engine requires a constantly variable transmission. There’s some rubber-bandiness on this CVT when asking for full energy, nevertheless it’s competent total. Our largest situation is that it exacerbates the 1.3-liter’s horrid soundtrack. As within the Trailblazer we examined final 12 months, this engine sounds harsh, unrefined, and nearly agricultural in tone.

The journey within the Encore GX is kind of good, however that comes on the expense of the dealing with. The steering is deader than Generalissimo Francisco Franco and the Encore’s physique strikes freely when processing a nook.

We do not write this typically, however props to Common Motors for together with a complete lively security suite on each trim. Whatever the Encore GX you order, it’s going to have automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automated excessive beams, and lane-keeping help with lane-departure warning. The one lively security gadgets that price further – adaptive cruise management and a surround-view digital camera – include the Superior Know-how pack, which features a head-up show and rear digital camera mirror for $1,790.

In observe, our Encore GX tester labored nicely sufficient. The lane-keeping help obtained essentially the most criticism, because it lacked the sophistication present in pricier rivals, such because the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Audi Q3. Befitting its inbetweener standing, although, it was on par with what you’d discover in a Mazda CX-30, with occasional ping-ponging between lane markers. The camera-based adaptive cruise management was additionally decidedly common, not wowing us with its capacity to handle car speeds in visitors, but in addition not scaring us both with sudden braking occasions.

One factor we would wish to name out that does not get sufficient consideration is GM’s Teen Driver Help. Commonplace on most of its fashions, Teen Driver Help is a useful manner for folks to watch their kid’s driving conduct and to set limits on issues like velocity and audio quantity. We want extra automakers would take GM’s lead with this kind of tech.

Points with the Encore’s three-cylinder engine apart, it is an environment friendly little bugger. Paired with a constantly variable transmission that sends energy to the entrance wheels, you will rating segment-leading gas economic system no matter which aggressive set you are taking a look at. Our tester, essentially the most environment friendly configuration, returns EPA estimates of 30 miles per gallon metropolis, 32 freeway, and 31 mixed.

When you take into account the Encore a sub-compact premium crossover (as we do), it largely betters the pricier competitors. The all-wheel-drive-only Audi Q3 (19 metropolis, 27 freeway, and 22 mixed), and front-drive variations of the BMW X1 (24 metropolis, 33 freeway, and 27 mixed) and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 (25 freeway, 34 freeway, and 28 mixed) battle in opposition to the Encore. That mentioned, every of these automobiles options extra energy and added powertrain refinement. Nonetheless, solely the Buick comes near our class goal of 32 mpg mixed.

On the decrease finish of the market, our Encore is thriftier than the front-drive, three-cylinder Mini Countryman (26 metropolis, 33 freeway, and 29 mixed), the Mazda CX-30 (25 metropolis, 33 freeway, and 28 mixed), and the all-wheel-drive Fiat 500X (24 metropolis, 30 freeway, and 26 mixed).

The Encore GX begins at $24,200 (not together with vacation spot), which simply undercuts the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz we take into account rivals. The Buick even acquits itself in opposition to mainstream competitors from Mazda, Mini, and Fiat – the bottom CX-30 is cheaper, however the Encore is even with the Fiat and extra inexpensive than the Countryman. Our range-topping Essence tester, in the meantime, begins at $29,595, which is about equal with the Mini and range-topping 500X, however nonetheless nicely under the Germans.

Issues go to items rapidly, although, for those who dig into the choices. For a begin, Buick presents precisely one shade as normal, no matter trim. Except you are prepared to reside with white, plan on ponying up a minimum of $495 or at most $1,095 for a distinct shade.

The nickel and diming continues with the 1.3-liter engine including $395. The 2 major packages – Superior Know-how and Expertise Buick – carry costs of $1,790 and $1,500, respectively. You’ll be able to safely cross on the latter, as its solely addition of observe is the smallish “panoramic” sunroof. The $770 Comfort pack is an efficient worth, although, including a rear digital camera mirror, automated parking help, wi-fi cost pad, and entrance/rear parking sensors.

All instructed, our Encore GX tester rang up at $34,965, and it did not even have all-wheel drive (an additional $2,000). That $35,000 price ticket is, coincidentally, about the place the Q3, X1, and GLA 250 begin. And when you will not be getting fairly as a lot gear for the cash, every of these automobiles is healthier to drive, considerably extra highly effective, way more refined, and has extra model cachet. On the identical time, you may rating a well-equipped Cooper Countryman or the brand new 250-horsepower Mazda CX-30 for $35,000. The Encore GX is a price at $28,000 and even $30,000, however paying $35,000 to $37,000 is just not a good suggestion.