#2020 encore gx select driver

#2020 encore gx select driver

Our test Encore GX did not come equipped with the optional sunroof, but even then our 6-foot-4 driver sat several inches below the roofline. The most notable aspect of the Encore GX's interior is its sense of space. But the rear pillar is rather thick, resulting in a compromised rear three-quarters view. Visibility is good overall, with a wide and clear view out the front thanks to a tall roof and narrow roof pillars. Controls for the climate system and various safety systems are intuitively laid out. The cabin is nicely laid out and looks fetching when you pick the optional black-and-beige two-tone color scheme. The only downside is a noticeable bump where your lower back presses against the seat. Though the seat bottom is flat and there are no back angle adjustments, the standard position is pleasant enough. That said, we do like that the front passenger seat offers an eight-way adjustment most passenger seats in this class do not offer height, seat bottom tilt or lumbar adjustment. The seats themselves are narrow, and the headrest is set at a slightly aggressive angle, so you are forced into a very upright driving position. Seat comfort leaves a lot to be desired, however. The cabin is also fairly quiet, thanks in part to the GX's standard active noise-canceling system. Driving over large bumps can be unpleasant since they produce a lot of body motion, but there's no residual floatiness. The Encore GX rides comfortably and its well-tuned suspension reduces harshness from poorly paved streets.

While it's tuned well enough to not make you nauseated, the Encore GX is better suited for drama-free city commuting. Like most other extra-small SUVs, the Encore GX isn't much fun to drive on twisty mountain roads. The brake pedal is stiffer than you might expect, and stopping smoothly requires a bit of practice. Though ultimate acceleration won't blow your hair back, there's enough grunt under the hood to keep you moving with traffic without much issue. The Encore GX's available 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy. We hesitate to call the Encore GX an excellent value, but it is clear that you get what you pay for. With a starting MSRP in the mid-$20,000s, the Encore GX costs as much as fully loaded competitors, or about the same as larger SUVs such as the Honda CR-V.īut its interior design and materials quality are generally more upscale than what you'll find in its less expensive direct rivals, and its turbocharged engine feels relatively sprightly. Is the Encore GX a good value?īuick has positioned the Encore GX as a premium extra-small SUV. It is by far the superior vehicle thanks to its more robust set of features and more modern cabin design. Unless you absolutely can't stretch your budget, the Encore GX is the way to go here.

The Encore GX is slightly larger, and the two SUVs cost almost the same price. But rather than simply introducing a second-generation Encore, Buick has decided to name its successor the Encore GX and sell the two vehicles side by side. The current Encore has been on sale since 2013, which is a long time in car years.