2021 Honda HR-V vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX was slightly larger than its predecessor, the Encore, in nearly every dimension. It was 2.7 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 1.8 inches taller, with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track. Buick invested considerable effort into revising the exterior styling of the GX, featuring a much larger grille, revised headlights and taillights, and a completely reworked rear end. This gave the Encore GX a more mature and complete appearance compared to the stubby, notchy look of the Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin initially appeared similar to the smaller Encore, but closer inspection revealed a high level of care, style, and fit and finish. While not as upscale as the Mazda CX-30, it felt nicer than the Hyundai Kona. The trim levels included Preferred, Select, and Essence, each adding more features such as heated power-adjustable side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Essence trim, in particular, added leather seating and a 120-volt wall-style power outlet, although it lacked an adjustable seatback for the front passenger seat.

The 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot. It featured distinctive styling elements such as upper and lower window lines that converged near the taillights in a triangular point housing the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, with the HR-V EX and EX-L featuring a machined finish, while Sport models had matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim.

The HR-V’s interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. EX and EX-L models included push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with EX-L models also offering leather upholstery. The overall design was solid, though it lacked the luxury feel of higher-end vehicles.

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) in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a CVT for FWD. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and reduced torque to 162 pound-feet.

The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power for its size, though it was never brisk. The three-cylinder engine had a natural roughness, and the nine-speed automatic sometimes felt bogged down until the accelerator was pressed firmly. Despite occasional vibrations, the overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive and well-weighted steering. The suspension effectively absorbed bumps and potholes, and the Encore GX maintained composure and handling at higher speeds, allowing confident cornering.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, connected to a CVT with paddle shifters on higher trim levels. While AWD was available on all trim levels, FWD was standard. The powertrain had not changed from previous models, resulting in underwhelming highway performance and an ineffective CVT. Competitors offered more powerful engine options, such as the Kia Seltos’ 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four and the Subaru Crosstrek’s 182-horsepower 2.5-liter boxer-four.

However, the HR-V’s chassis compensated for its engine shortcomings, providing a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. The HR-V’s AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrain, and it lacked ground clearance and towing capability.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space in the rear seats and cargo area compared to the standard Encore. The rear doors were larger, and rear seat legroom and headroom were improved. With the rear seats up, the Encore GX provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, 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 accessibility.

The 2021 Honda HR-V boasted impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the “Magic Seat” 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 cubic feet for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 cubic feet with AWD) with the seat up. These figures surpassed many competitors, though the Kia Seltos and upcoming 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more cargo space. The HR-V also excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading the segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large climate control knobs and an audio volume knob, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easier driving position adjustments.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with GM’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a crisp, responsive interface with customizable main menu items. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. Our test car had a head-up display (HUD) projected via a small plastic display from the dash, which was functional but somewhat clunky.

The 2021 Honda HR-V’s base LX trim included standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was relatively small, and competitors often offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across all trims.

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, allowing speed and volume limitations for secondary keys. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Our test model featured a surround-view camera system with high-quality cameras and a high-resolution display, enhancing parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech, though it had “Marginal” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The rearview camera was upgraded with dynamic gridlines on higher trims.