2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of high and low-quality materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with cheaper plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, was praised for its styling, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The Encore GX had well-proportioned lines and a sleek appearance, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look. The Encore GX offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The interior, while not as refined as the exterior, provided expected quality for the small SUV segment, though it had some drawbacks like hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode, and the CR-V's car-like road manners were commendable. It had a low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model, contributing to its nimble handling and excellent fuel economy. The FWD CR-V achieved an EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon combined, while the AWD version managed 29 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine produced 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was adequate, with enough power for highway cruising. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was inconsistent, and despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its excellent interior space and clever storage solutions. It offered ample head and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with a seating position that provided excellent visibility. The cargo space was generous, with a two-position load floor and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. The CR-V's interior design included a deep center console and large door pockets, making it easy to store and access items.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had a high seating position, with supportive front seats that were comfortable for long drives. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, lacking thigh support and rear air conditioning vents. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It featured a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. Interior storage was good, though the hands-free power liftgate option was deemed unnecessary.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. The CR-V Touring trim added a wireless phone charger and more USB ports, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking compared to competitors.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite the added features, the test vehicle lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The Encore GX's infotainment system was praised for its quick response, user-friendly interface, and pleasing graphics.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim offering superior LED headlights. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured Buick Driver Confidence as standard, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it. The adaptive cruise control had some limitations, and the lane-keeping assist felt unnatural.