2020 Buick Encore Drops Cladding In New Spy Pictures
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We’ve previously seen mules of the all-new 2020 Buick Encore undergoing testing both in the U.S. and in South Korea. Those units we wearing some heavy cladding to cover up the body, but our spy photographers just caught up to a prototype model that traded its heavy black camo for a tight-fitting checkered wrap, giving us our best look at Buick’s second-generation B-segment crossover SUV.
One look at this 2020 Buick Encore prototype and it’s clear that the new model will be only slightly larger than the current, first-generation vehicle. Despite the presence of a longer wheelbase, this CUV will remain a subcompact offering. Even so, the second-gen model appears to be better executed that the first-gen, with various details that deliver a more elegant appearance.
One of the areas that achieves that very goal is a cleaner, more natural execution of the A-pillar, particularly the cutlines around the area.
In addition, this prototype swaps the pedestal-style mirrors to a more traditional side-arm configuration. The change really improves the appearance of the small vehicle, giving it a more grown-up, cohesive look. By comparison, the current model’s pedestal-style mirrors gave off somewhat of a cartoonish vibe.
In addition, the side-window-profile of this 2020 Buick Encore prototype remains quite similar to that of the current model, while giving off the feeling of being somewhat longer and more substantial.
The single exhaust outlet of the current model appears to have been replaced with a unit tucked under the vehicle, disguising the outlet altogether.
We should also note that this tester is running with placeholder headlights and taillights, so we shouldn’t rush to any conclusions surround the lighting elements just yet.
About 2020 Buick Encore
Expected for the 2020 model year, the next Buick Encore will represent the second generation of the Encore nameplate. The first-generation model was developed primarily for European markets by GM’s ex-subsidiary, Opel, while the second-gen model is being developed by GM in North America and Korea for sale exclusively in North America and China.
The 2020 Buick Encore will ride on new GM Vehicle Set. In fact, we expect the 2020 Buick Encore to be one of three new crossovers to launch General Motors’ Vehicle Set Strategy – with the other two being the 2020 Chevy Trax and the forthcoming subcompact GMC crossover, whose name we have yet to find out (but expect to be 2020 GMC Granite). Exactly which Vehicle Set will underpin the next Encore is currently unknown, but we’d wager that it will be either VSS-S (for crossover SUVs) or VSS-F (for front-drive models).
Despite some reports stating that the new Encore will see a substantial growth in size, we believe that 2020 Encore dimensions will remain relatively close to those of the current model, as it will slot beneath the compact Buick Envision and expected Buick Enspire in the Tri Shield brand’s crossover lineup.
Under the hood, expect to find one or two turbo-charged, small-displacement four-cylinder engines mated to either a 6-speed automatic, 9-speed automatic, or perhaps even a CVT.
Expect Buick’s Encore to be revealed at some point over the next 8-12 months, and launch in the 2019 calendar year as a 2020 model.
About Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It slots below the Envision as Buick's smallest CUV and rides on the GM Gamma 2 platform shared most directly with the Chevrolet Trax; a variant of the architecture is also shared with the Chevrolet Sonic/Aveo. The model was Buick's first offering in the subcompact (B segment) crossover space.
Having launched for the 2013 model year in the U.S., the Trax received a refresh for the 2017 model year that consisted of all-new front and rear fascias, an updated interior, a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and more.
The 2018 Buick Encore represents the fifth model year of the first-generation Encore. The model receives several changes including one new exterior color, a cabin ionizer, capless fuel fill, and several package-level changes. The 2019 Encore got two new exterior colors, the deletion of the Preferred II (1SD) and Premium (1SN) trim levels, and a new Safety Package called Safety Package II. The 2020 model is expected to be the last model year of the current, first-generation Encore before an all-new, second-generation model arrives.
The Buick Encore is produced at the following GM plants:
- GM Bupyeong factory in Bupyeong-Gu, South Korea operated by GM Korea supplying North America
- GM Dongyue South in Yantai, Shandong, China operated by GM China and SAIC supplying China
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Buick Encore
- Running GM sales results
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- Running Buick Encore sales results
- Running Buick sales results
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This is a much better look for the Encore as sales are starting to drop. Many competitors in this class. I hope GM prices it well. This would be a great platform to come out with an EV version like the Hyundai Kona EV which looks like a Bolt beater. All 3 divisions need this platform to be a hit. I just wish it was made in the US also.
