2020 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Overview | |
MSRP$24,100 | MSRP$39,995 |
Average price$20,076 | Average price$24,474 |
Listings513 | Listings386 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Buick Encore GX Reviews SummaryAt first glance, one might suspect the 2020 Buick Encore GX is just the range-topping trim of the Buick Encore, a subcompact SUV. But closer examination reveals that it's a slightly larger, more upmarket small crossover. It has a longer wheelbase and heavily revised bodywork. But most crucially, it has more interior space and more powerful engines, which address the two biggest critiques of the Encore. The Encore GX has a higher base price than the non-GX Encore, which then invites tougher competition. Starting at more than $25,000 brings it against some seriously competent small SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. So, should Buick be careful what it wished for by creating a better—but more expensive—Encore? | |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews SummaryThe “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine201 hp Electric |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine Name201 hp Electric |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City26 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway89 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.5 cu ft | Cargo Space30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3025 lbs | Curb Weight4517 lbs |
Height64.1 in | Height64.4 in |
Length171.4 in | Length180.5 in |
Width71.4 in | Width72.9 in |
Wheelbase102.2 in | Wheelbase108.9 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1347 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,100 | $39,995 |
Average price | $20,076 | $24,474 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | At first glance, one might suspect the 2020 Buick Encore GX is just the range-topping trim of the Buick Encore, a subcompact SUV. But closer examination reveals that it's a slightly larger, more upmarket small crossover. It has a longer wheelbase and heavily revised bodywork. But most crucially, it has more interior space and more powerful engines, which address the two biggest critiques of the Encore. The Encore GX has a higher base price than the non-GX Encore, which then invites tougher competition. Starting at more than $25,000 brings it against some seriously competent small SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. So, should Buick be careful what it wished for by creating a better—but more expensive—Encore? | The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 201 hp Electric |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 201 hp Electric |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 26 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 89 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.5 cu ft | 30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3025 lbs | 4517 lbs |
Height | 64.1 in | 64.4 in |
Length | 171.4 in | 180.5 in |
Width | 71.4 in | 72.9 in |
Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 108.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1347 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.