2021 Buick Encore GX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, giving it a contemporary look. Inside, the Edge showed its age with an awkwardly arranged center console and heavy use of hard plastics, despite some soft-touch materials. The SE trim came with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. Higher trims like the SEL, Titanium, and ST added features like synthetic leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and sportier styling.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX boasted a stylish design, a significant improvement over the original Encore. Available in Preferred, Select, and Essence trims, with an optional Sport Touring package, the Encore GX offered a choice between FWD and AWD, and two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The test model, an Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, included upgrades like a power hands-free rear liftgate and several option packages. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX’s interior had some drawbacks, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating HUD. Buick offered significant discounts to make the Encore GX more appealing.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST, the performance variant, featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, standard AWD, and sportier handling. The ST’s Sport mode enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping, making it more engaging to drive.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The 1.3-liter engine, available with FWD or AWD, provided adequate power for highway driving. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX’s ride quality varied, feeling brittle over urban roads and bouncy at higher speeds. Despite Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn’t particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled well on winding roads but lacked overall refinement.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom, and the cargo space measured 39.2 cubic feet, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. Interior storage was good, with a trunk measuring 23.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a voice-activated navigation system and a semi-digital instrument panel. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment systems were available.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Despite the added packages, it lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX included Buick Driver Confidence, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.