2020 Encore AWD Review

The latest addition to Buick's crossover family is the 2020 Encore GX, a compact SUV that slots between its subcompact Encore sibling and the more spacious Envision. With its small but mighty engine options, this new utility promises to bring excitement to enthusiasts. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the AWD trim, specifically the 1.3-liter I3 turbo combo with a CVT.

First impressions are that the tiny-turbo seems to deliver maximum power throughout the track without feeling overworked. The engine noise is well-muted, and the CVT does an impressive job of fooling you into thinking it's a traditional smooth-shifting automatic. However, this comes at a cost: our tester took 8.7 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is a tenth slower than its smaller Encore counterpart with a larger 1.4-liter engine.

Despite feeling peppy on the street and having enough torque to induce wheel spin at launch, the overall track experience was less than thrilling. The AWD system does come into play, but it's not enough to mask the lack of excitement provided by this tiny turbocharged engine.

One notable feature is the CVT transmission, which replaces the traditional 9-speed automatic only on the all-wheel-drive trim with the 1.3-liter engine. If you opt for front-wheel drive, you'll get a CVT instead. The base engine is a 137-horsepower 1.2-liter I3 turbo, while the upgrade option is a 155-horsepower and 174 lb-ft 1.3-liter I3 turbo.

It's clear that Buick has made an effort to cater to its growing customer base of SUV enthusiasts, who now make up almost 90% of their sales. The brand didn't even have a single SUV in their lineup as recently as the 2002 model year, and it's no surprise they're eager to expand their offerings.

In conclusion, while the 2020 Encore GX AWD may not be the most thrilling ride, its small but mighty engine options promise to deliver excitement for enthusiasts. With its well-muted engine noise and smooth-shifting CVT transmission, this compact SUV is an attractive option for those looking for a fun-to-drive utility that won't break the bank.

2020 encore awd review