2020 Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX is available in three trims: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Pricing starts at $25,095 including destination for the base Preferred trim and only rises to $29,495 for the Essence.

The Buick Encore GX comes standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. All three trims can be equipped with a more powerful 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder for $395, although this option is only available on the Preferred if all-wheel drive is selected first.

All models come standard with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is available on models with the 1.3-liter engine, which also replaces the CVT with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Encore GX has seating for five passengers. It offers 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, which increases to 50.2 cubic feet with it folded down.

As an all-new model, the Encore GX features Buick’s latest safety aids. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, a following distance indicator, and automatic headlights come standard on all models.

The Select and Essence also add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change alert. On the Preferred, the available Safety Package ($345) adds those three features plus rear parking sensors.

Adaptive cruise control is reserved for the Select and Essence. It's bundled in the Advanced Technology Package ($1,935), which also includes rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, a few other features.

The Encore GX features an 8-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth. A six-speaker audio system, wi-fi hot spot capability, and two front and two rear USB ports are also included. You’ll need to move up to Select trim to benefit from a SiriusXM radio.

Navigation is available on the Select and Essence, but it's bundled away in two separate packages. The Experience Buick Package ($1,995) includes it alongside a moonroof, unique 18-inch wheels, and an HD rearview camera.

The aforementioned Advanced Technology Package ($1,935) adds a head-up display, surround-view camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and the navigation system.

Riding on 18-inch aluminum wheels, Preferred models receive heated and power outside mirrors and LED daytime running lights and fog lights. Single-zone climate control regulates the cabin, which is accessible with keyless open and start. There's leatherette seat trim, while the steering wheel is wrapped in leather.

A power liftgate is a $520 standalone option, as is a $1,250 power moonroof. The $950 Cold Weather Comfort Package bundles remote start, heated front seats, satellite radio, and a 10-way power driver seat.

There are some notable upgrades on Select models, including dual-zone climate, heated front seats, and a 10-way power driver seat. Remote start, blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and roof rails also come as standard.

The newly-available Sport Touring Package ($650) adds some flair in the form of unique bumpers with red accents, a custom grille with red accents, body-color side and rocker moldings, special badging, and unique 18-inch wheels.

Essence models are distinguished by chrome accents and LED headlights and taillights.

In the cabin, the significant price hike from Select is partly justified by leather seating, an eight-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an air ionizer. There are also memory settings for the side mirrors and driver's seat.

For $770, the Convenience Package combines rain-sensing windshield wipers, a washer for the rearview camera, wireless device charging, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parking system. A Bose audio system is a $595 option, but only when the Experience Buick Package is also chosen.