2020 Buick Encore

For the year 2020, Buick’s Encore will continue to be available in its four variants 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring and Essence. Unlike previous year, however, the 2020 Encore models will source power from the less potent iteration of its 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four only as the other 153 hp turbo-four has been discarded.

Also, its Sport Touring variant loses a list of equipment like navigation, dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rearview mirror. What remains unchanged though is Encore’s six-speed automatic gearbox unit and standard front-wheel drivetrain. The optional all-wheel drive unit is also available on all its variants except the 1SV. Regardless of the choice of trim, all variants of the 2020 Buick Encore offer price-appropriate features.

Trim	Encore 1SV	Preferred	Sport Touring	Essence
MSRP FWD	$24,195	$25,595	$26,795	$30,295
MSRP AWD	N/A	$27,095	$28,295	$31,795
Key features	LED-accented taillamps	Stowable and removable rear cargo cover	Exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels	Leather-upholstery seats
	8-inch Buick Infotainment touch-screen system	Color-keyed, carpeted front/rear floor mats	Exclusive rear integrated sport spoiler	Rear cross traffic alert
	Keyless open and start	6-speaker audio system	Remote vehicle starter system	Heated front-row seats

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While all variants of the Buick Encore include price-appropriate features, the Essence is clearly the trim to opt for. It brings along with itself additional features that make this subcompact crossover a lot more indulging. It also offers the optional all-wheel drivetrain better suited for people in the colder regions.

The 2020 Buick Encore continues to make use of the same turbocharged, inline four-cylinder 1.4-liter powertrain. Only the 153 hp iteration of the 1.4-liter mill has now been bid adieu. So for the year 2020, the Buick Encore will come equipped solely with 1.4-liter turbo-four pushing 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. torque.

Power from the engine will also continue to be transmitted by the same six-speed automatic gearbox. This six-speed unit sends power either to the front wheels or all the wheels of the 2020 Buick Encore. The front-wheel drivetrain is offered as standard while the all-wheel-drive unit is available across the range except for the base 1SV model.

Models	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
MSRP	$24,195	20,290	$28,400	$21,895
Engine	1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four	2.0-liter inline-four	1.5-liter twinpower turbo I3	1.4-liter I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic	Continuously variable transmission	7-speed automated manual	8-speed automatic Tiptronic
Horsepower	138 hp @ 4900 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	134 hp @ 4400 rpm	147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm	132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm	162 lb.-ft. @ 1250	184 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

At 184 lb.-ft., the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen’s 1.4-liter four-pot is the most torquey of all subcompact crossovers. However, the Kia Soul GT-Line gets the biggest capacity powertrain in this lineup.

How fast is the Buick Encore?

With the 153 hp version of the Buick Encore’s 1.4-liter inline-four gone, this subcompact crossover is left only with the other, less potent avatar of that powertrain. That turbo-four is capable of producing 138 hp and 148 lb.-ft. torque, which might not seem like a lot and isn’t.

This Buick feels zippy while getting off the line but the fire begins to fizzle as the revs start climbing. The six-speed automatic though appears to be well-organized. Its shifts are sorted and precise. This Buick, however, is actually only meant for city traffic.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
0-60 MPH	10.0	N/A	9.3	N/A
Quarter Mile	N/A	N/A	17.0	N/A
Engine	1.4L I4	2.0L I4	1.5L I4	1.4L I4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	6.6	5.9	6.1	5.5

No other subcompact crossover in this segment is as exciting as the Mini Countryman Cooper. Its 2.0-liter inline-four delivers peak low-end torque, making this Mini the most peppier of the lot.

What about the braking performance of the Buick Encore?

Braking on the 2020 Buick encore is adequate to say the least. Its pedal is soft and returns adequate response. That, however, works well only under sedate driving scenarios. The softness of the pedal can take away much of the confidence needed under emergency braking conditions.

Even the short wheelbase and tall ride-height can be uncomforting for the driver. These make the Encore dip ahead under panic braking. Again, this Buick proves that it is best-suited for jaunting around in the city only.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Brake front (in.)	11.8	11.0	N/A	11.3
Brake Rear (in.)	10.6	10.3	N/A	10.7
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3237	2844	3422	2978
60-0 MPH (ft.)	126	N/A	126	N/A

Almost all the subcompact crossovers in this segment get similar sized brakes up front and at the fact. The only difference in their braking performance results from the amount of weight they carry. This way, the Mini Countryman Cooper really impresses. Even though it is heavier than the Encore, it manages to stop just as quickly as that Buick.

What about its driving dynamics?

The Buick Encore is all the more tightly packed for a subcompact crossover. This does make the Encore significantly fun to drive. Its shorter wheelbase gives it the kind of agility needed in city traffic. That, however, is the only hint of sportiness exhibited by this Buick.

It is slick to go around curves but the taller stance and weight will deter you from being too engaged. Even the suspension has been tuned to efficiently absorb bumps, which it does. That, however, doesn’t return the kind of confidence needed by the driver to charge in and out of twisty tracks.

