

The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2020 Buick the highest rating of “Good” in every category of crashworthiness except an “Acceptable” for the passenger-side small impact test. On the Essence trim, both the cross-traffic alert and blind zone alert features are standard while lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and front and rear park assist become available as optional features. These features are available but not standard on both the Preferred and Touring trim.
2020 encore driver#
The second is side blind-zone alert, which alerts the driver to vehicles within the blind spot of the vehicle by displaying a warning light on the appropriate side mirror. The first is rear cross-traffic alert, which detects cross-traffic behind the vehicle, a useful feature for parking lots or crowded driveways. Unfortunately, no automatic emergency braking is available on any trim level.įor the Preferred and Touring trim, two additional safety options are available.
2020 encore install#
Standard on all 2020 Encore models is OnStar security and emergency service capabilities, a rear vision camera, ten airbags, and a LATCH system for easy install of child restraint seats, LED daytime lamps, and StabiliTrak traction control, which helps to adjust and control brake force and engine torque during emergency maneuvers. Overall Score: 6.3/10 Safety Features: 5/10

In fact, it would not be surprising to see the standard Encore being phased out in preference for the new GX variant in the near future. The GX also includes many active safety features in the standard trim that the Encore doesn’t have even in its highest trims. The GX also boasts improved fuel mileage at 31 mpg combined, an increase from the 27 mpg combined fuel efficiency of the Encore. It carries a second 155-hp turbo engine option, an option that the Encore had on previous models but was eliminated for the 2020 model year. Although the Encore’s base model comes in at a price point $900 below the Encore GX, the new GX model has much more to offer. The Encore is joined for the first time in 2020 by the Buick Encore GX, a new model from Buick with the intention to sit between the Encore and the Envision. What keeps the Encore from being a premier subcompact SUV is the single underpowered engine option, a small cargo volume, and fewer standard active safety features relative to the rest of the segment. The 2020 Encore sits roughly in the middle of the segment with advantages in the form of a high-quality cabin, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and high predicted reliability. The biggest change for the 2020 Encore from the previous year is the removal of the higher power engine option, leaving only the 1.4-liter, 138-hp four-cylinder engine as the single drivetrain option.Īll models come standard with front-wheel drive all-wheel-drive is an option for every trim except for the base 1SV model.ĭirect competitors include subcompact SUVs like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, Kia Soul, Subaru Crosstrek, and Chevrolet Trax.

The 2020 Encore comes in four available trim levels: Base, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence, which is the same as the 2019 model and down two trims from 2018. It has not had major redesigns since then, and it’s still in its first generation. The Encore is Buick’s smallest SUV, which debuted in 2013. Powertrain: A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.Īll-wheel-drive is an option for every model except the base model. Cramped rear seats and small cargo area.Trims are expensive compared to competitors.Base models lack active safety features that are standard on rivals.

