2020 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX is available in three trims, with the cheapest model being the Preferred. This model comes standard with a 1.2-liter engine and a CVT that powers the front wheels. It starts at $24,100 before a $995 destination charge. The Select trim starts at $25,700 and comes with the same powertrain choices, just like the top Essence trim which starts at $28,500. If you want all-wheel-drive on any of these models, it'll cost an extra $2,000, but that requires you to opt for the available larger engine by default. Fully loaded, you're looking at around $38,000 before any incentives.

The Encore GX's engine lineup may not be its strong suit but it makes up for this shortcoming with agility and easy drivability. The steering is light and effortless, making it easy to navigate the Encore GX around even the tightest of parking lots, though the turning circle could be a bit tighter. We certainly weren't expecting much of a sporty experience from the Encore GX but it feels spry enough to not be boring from behind the wheel. Body roll is not too disconcerting and once the suspension leans in through a corner, the Encore GX is actually rather enjoyable to pilot with higher momentum. The cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds, maintaining the ambiance fit for a luxury vehicle.

To keep the Encore GX at a price point though, Buick had to cut corners somewhere and the ride comfort has suffered slightly as a result. The front strut suspension feels adequate but the rear torsion beam creates a jouncy ride for anyone sitting in the back seat. Most roads will feel perfectly fine but the Encore GX tends to get a bit hoppy over rougher surfaces. Even with only the front wheels driven, there isn't enough power to get more than a tiny chirp from the front wheels, so you can always put down the power when you need it. Most of Buick's driver-assist features feel run-of-the-mill but the Encore GX is packed with some standout features including a self-park feature that can handle parallel and perpendicular spots. This feature is more than just a party trick, it actually works and can be engaged quickly with minimal notice.

The regular Buick Encore is one of those vehicles you'd be interested in renting for a short trip but would never consider buying. With this new Encore GX, Buick has learned how to entice more than just a rental fleet customer. Buick has struggled to attract younger customers for years now but the Encore GX looks like a stellar tool to finally bring some new blood to the brand. It features outstanding infotainment and driver assist technology packaged in an attractive body with a clean and spacious interior.

So long as speed is not at all important to you and imperfect ride quality is not a deal-breaker, we could strongly recommend the Buick Encore GX as an excellent way to get into a subcompact luxury crossover at a mainstream price. More powerful European options like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40 cost more in entry-level form than a well-optioned Encore GX and can be equipped to the point where you could have bought two Buicks instead. The Buick Encore GX may be far from faultless but we believe it acts as a great new entry point to the brand. We wish Buick would have given its new product its own unique name but perhaps the company wanted to capitalize on the familiarity of the Encore name. Just skip the regular Encore and get the GX.

The mid-level Select trim is a good-value buy, with features like heated front seats, remote start, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. We'd spec the more powerful engine but stick with front-wheel-drive, thus giving you the best possible power and fuel economy. To this, we'd add the Advanced Technology package with its adaptive cruise control, SiriusXM, navigation, a head-up display, rear parking sensors, and a hands-free power liftgate. You also get a high-definition surround-view camera here, thus making the GX a safe and convenient runaround.

Is the Encore GX worth paying extra for over its diminutive sibling? Well, the price difference is less than a thousand dollars when comparing base models, and power output is almost identical, with the GX having 14 lb-ft more. The regular Encore has a decent interior design that isn't outdated at all and looks very similar to that of the GX, but the GX shines in the cargo department, offering up to 50.2 cubic feet while the regular Encore only manages 48.4. That's not a huge difference though, but in the cabin, the slightly increased size of the GX makes for better passenger comfort. In addition, the GX is arguably better to look at and comes standard with features like forward collision alert and lane keep assist. Besides safety, many of the base features are similar, but for such a small premium, it's worth opting for the bigger GX.

The Lexus UX is one of the more premium offerings in this segment and that is reflected in the price, with the base 200 FWD model starting at $32,100 versus the Encore GX's $24,100. The UX comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, and while both the exterior and the interior show off a truly stylish and premium aesthetic, the Lexus also has features like LED headlights, power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and dynamic cruise control as standard. The Lexus is certainly a more premium vehicle in the infotainment department too, with Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice control as standard. It also gets the option of a 10.3-inch infotainment display and an eight-speaker sound system, but the operation of the system is not as intuitive as that of the Buick. Overall, you'll get more with the Lexus, but you also pay more for that premium style, and in this segment, bang for buck almost always wins.