#2020 buick encore gx essence how to
#2020 buick encore gx essence driver

The Buick Encore GX may be far from faultless but we believe it acts as a great new entry point to the brand. More powerful European options like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40 cost more in entry-level form than a well-optioned Encore GX and can be equipped to the point where you could have bought two Buicks instead. So long as speed is not at all important to you and imperfect ride quality is not a deal-breaker, we could strongly recommend the Buick Encore GX as an excellent way to get into a subcompact luxury crossover at a mainstream price.

#2020 buick encore gx essence driver

It features outstanding infotainment and driver assist technology packaged in an attractive body with a clean and spacious interior. Buick has struggled to attract younger customers for years now but the Encore GX looks like a stellar tool to finally bring some new blood to the brand.

#2020 buick encore gx essence how to

With this new Encore GX, Buick has learned how to entice more than just a rental fleet customer. The regular Buick Encore is one of those vehicles you'd be interested in renting for a short trip but would never consider buying. This feature is more than just a party trick, it actually works and can be engaged quickly with minimal notice. Most of Buick's driver-assist features feel run-of-the-mill but the Encore GX is packed with some standout features including a self-park feature that can handle parallel and perpendicular spots. Even with only the front wheels driven, there isn't enough power to get more than a tiny chirp from the front wheels, so you can always put down the power when you need it. Most roads will feel perfectly fine but the Encore GX tends to get a bit hoppy over rougher surfaces.

The front strut suspension feels adequate but the rear torsion beam creates a jouncy ride for anyone sitting in the back seat. To keep the Encore GX at a price point though, Buick had to cut corners somewhere and the ride comfort has suffered slightly as a result. The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, maintaining the ambiance fit for a luxury vehicle. Body roll is not too disconcerting and once the suspension leans in through a corner, the Encore GX is actually rather enjoyable to pilot with higher momentum. We certainly weren't expecting much of a sporty experience from the Encore GX but it feels spry enough to not be boring from behind the wheel. The steering is light and effortless, making it easy to navigate the Encore GX around even the tightest of parking lots, though the turning circle could be a bit tighter. The Encore GX's engine lineup may not be its strong suit but it makes up for this shortcoming with agility and easy drivability. CarBuzz was sent an Encore GX in the top Essence trim with FWD and we came away pleasantly surprised with Buick's latest offering. These tiny engines won't do much to quench your need for speed but Buick has packed the Encore GX with outstanding, class-leading technology at a price point that won't leave your checkbook suffering. The former engine comes exclusively with a CVT and front-wheel-drive, while the latter can be had with all-wheel-drive mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission or the CVT for front-drive models. Why would Buick go through the trouble of making the GX its own model when the regular Encore could have just had a new trim added to it? Well, the Encore is based on the Chevy Trax, a platform developed with the no-longer-GM-owned Opel, whereas the GX is based on an all-new platform that also underpins the latest Chevy Trailblazer.Īvailable with a pair of three-cylinder engines, the Encore GX offers a 1.2-liter turbo with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque and a 1.3-liter turbo with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft.

It may share a name with the smaller Encore but the GX is completely new. The company's latest offering is called the Encore GX, a subcompact crossover positioned above the smaller Encore and below the Envision. After realizing that the vast majority of its sales were coming from SUVs and crossovers, Buick quickly pivoted to the point where those are now the only models it sells.