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2020 Buick Encore review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Buick Encore highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Small size makes parking a snap
  • Unexpectedly quiet inside when driving on the highway
  • Generous standard and available infotainment features

Cons

  • Slow acceleration
  • Small amount of cargo space
  • Basic collection of driver-assist features is optional

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 29 highway, 26 combined

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Advancing age and new competition challenge the 2020 Buick Encore

Among the first of the modern subcompact SUVs, the five-passenger Buick Encore is aging fast. It still has a trick or two up its sleeve, though, including a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows the SUV to carry items up to 8 feet long. That helps make up for its otherwise skimpy 48.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Buick offers the 2020 Encore in 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence trim levels. A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder provides 138 horsepower, flowing to the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Encore gets up to 27 mpg in combined driving, but sadly, a more powerful engine option is no longer available. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. The Encore’s menu of driver-assistance systems is short, but the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system’s list of features is long. Remote engine start is standard or available for most trims. With more and more small SUVs coming on the market, the Encore faces stiff competition, including from within Buick itself. The new-for-2020 Encore GX is cut from similar cloth but is better in every way.

All Buick Encore years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Buick Encore generation from 2013 to 2022

What is new for the 2020 Buick Encore?

  • The Encore is available in a new trim called the Base.
  • The 1SV trim has been discontinued for 2020.
  • Tow Hitch and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Buick Encore trims

Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 138-hp, 148-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Power Seats
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Smart Key
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Buick Encore inventory

Preferred:

Sport Touring:

Essence:

Buick Encore photos

What We Like

Easy to drive: It might not have much power, but the 2020 Buick Encore is easy to drive. Its small size, tall driving position, and excellent outward visibility contribute to the Encore’s nimble city-driving character. This little Buick whips into parking spaces with ease, too, and parking sensors are available to assist you.

Front seat comfort: It might be small, but the Encore supplies big comfort. It is easy to get into and out of the Encore, and once you’re situated in either of the front seats, you’ll find that it feels open and airy inside. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available in the top trim level, and all versions of the SUV boast Buick QuietTuning™, which adds a hush to the interior when driving on the highway.

Impressive standard infotainment system: The Buick Encore’s infotainment system is easy to understand and use and offers numerous desirable features. Satellite radio, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ are standard, and you can subscribe to OnStar® connected services including access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

. A navigation system is available, and you can get a Bose® premium sound system in the Encore.

What Needs Improvement

Performance and efficiency: We’ve long noted the Encore’s lack of power, suggesting that it needs improvement. For 2020, Buick heads in the opposite direction, dropping the more powerful engine upgrade and leaving the standard 138-hp engine as your only choice. It’s not particularly efficient either. In real-world driving, the Encore’s engine works hard, producing disappointing fuel economy.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.2 out of 5

18 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Buick Encore an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Buick Encore 7th out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Buick Encore

Buick Encore features and specs

Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Automatic Transmission
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14

Wheelbase

100.6"

Overall length

168.35"

Width

70.1"

Height

65.25"

Leg room

F 40.82"/R 35.75"

Head room

F 39.58"/R 38.78"

Front tires

P215/55R18

Rear tires

P215/55R18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Buick Encore FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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