Buick Encore vs. Buick Encore GX: Visual Comparison
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Earlier this year, GM unveiled the new 2020 Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX in a joint debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. The all-new Buick Encore “regular” is meant for China only, while the Encore GX will be sold in both North America and in China. Meanwhile here in the States, the current, first-generation Buick Encore will remain on sale for the foreseeable future, and it will be joined by the all-new Encore GX early next year. As such, we’re taking a moment to compare the first-gen Buick Encore to the upcoming Buick Encore GX with regard to exterior styling.
To note, these two vehicles are completely different, despite the nameplate.
Dimensionally speaking, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is larger than the first-gen Buick Encore, with a longer wheelbase, in addition to being longer and wider overall, while being slightly lower. As a result, we’ve deemed the GX a “subcompact plus” model, given it’s a bit larger than a typical subcompact (B-segment) CUV but still smaller than a traditionally-sized C-segment compact crossover.
Under the skin, the standard Encore utilizes the GM Gamma 2 vehicle platform, while the Buick Encore GX is built on the VSS-F vehicle set. Meanwhile, the second-gen 2020 Buick Encore slated for the Chinese market is built on the GEM vehicle platform, and will not make it stateside.
With that covered, let’s take a gander at what visual differences we can find between these two models.
First-gen Buick Encore
2020 Buick Encore GX
The 2020 Buick Encore GX adopts the brand’s all-new design direction. Up front, it features a completely new design, with reshaped headlamp housings, a new grille, new fog lights, and a new lower fascia as well. The look emphasizes the crossover’s horizontal plane far more than the rounded first-gen model, and the deeper, stretched-out intakes lend it more modern flair as well. Up top, we find a familiar character line running down the center of the hood.
First-gen Buick Encore
2020 Buick Encore GX
From the front three-quarter view, the new Buick Encore GX appears to offer a more SUV-esque stance compared to the first-gen model, with a longer hoodline and squarer front section. Deeper character lines run underneath the window line, drawing back from the reshaped headlamps.
First-gen Buick Encore
2020 Buick Encore GX
The profile view emphasizes the new Buick Encore GX’s size increase even further, especially around the lengthened C-pillar and roofline. The fenders look squarer as well, and we’re liking that new rear fender character line crease. Plastic body components once again line the lower sections and fenders.
First-gen Buick Encore
2020 Buick Encore GX
The rear three-quarter view reveals the Buick Encore GX’s move away from the hatchback-like proportions of the first-gen model, and looks to emphasize the upper window line thanks to some prominent chrome trim. Don’t forget the roof spoiler seen on both models.
First-gen Buick Encore
2020 Buick Encore GX
Finally, the rear fascia is completely different with the Buick Encore GX, featuring new taillamp housings, a new rear bumper, new rear glass and wider character lines throughout. The license plate was also moved lower into the fascia.
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Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for this detailed comparison. It makes it very easy to see the differences between the Encore and the Encore GX. It kind of makes me wish Buick had chosen a completely different name for the GX (especially because they are keeping the old Encore in production in the USA) to make this launch really stand-out.
While a good seller for Buick. Encore’s are piling up on dealer lots. Time to drop the old Encore and focus on the GX.
From what I’m seeing, there isn’t much of a difference in days to turn August to September.
And in light of the strike, having healthy inventory of an in-demand product is not a bad thing… maybe it’s even a good thing the Encore is made in Korea.
It is made in Michigan but parts come from Korea.
Alex, I also see it is built in GM Bupyeong plant which is the Korea that you mentioned. Interesting because in 2017, they idled the Sonic plant in Michigan because of the higher demand for the Encore in production.
@Joe B.
Where are you seeing this? In the LA area where I live, I’ve actually been looking for a 2019 or the 2020 and have found the dealers out here seem rather low on inventory. Heck, I can’t find the exact model/trim/options I want in the 2019’s, so I’m trying to find it in the 2020. No luck. Now I’m trying to find a dealer who will order what I want. Talk about a total joke! Nobody out here wants anything to do with ordering a car. All they want to do is sell you what is sitting there.