Thank you very much Alex, for GM Authority keeping up on Buick, including the NG Encore, the Enspire concept and production vehicle, and the Envoy. I appreciate it and applaud you and other contributors for the coverage! Is it believed that Buick will keep the Regal or will it be dropped like LaCrosse and Cascada? (If the Regal is kept, maybe Buick’s plans are for any remaining cars to start with the letter “R”? Riviera, anyone?)
Where’s the Hybrid? GM is overdue on the small SUV electric category.
There should be enough volume on this and the Trax to justify North American production.
That’s cool how the cones are carved into the fake cladding for those front sensors.
Directing the prototype disguises is probably a relatively fun job.
I think it’s funny how they have what appears to be a fuel filler door cutout on both the left and right sides of the Encore, as if they can’t let anybody know yet which side you’ll fill up your gas tank.
Sometimes you have to wonder what the point of hiding the design is? Couldn’t Buick show a model or two and determine reaction to it before committing to it?
Woulda been a great idea with the new Chevy Silverado HD.
………and the new Camaro’s
Interesting that Alex provided reference photos of the current model. They were most helpful in identifying what’s new which looks to be not much.
I was watching YouTube videos from a classic car dealer in Michigan the other night. They buy and resale low mileage mostly original cars from the mid-to-late 20th Century. Most of them are from GM and it is amazing what that company did in the Bill Mitchell era in terms of design. There are so many stunning designs that I’d be hard pressed to pick a top ten from the 1960 to 1980 era when he reigned. To have watched the videos of all those cars and then to look at modern era products like this future Buick makes one wonder if they will ever be coveted or collected. I also wonder why they camo these things (new CUVs) as they’re really all alike.
Consider though a 1962 Corvette and a 1963 Corvette. The new one was radically different as was the 1968 that replaced the ’63 design. I can totally see why GM would’ve hid these new designs. They wanted to rock the world as they did…..twice in the 1960s with Corvette designs. Consider also the stunning transformation between a 1969 Camaro and a 1970. That Italianesque second generation Camaro, and the companion Firebird remains to this day simply gorgeous. The 1963 Riviera which is often lauded as one of the world’s best looking cars and then some eight years later, the boat-tail 1971 design that shared nothing with the original. I like them both and both were risky designs. The 1975 Cadillac Seville that set a standard which all GM sedans eventually copied but then five years later, the 1980 Seville was unbelievably different. The 1966 Toronado was a landmark car and from its mechanicals came the now classic 1967 Eldorado; both are celebrated designs. There are many more. Even the maligned Corvair had great design in its second generation penned by Mitchell. Where did the company that continually pushed the envelope, continually shocked and surprised everyone go?
This Encore will look mostly like the one for sale now which looks mostly like what was for sale five years ago which looks mostly like everything everyone else sells. It would’ve been great to have lived in GM’s heyday when new cars generated true excitement.
Sorry for the attempted hijack but there’s just not much else to say.
One man ruined this once great company. ROGER SMITH!
It looks like you can see an outline of a full width taillight like the one on the ensoire concept. You can also see the outline of it on the upcoming midsize Buick too. It looks like a ledge across the tailgate below the rear window.
Ci2Eye, I remember when the 1966 Toronado was in the showroom of the Oldsmobile dealer in my hometown. They had it under a white sheet – as you wrote, the design of a new car or model was a big deal! I also recall that they had donuts and cider the night of the unveiling and gave away a 7″ recording of astronaut John “Shorty” Powers talking about the Toronado. Obviously it made an impression on me!
most GM models are good looking but look at some of those models from japan can cause your eyes too hurt – ugly- What every changes they will made to the Encore should only be one BULIT IIT IN THE USA why is demented MARY making foreigners work and AMERICAN’S laid off ???
you’ve got to be kidding….the idea of any manufacturer is to make a profit not to go broke-
Curious about how different Encore and Mokka will be? Opel was a great help to GM in North America and China. Selling instead of restructuring the brand was a mistake. Enen Opel as a GM/PSA JV might have been a successful option allowing for a major partnership with the interference of the French government.