2020 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX was slightly larger than the original Encore, with dimensions that included an additional 2.7 inches in length, 1.3 inches in width, and 1.8 inches in height. It featured a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track. Buick invested considerable effort into revising the exterior styling, resulting in a more mature and complete appearance. The GX boasted a larger grille, revised headlights and taillights, and a reworked rear end, distinguishing it from the stubby look of the original Encore.

Inside, the 2020 Encore GX's cabin mirrored the exterior's mature styling. While it initially appeared similar to the smaller Encore, closer inspection revealed a higher level of care, style, and fit and finish. Though not as upscale as the Mazda CX-30, it surpassed the Hyundai Kona in terms of interior quality. The trim levels—Preferred, Select, and Essence—offered various features, with the Essence trim adding unique chrome bumper accents, leather seating, and a 120-volt power outlet. The ST package further enhanced the sporty appearance with unique grille and wheels.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX continued to impress with its styling, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with the Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The 1.2-liter engine was exclusive to FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine was available with both FWD and AWD.

Our test model featured the Essence trim with the 1.3-liter turbo engine, but without AWD. It included upgrades such as a power hands-free rear liftgate and three option packages: Advanced Technology, Experience Buick, and Convenience. Despite the high MSRP, Buick offered significant discounts for current GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners. The cabin quality met expectations for the small SUV segment, though the interior design was not as refined as the exterior. The analog gauges were hard to read, and the head-up display (HUD) vibrated on uneven roads, detracting from the overall refinement.

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 FWD model. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a CVT for FWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD. The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power, though it felt underwhelming at low speeds. The overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-weighted suspension that handled bumps and potholes effectively.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX also offered turbocharged engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine generating 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The 1.3-liter engine, available with FWD and AWD, produced 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The driving experience was adequate, with enough power for highway cruising and occasional torque steer with FWD. The CVT operated unobtrusively, while the AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a Watt’s linkage rear suspension for improved handling.

Our FWD test car's ride quality felt too brittle on poorly maintained roads, too soft over speed humps, and too bouncy over bumps and dips at higher speeds. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet. The Encore GX lacked refinement, especially given its premium-brand positioning. However, it handled corners well, with light steering effort making it easy to drive and maneuver. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the official EPA estimate.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased rear seat and cargo space compared to the original Encore. The rear doors were larger, and rear seat legroom and headroom were improved. With the rear seats up, the cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than the standard Encore and comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. The rear load floor could be lowered to create additional space, and the front seat layout was redesigned for better storage and convenience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position and supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable for longer trips. The trunk offered 23.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle featured a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. Interior storage was good, with thoughtful details like padded armrests and useful storage compartments.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system, featuring crisp graphics and responsive performance. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. The available head-up display (HUD) projected information onto a small plastic display, which was a cost-cutting measure but felt clunky.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with new wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also included Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the optional Convenience Package. The infotainment system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and a following distance indicator. It also included the Teen Driver System, which allowed owners to set speed and volume limitations for secondary keys. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The vehicle also featured front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX included Buick Driver Confidence as standard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Teen Driver technology provided a report card for young drivers, and the Tire Fill Alert system made maintaining proper tire pressure easier. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.