2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX presented a more mature and refined appearance compared to its predecessor, the Encore. It was slightly larger in every dimension, with a longer wheelbase and a wider track, contributing to its more complete and sophisticated look. The exterior styling was notably revised, featuring a larger grille, updated headlights, and a reworked rear end. Inside, the cabin of the Encore GX mirrored the exterior's maturity, offering a well-crafted interior that, while not as upscale as some competitors, felt more refined than others in its class. The trim levels—Preferred, Select, and Essence—offered a range of features, from standard 18-inch wheels and a touchscreen infotainment system to leather seating and unique chrome accents in the top-tier Essence trim.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V maintained a familiar and functional design, with a soft, curvy exterior that leaned more towards a station wagon aesthetic. The interior, however, was a mix of materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather clashing with lower-quality plastics. The CR-V offered four trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each with a straightforward set of features. The base LX trim started at a competitive price, and all trims came with a standard three-year or 36,000-mile warranty. The CR-V's design emphasized practicality and family-friendly features, with a focus on comfort and usability.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for the front-wheel-drive model. An optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, was available, particularly for the all-wheel-drive version, which used a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the Encore GX's three-cylinder engines were not brisk, they provided a confident driving experience, with responsive steering and a smooth ride. The vehicle's handling was composed, especially at higher speeds, making it a pleasant drive despite some engine vibrations.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, which was well-tuned to provide a responsive and efficient driving experience. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with a car-like demeanor, nimble handling, and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with front-wheel-drive models achieving 30 miles per gallon combined, and all-wheel-drive models reaching 29 mpg. The CR-V's performance was further enhanced by its Sport drive mode, which added a touch of excitement to the driving experience.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area, compared to its predecessor. With 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, it provided ample room for passengers and their belongings. The rear seats featured a quick-flip button for easy folding, and the rear load floor could be adjusted to create more space. Up front, the interior layout was practical, with a repositioned shifter and cup holders creating additional storage space.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin comparable to larger vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to its well-designed seating position and low cowl. The CR-V's cargo area was equally impressive, with a two-position load floor and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep center console and large door pockets, made the CR-V a versatile and user-friendly vehicle for everyday use.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came equipped with GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly interface, crisp graphics, and customizable menu items. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a head-up display. The available surround-view camera system provided clear images and was particularly useful for parking.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen on the LX trim that offered limited features. Higher trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, but it lacked the intuitive operation of competitors' systems. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, they felt like afterthoughts rather than integrated features. The CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger, but overall, the technology package was less impressive than that of the Encore GX.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. The Teen Driver System allowed for speed and volume limitations on a secondary set of keys. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the vehicle's safety profile.

The 2020 Honda CR-V also offered a robust set of safety features, with the Honda Sensing system standard across all trims. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The CR-V earned high safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. However, only the Touring trim featured LED headlights, which improved nighttime visibility.