Reason why I’m looking is because I love my 2018 and normally trade every two years. I was super excited about the all new Encore GX until I found out it will have the CVT trans. NO WAY. Thus I’m looking for a really great deal on a 2019 or to get (prefer) the 2020. I feel that keeping the “old” one around for a few years is a great idea personally.
We had a 2015, now own a 2018 and s 2019…all Encore Essence. My 2018 gets much better gas mileage than my wife’s 2019, and the real time mileage read-out makes it even better. Why was this feature dropped? I figure that when I retire my 2018, I might have to search for a low mileage 2018 to replace it if I cannot find a newer Buick or Caddy compact SUV with the features l love.
There seems to be a lot in the midwest. I live in northern Illinois and am considering one to replace my Sonic and a local dealer in Gurnee has about 30, and like most they will do dealer trades. I like the look of the upcoming model but don’t mind the current one either. What I don’t want is the larger GX size because its size would take up too much space in my garage as it would share the space with a motorcycle. I bought my Sonic hatch specifically for its small size and the current Encore would work being built on the same platform though 8-9″ longer. I to do not want a CVT either, but those are starting to be more common nowadays. I hear there will only be the standard 1.4L engine and not the higher output start/stop engine. I would like to find out more information on the engine offering/s for 2020 on the current platform model.
That smaller Chinese 2020 model not coming to the states would have been nice!
Great article. Thanks. Any chances of getting this for the interior? Engine? Trans? Kind of cool seeing them in a side by side comparison.
Buick Encore (current) = Chevrolet Trax.
Buick Encore (new in China) = Chevrolet Tracker.
Buick Encore GX = Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Buick Encore 1.4L four turbo.
Buick Encore GX 1.0L and 1.4L three cylinder turbo.
I guess there is only one 1.4L engine for the US for 2020. The higher horse power version seems to have been dropped?
Have they released any information on what the exterior color options will be?
Anything that makes my wife happy…Apparently it is the 2019 Buick Encore Essence. …….But I am scared to death!!! We just purchased a Brand New Discontinued engine that the dealership didn’t disclose to us. My wife had a 2015 Lacrosse, That would be paid off April 2021 as she turns 65, and able to retire and be home with me as that is what I long for. She is the best person that I have ever known. I have NEVER heard her say a harsh word about anyone in 40 yrs……I loved the Lacrosse, but I rarely drove it. I learned at a young age not to borrow anything that I can’t afford to buy. She drove it 48 miles round trip a day to and from work. Absolutely a wonderful piece of equipment with only 47,000 miles on it. With the proper maintenance (the dealership is the only place it has been maintained) the V-6 engine in this model is on a “top10 list” for going 250,000 miles. She just spent $1,200 for new (20,s) tires, As we dropped the car off for a noise in the R/front hub bearing that ended up being replaced at 47,000 miles, she spotted the White Encore Essence (same color as the Lacrosse) then traded the Lacrosse on one with with the 1.4ltr turbo charged engine, that equals 85.4 cubic inches, 24.6 C.I. less than my 2014 motorcycle. From what I am reading they are putting 3 cylinder engines in the 2020, I am older now and physically disabled (ashamed to mention that) and have to trust other people to do my Mechanical work for me. I am a Class A Mack Truck Mechanic. I could build one from headlights to tail lights, eventually worked in a automobile shop after that. I had a F-150, 90,000 miles w/towing package 5.8ltr (351 C.I.)….oil and trans cooler etc, that the Shop I dealt with for many years and spent many thousands of $$$$ on different vehicles, put intakes gaskets ($2,700) on it plus new Radiator, hoses etc. I am anal and have the need for things to be as “Perfect as possible”. 138 miles later, the first time I drive somewhere other than 35mph to the pharmacy, the lifters started rattling. I was on the James River Bridge with nowhere to pull off. Got the truck back to the shop, opened the hood, the owner of the 12 bay garage (started with 2 bays) walked in and told the first service writer to send someone a mile down to the Ford Dealership and get the right damn oil filter for it!!!!! When they changed the oil it looked like a 1970’s metal flake paint job. Ruined!!! and they didn’t stand behind it. Big Trucks have been my life. I Just gave up my Class A license to drive tractor trailers after 44 yrs. Point being, whatever makes my wonderful wife Happy.
