Exploring the Buick Encores

We have a lot of people come to us wondering what the difference is between the Buick Encore and the Buick Encore GX, and it comes down to this: the Encore GX is a bit larger, has more luxury options, and more powerful engines available. There are some more details, of course, but those are some of the major highlights and things to consider if you’re not sure if you’d rather choose a used Buick Encore or a used Buick Encore GX. A common misconception is that the Encore GX is a trim of the Encore, but that is simply untrue. These are, in fact, two different and distinct models that only share some similarities.

While we love answering questions and working directly with our customers here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, we thought it might also be helpful to provide you with some answers to your Encore questions here to get you started. So let’s take a look at what each of these vehicles has to offer, so you can see for yourself exactly what some of the major differences between them are. Specifically, we are going to highlight the 2020 models to see how the two models are different in the context of the same production year.

The 2020 Buick Encore

To kick things off, let’s take a look at the 2020 Buick Encore and see everything it has to offer. This is a small luxury crossover SUV from Buick, with seating for up to five people and great overall functionality. A small model like this is a fantastic option if you want the performance and ease of use that comes with an SUV, but you don’t have room in your life for a midsize or large model. Inside the Encore, you get over 18 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seats, with more than 48 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front row of seating.

While front-wheel drive is standard with the Encore, all-wheel drive is available, and there is one engine offered on it. Fortunately, it’s a good one: a 1.4L DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 138 hp and up to 148 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for a small crossover like this. The engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for a very nice driving experience overall.

You have two trims to choose from with the Buick Encore, starting with the 1SV, which features an 8-inch infotainment display, a 6-speaker sound system, and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The 1SV also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, a 4-inch digital driver information center, keyless open, and standard single-zone air conditioning. If you choose the Preferred trim, then you get similar features with available all-wheel drive and great safety options that include signature LED daytime running lamps and 10 airbags located throughout the interior.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX

While the 2020 Buick Encore GX is also a small luxury crossover SUV, it has a number of features that push it beyond the standard Encore, including a bit more interior space. This is also a five-passenger model, which makes it an excellent choice for a modest or scaled down lifestyle. Inside a used Buick Encore GX, you’ll find more than 23 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row of seating, with more than 50 cu.ft. of total interior cargo space behind the first-row seats.

Unlike the other Buick Encore, the Encore GX has two different engines available for you to choose from. This means that when you look at a used Buick Encore GX, you might find either of these on it. The standard engine is an EcoTec 1.2L Turbo that offers up to 137 hp and up to 162 lb-ft of torque, with a continuously variable transmission for a smooth driving experience. You might also find the available EcoTec 1.3L Turbo engine on the Encore GX, which can provide up to 155 hp and up to 174 lb-ft of torque for impressive performance in a small SUV.

There are three different trims available for the GX, which is one more than the Encore, so when you look at different used Buick Encore GX models, you may find any of these available. The standard trim is the Preferred, which features front-wheel drive, the standard engine, and keyless, push-button start. You will also find an 8-inch infotainment system, 6-speaker sound system, a 6-way manual driver’s seat, and cloth seating with leatherette trim in the Preferred.

The Select trim also features front-wheel drive and the standard engine, though the more powerful 1.3L engine and all-wheel drive are available on it, so you can find some used models with higher performance. Great standard features on the Select include a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, 4-inch digital driver display, and dual-zone climate control. The Select also includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and a lane change alert with a side blind-zone alert standard.

Finally, there is the Essence trim, which features the same impressive options as the Select plus added luxury. The Essence has leather-appointed seating with LED headlamps and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. With the Essence, you’ll also find fantastic standard safety features, including lane keep assist with a lane departure warning, a forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator.

The Key Differences Between the Encores

So, as you can see, the Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX certainly have a lot in common, and if the only thing you know you want is a small, luxury crossover SUV, then either one is probably a great fit for you. With that in mind, let’s go over some specific differences between the two. This could be quite important if you’re looking at different models and find a used Buick Encore GX that you like the look of, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you.

The Encore GX is slightly larger than the Encore, particularly in terms of the interior, where you’ll get more cargo space inside the GX. This applies to both the area behind the rear seats and the overall cargo space behind the front-row seating. So if interior cargo space is a major concern for you, then a used Buick Encore GX is a great choice.

While both of these models are quite luxurious, the Encore GX has a bit more to offer. Just looking at standard features, high trims of the Encore GX include great leather touches, incredibly comfortable and adjustable seats, and dual-zone climate control rather than single-zone air conditioning. So, overall, the Buick GX offers a bit more luxury – and since you can select from different options when looking at used models, you’re more likely to find these kinds of impressive luxury features on a GX.

That being said, one final thing to consider is the price. A standard 2020 Buick Encore 1SV starts at $23,200 MSRP, while the Preferred trim starts at $24,600 when buying new. By comparison, the standard new 2020 Buick Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $24,100 MSRP, while the Select starts at $25,700 MSRP, and the Essence starts at $28,500 MSRP. So, while you’ll find used models at lower prices than new ones, a used Buick Encore GX will likely cost more than a comparable used Buick Encore.

Encore! Encore GX!

Whether you know exactly what used Buick Encore or Encore GX model you want, or you still have more questions, we can help. If you want that Buick luxury for an affordable price in a compact SUV, then the Encore or the Encore GX will be able to give you exactly what you need. Call or come visit us at 1470 Cherry Blossom Way in Georgetown today and let us help you find the perfect model for what you need.

Posted in Used Buick Dealersihp | No Comments »