The 153 hp iteration of the Encore’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was not only more powerful but also more efficient, and the 2020 Encore is neither. It manages to return maximum efficiency when paired with the standard front-wheel drive unit. The all-wheel driven variants of this Buick are further behind on their MPG ratings.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
MPG (city)	25	27	26	29
MPG (highway)	30	33	33	37
MPG (combined)	27	30	29	32
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)	14.0	14.3	16.1	13.2
Range (city/highway) (miles)	350/420	386/472	419/531	383/488

The Buick Encore is not very fuel efficient as is proven by its MPG ratings. It does however get a fuel tank big enough to offer decent range. Also the fact that this Buick uses regular gas can help with savings during refueling. Yet no other subcompact crossover in this lineup is as efficient as the Mini Countryman Cooper.

Not just the way this Buick drives but also its cabin states the Encore’s purpose of being a city ride only. Its seats lack the kind of support to prove comfortable over longer commutes. Passenger comfort in the second row is even more compromised courtesy its stunted wheelbase.

The only thing that actually impresses about this Buick’s cabin is the level of insulation and use of upscale materials. There is hardly any noise entering the cabin to add to the already existing discomfort of the occupants. Also the use of premium materials gives the cabin the refinement it otherwise lacks.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.6/54.2/40.8	39.4/55.5/41.1	40.5/54.8/40.4	38.6/55.9/41.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	38.8/52.5/35.8	39.5/54.7/38.8	38.3/54.0/37.6	38.6/53.9/35.6

No other subcompact crossover in this segment offers the kind of comfort for its occupants in the second row like the Kia Soul GT-Line. On the other hand, the Buick Encore’s cabin is the most cramped. This results from its wheelbase which is also the smallest in this segment.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

All variants of the 2020 Buick Encore come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which is quite easy to use. This 8-inch unit showcases clear images and is also quite responsive. It includes features like:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Satellite Navigation
• Bluetooth
• Buick Connected Access
• SiriusXM Radio

What about utility?

There are some cars out there that compromise space in the second row to maximize utility by freeing up space in the trunk. The Buick Encore is not one of those cars. It gets a small cabin in general and it can do nothing about it. Its small wheelbase not only results in a cramped second row but also frees up only so much space for the trunk.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	18.8	24.2	17.6	30.4

At 30.4 cubic feet, the Hyundai Golf SportWagen’s trunk is the biggest in this segment. On the other hand, the Mini Countryman Cooper, which has the most accommodating cabin, gets the smallest boot. The Buick Encore’s utility is also well below average.

Creature comforts on offer in the Buick Encore

In order to keep occupants entertained during their short trips in this Buick, the Encore comes equipped with comfort features like:

• 120-volt power outlet
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi
• 6-speaker audio system
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• Single-zone manual climate control
• Cruise control
• Tilt/telescoping steering column

The Buick Encore might suffer in performance, efficiency and usability but manages to do well in terms of external styling. It looks a lot more sporty than it actually is. The stubby exterior does, however, highlight the burden that this Buick can be.

Up front, the winged grille and lower set air-inlets enhance the purpose that does not exist in reality. At the sides, not just the fenders but the entire shoulder line bulges out to highlight this Buick’s heft. The tail is that of a typical subcompact crossover but features a roof spoiler for added dramatics.

Model	Buick Encore	Kia Soul GT-Line	MINI Countryman Cooper	Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3237	2844	3422	2978
Length (in.)	168.4	165.2	169.8	179.8
Width (in.)	70.1	70.9	71.7	70.8
Height (in.)	65.3	63.0	61.3	58.3
Ground Clearance (in.)	6.2	6.7	6.5	5.4
Wheelbase (in.)	100.6	102.4	105.1	103.5
Track Width (in.) F/R	60.6/60.6	62.0/62.4	61.5/61.6	61.0/59.9

The Mini Countryman Cooper might be the heaviest of the lot but that does not affect this Mini’s performance or efficiency. It is also the most accommodating. On the other hand, the Encore appears to be big on the outside but is actually just that much smaller inside.

What are those eye catching features?

The Buick Encore sure looks good but hardly anything about it is exceptionally impressive. Its most noticeable design elements include:

• 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Halogen headlamps
• Signature LED DRLs
• Rear spoiler

Authorities are yet to test the 2020 Buick Encore for the kind of safety it offers in a crash. Still it gets safety features like:

• 10 airbags
• ABS
• LATCH
• Rear vision camera
• Traction control
• Electronic stability control
• Tire pressure monitor

Buick Encore vs. Kia Soul GT-Line

A sober, laid-back subcompact crossover is not supposed to be a trailblazer and neither the Encore nor the Soul GT-Line are. They are, however, supposed to offer decent practicality and this where the Encore takes a huge hit. The Kia Soul GT-Line manages to undermine the Encore in every considerable aspect. Not only is it less expensive, its bigger 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also less polluting besides other advantages over that Buick.

Buick Encore vs. Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

Even the Golf SportWagen completely undermines Encore’s existence. Not only does it look a lot more functional than the Encore, it actually is. Yes, the second row of this Golf is about as uncomfortable as the Encore’s but everything else is a lot more usable. The Golf SportWagen is more powerful, more economical and at the same time less expensive than the Buick Encore.

 

The Buick Encore does a couple of things right. Take for consideration the way it drives which is very well suited for jostling around town. However, the shortcomings far outweigh the upsides. It is uncomfortable and inefficient. Besides being an easy driver, the only thing that impresses about the Encore is the way it presents itself.