With its snug size and charmingly chic aesthetics, the 2020 Buick Encore confidently straddles the line between affordable practicality and sophisticated luxury. This nimble SUV plays a persuasive game of "now you see it, now you don't" against the monotony of the everyday drive. It's no secret it isn't trying to outrun the opulence of BMW X1 or Lexus NX, but it does present an intriguing alternative. A well-balanced hybrid of comfort and tech, it's like the avocado toast of the auto world - trendy, versatile, and satisfyingly robust. It's proof that you don't need to break the bank to tease yourself with a dash of luxury. Buckle up and embrace the drive, because the 2020 Buick Encore is all about redefining your road trip expectations.
Read on to learn more about the 2020 Buick Encore.
The 2020 Buick Encore showcases an interior that expertly blends comfort and style, achieving a standard that is nearly premium. Despite a few elements of hard plastic in the door panels and the lower center console, the majority of the interior exudes a refined aesthetic. The armrests and dashpad feature soft-touch sections, lifting the atmosphere into the realm of luxury. Central to the design is the flush-mounted infotainment touchscreen, which, along with jewel-colored background accents, adds a touch of modern sophistication. The layout for the front seat is particularly commendable, with clear, straightforward controls and handy redundant knobs on the dash for climate control. High seating and a comfortable driving position enhance the user experience, although larger drivers may find the seat bottom slightly narrow. The Encore may not fully live up to the premium label, but its interior design certainly enhances the overall driving experience with its considerable comfort and style.
The 2020 Buick Encore's exterior is a perfect blend of compactness and style. Its distinctive waterfall grille, flanked by expressive halogen composite headlights, leaves a strong first impression. Complementing the frontal view are the 18-inch multi-spoke machined-face alloy wheels that lend a certain gravitas to the vehicle. The body-colored door handles and mirrors create a streamlined, harmonious look, while the stainless-steel exhaust tip adds a touch of sportiness to the ensemble. The Encore's exterior isn’t just about aesthetics: the deep-tinted windows provide privacy and keep the cabin cool, while the roof-mounted luggage rack side rails offer additional cargo solutions. The available LED fog lamps improve visibility under adverse weather conditions. The rear side of the Encore also deserves mention with its bold, bright LED-accented taillights. Compact yet assertive, the 2020 Buick Encore presents an exterior that is as much about form as it is about function.
The 2020 Buick Encore comes equipped with a base 138-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. While it might lack the powerful punch its 153-hp predecessor commanded, it still dutifully performs for those seeking an everyday drive. Despite being underpowered compared to some rivals, it is worth noting the engine's performance is adequate for city commutes and occasional highway jaunts. Unfortunately, we haven't had the chance to test an Encore with this base engine, but its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trax, shares the same powertrain and delivered a leisurely result of 9.3 seconds in our tests. Despite this, the Encore compensates for its performance shortcomings with comfort-oriented rides and excellent poise over bumps, making it an agreeable choice for buyers prioritizing smooth rides over speed.
The 2020 Buick Encore may not lead the pack in terms of fuel efficiency, but it still delivers respectable figures in this regard. It comes with an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model. For those preferring the all-wheel-drive variant, the estimates stand at 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. While these figures may not match up to competitors like the Hyundai Kona, the Mazda CX3, or the Nissan Kicks, the Encore's fuel consumption is still relatively thrifty, making it a viable option for those who value a balance between luxury and economy.
Despite its range of aesthetic and comfort offerings, the 2020 Buick Encore's safety ratings may leave some consumers wanting. The vehicle has received mixed reviews from U.S. crash-test agencies, which could raise concerns for safety-focused buyers. Disappointingly, the model lacks a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, which are increasingly standard in similar categories. Furthermore, the space in the back seats might not be adequate for families needing to fit child safety seats comfortably. On a positive note, the 2020 Buick Encore does offer some key safety features such as available forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. That said, potential buyers should weigh these considerations carefully when evaluating the vehicle's overall safety.
The 2020 Buick Encore makes a lasting impression with its blend of compactness and style. It's the perfect little number for those looking to make a statement without shouting from the rooftops. Its interior is quite comfy and stylish, but we'll stop just short of calling it premium – the hard plastics are a bit of a party pooper. Its engine is not exactly Usain Bolt, but hey, it's got enough pep for your daily commutes and those impromptu weekend getaways. Plus, it's pretty good on the gas, which means you won't be on a first-name basis with your local gas station attendant.
But if you're looking for a ride that's got a full plate of driver-assistance features, or you plan to pack it with a bunch of child safety seats, you might have some bones to pick with the Encore. However, it does offer some key safety features, so it's not all doom and gloom on that front. In the grand scheme of things, the 2020 Buick Encore makes a solid case for itself. It may not be the belle of the ball, but it's definitely not a wallflower either. If you're in the market for a stylish, comfortable ride that's good on gas and doesn’t require a parking lot the size of a football field, the Encore's worth a look. Just don't expect it to check all the boxes in your 'dream car' list.