My CONCERN is why GM discontinued the 153 hp engine (didn’t but 12% of buyers go for that engine in 2018) just as we purchased the vehicle. As I stood out in the rain (after doing all of the paperwork) the salesman was orientating my wife with the operation of everything, I noticed the little plastic removable square on the front bumper. I immediately went inside and ask the sales manager where the vehicle was manufactured. Not our first vehicle from this dealership….He looked at me quite surprised and with a lengthy pause…….it looked like it almost hurt him as I inquired as to where the vehicle was produced……after another long pause…..he stated Indonesia, by this time (after already finalizing the deal) I was in shock!!! Unable to process this, as Buick is the Oldest American Made Automobile Manufacturer just as Harley Davidson is to the American Motorcycle Industry. Buick is a true American icon. If I had known that she was buying a Suzuki, Daiwoo, GM Asia vehicle I don’t know if I would have made the purchase. Skip forward to 2,241 miles later and my wife absolutely LOVES this little vehicle. Only time will tell, and after driving it myself….WOW! I was and still am surprised at the quality of the build, the quiet ride. The only vehicle that I can hear my wife talk on the phone.
Raising three children, my wife had a slew of used vehicles. I walked 4 miles everyday to work. As time passed in our wonderful life together I wanted her to have the best that “We couldn’t afford”, the Lacrosse cost $3,000 less than our little 3 bedroom brick home cost in 1984 which was $49,950 that we still live in….Old people Ramble, my apologizes: Even after all of that I pray that she gets good service from her……Daiwoo!!!!! LOL! I have as much faith in this one now as I did with the Lacrosse.
Nice story even if it were a little long winded, Lol. I also got the 2019 Essence with the AWD start/stop and think it is indeed a great vehicle regardless of its origin. They were designed in Europe and are very popular being built by Opel called the Mokka. In Britain they are also called Mokka sold by Vauxhall. The bigger 1.4L was mated with the start/stop and was used in other vehicles including the Chevrolet Cruze. Engines come and go so who really knows the reason. They could have committed this engine to Holden or someone else? My parents had an 1969 Impala, 1976 LaSabre, 1983 Riviera, 1991Regal, in that order.
“Old People Ramble”, Thank you David. You are not the first person to tell me that I get “long winded”…….I wished to thank you for your HONESTY, truly refreshing!……I can’t stress that point enough. I am truly Grateful to be here after some of the lifesaving procedures I’ve had.
That is the only time that I have “ever” written a comment on the computer. I would like to apologize to everyone as I realize this isn’t a proper place for my comments. Just Sittin’ here by myself. As you get older your circle of “Friends” gets smaller. My inbox consist of two emails today…..Sirius Radio and the GM news letter…lol. No spam though. Thanks again David. If need be email address is [email protected]. I would be very surprised to receive anything that isn’t computer generated…..
No reason to apologize for the post. Oh, I am sure you are but make sure you are using Top Tier brand gas in your Direct Injection engine. The additives with Top Tier brands will help keep your valve train clean which would otherwise carbon up leading to poor gas mileage, fuel injector clogs, and potentially other issues. The owners manual advises it was well!
Thank you Sir, I just sent Brenda (My wonderful wife) a text saying not to put gas in the vehicle today when she leaves work.
I use BP 93 octane in the 2 wheeler. They never did fill the vehicle up at the time of purchase. Nor did they mention 93 octane. I ask her to read the manual, but you know how that went. Having the Lacrosse made the Encore easy to operate because 95% of everything worked (almost) the same. LONG WINDED…..I know???
