Used 2020 Buick Encore

Changes to the 2020 Buick Encore take things away from this subcompact-crossover SUV’s range rather than make any additions. Which is not a great sign, especially when there’s an all-new Encore GX model that’s slightly larger and making its debut for 2020. This culling of features is no doubt Buick’s way of creating more differentiation between the two, since it intends to continue making and selling the Encore.

The 2020 Buick Encore occupies a sparsely populated middle ground between mainstream and premium — kind of semi-swish. It’s small but rides high, which makes it well-suited to city duties. And potential buyers are more likely to appreciate the smartphone integration and Wi-Fi than worry too much about having a relatively meager 138 horsepower. One potential rival could be the Mazda CX-3, which is high-quality mainstream. The Buick Encore is perhaps not an obvious choice among subcompact-crossover SUVs, but it’s an intriguing one.

Here’s another aspect of Buick’s “scaled-down luxury” approach in the 2020 Encore. The ride quality is composed but never harsh. The cabin is also hushed, thanks to active noise cancellation. Where Buick has scaled down too much is to discontinue offering the more powerful engine option for 2020. Now the Encore is not so worthy of applause.

Although 138 horsepower is not exactly a tragedy, it doesn’t inspire enthusiastic driving (nor does the lack of side support in the front seats) and requires more forceful use of the accelerator, which is when engine noise becomes noticeable. At least fuel economy is solid. And the effort required for steering and braking is all well considered, making the Encore a breeze to drive. The raised driving position is another plus, enhancing outward vision. And the ride height facilitates easy entry and exit.

As Buick’s smallest and least expensive crossover SUV, the 2020 Encore still manages to feel somewhat upscale, with only a few cheaper-looking plastics in evidence. Otherwise, the cabin is well-appointed and refined, regardless of whether the upholstery is cloth, simulated leather, or the real stuff.

Standard technology features are plentiful — with OnStar, Wi-Fi, smartphone integration and an 8-inch color touch screen for the infotainment system.

Although the Encore has cushions and seatbelts for five, the rear accommodations couldn’t be expected to take more than two adults. Cargo area is 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.4 when they’re folded. That’s not bad for the class.

Buick’s done a clever thing with the Encore’s design, pushing the wheels as far into the corners as possible. It gives this subcompact-crossover SUV excellent stability as well as a confident stance. Add premium elements like the winged grille, sculpted hood/bodywork and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Encore looks ready to compete.

“QUIET TUNING” WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
Buick has some of the quietest interiors on the road. That’s down to ample insulation and the active noise-cancellation system, which works much like the headphones used by many frequent fliers.

“ACTIVE ON-DEMAND” ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
As a fine compromise between confidence and consumption, the Encore’s Active On-Demand all-wheel-drive system senses wheel slip and directs power to the wheel (or wheels) with the best traction. When not needed, the Encore reverts to front-drive mode for optimum fuel economy.

The entry-level 1SV version of the 2020 Encore still comes with useful gadgetry, such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Wi-Fi, two USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch touch screen. More prosaic but equally welcome features include roof rails, heated side mirrors, tilt/telescope steering column, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with armrest, folding front-passenger seat, and 60/40-split/fold rear seats. The Preferred trim is not much pricier, but it’s eligible for all-wheel drive and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Sport Touring gains fog lights, remote start and a rear spoiler. Essence adds leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats/steering wheel, power-adjustable front-passenger seat, 120-volt outlet, and LED headlights.

Except for the base trim, the 2020 Encore can be ordered with all-wheel drive, an oil pan heater and a power sunroof. Essence trim already has blind-spot monitoring as standard; this model and Sport Touring are both eligible for navigation and a 7-speaker Bose audio upgrade.

An options bundle for the Essence contains some bare-bones driver aids, which we think should at least be available at the lower levels and perhaps even standard. These include forward-collision alert (but no automatic emergency braking) and lane-departure warning. It also brings rain-sensing wipers and front/rear parking sensors.

All versions of the 2020 Buick Encore use a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This goes through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels as standard (FWD), or all four (AWD) if this system is selected from the options list. Fuel economy is a strong point, thanks in part to an engine stop/start function. Despite the presence of a turbocharger, the Encore uses regular gasoline.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/30 mpg (FWD), 24/29 mpg (AWD)