In 2007 we purchased a Nissan Maxima that required Top Tier fuel but this information wasn’t disclosed to us at the time of purchase. As you well know Premium gas went to over $4 per gallon…..at that time my wife traded it in on (what I told her) the ugliest car that had ever been made…….A 2008 PRIUS!….. Well! She drove that car longer than any she had before or since. It was the best car we ever had, never cost us a penny except regular service. 100,000 miles and not even a brake pad (I understand the regenerative properties and why it was so easy on the brakes). My pregnant daughter in law needed to be somewhere out in the country and we already had 6 inches of snow and my wife tells me to take the Prius!……WHAT!!! Me having my 4×4, I as a “MAN” was having no part of that! Well…….after a few tries to get my auto locking hubs to lock but to no avail I got in the ugliest vehicle made. I had my scanner and all of the emergency vehicles were requesting wreckers and chains. The Prius went up hills that 4×4’s weren’t getting up. We have video of this. I am hoping that the Encore will act as well with just the front wheel drive……I really don’t know. If the AWD had been available I would have purchased it.
I thank you for the info.
It is odd to see the automotive industry finally doing things that Mack Trucks was doing over half century ago…..Direct Injection, turbo’s, squirters to lubricate wrist pins and cool the pistons, blah, blah, blah. We did everything, our own head work, boring etc. In our throw away society nowadays shops just buy new ones. We pray that your day goes well.
Thankk you.
Yes, Toyota does not make the prettiest cars, Lol. A lot of those big 4X4 trucks have the wrong tires for snow. They maybe good in mud but ice and snow conditions are different. My 2-wheel drive S10 with Firestone snow tires is great in snow conditions, though I don’t like to drive it in the winter because it is a limited addition sport model and I only put about 1,000 miles on it a year.
As far as the Top Tier gas goes BP, Mobile, Shell, Amoco (Standard), etc., are the ones to use. Here is a link to the brands:
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/
The octane doesn’t make the Top Tier difference, its the brand that sells it and the additives that they add that are important. Some people like to use mid or high grade gas but I just use regular unleaded per owners manual.
Again thank you Sir. My wife has been in the grocery business for 40 yrs, not having a college degree she isn’t an actual manager (meaning she doesn’t get “Managers” income) but her title has Manager in it. At this point in her career she is the HR Manager for 2 Kroger stores. I know, long winded, point being that I take around 19 pills a day and they give us fuel points….we have actually gotten over $! off per gallon multiple times. With my $!,500 monthly income every penny helps. We are in the Communist State of Virginia and if not mistaken I think Kroger gets their gas from Shell where we are…IDK!
I did misunderstand earlier as you could tell, thinking that I was going to have to purchase 93 octane…WHEW! I also had a 1989 S-10 2 wheel drive that use to take my neighbors to the grocery store when their vehicles wouldn’t make it in the snow. It had the ….2.8 v-6 if I remember correctly. We got it used and it wasn’t to long after the drivers side head gasket started leaking. It was the first time in my life I got paid to work on my own vehicle as I had 3 vacation days coming and the shop I worked at let me use my bay to fix it. Some how looking back I find that somewhat amusing, don’t know why. I have always tried to keep my wife in as new of a vehicle as we could afford with her carrying the rug ra.…..children most of the time. My last personal new truck was a 1987 f-350. Blah Blah Blah…..I have owned 8 different 4×4’s but never one that had the suspensions altered….Thank you for occupying my afternoon, this one finger typing is slow, proof reading even slower. I will still miss something spelling wise. I have literally spent an entire day trying to send an email….God Bless
Morning David, hope that you are well.
Why does my reply to Derek’ December 10 message not appear?
RE: CVT engine, I just read where that is the standard for the Encore GX FWD model but the AWD is the 9 speed transmission, did I get that from a reliable source?
That is correct.
I pray that everyone is well. It has been over a year now with the wife’s Encore……..No complaints.
FYI…..can only get 26 mpg on interstate.
If you are still on this forum David , I pray that all is well.