Earlier this week, we exclusively reported that the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was headed to the 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show for its big North American debut. Now, we have another LA reveal to report – the 2020 Buick Encore GX.
The 2020 Buick Encore GX was unveiled alongside the second-generation “regular” Buick Encore in a joint debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. The Encore GX is slated to sell in both North America and China, while the new, second-gen “regular” Encore will be sold exclusively in China.
Meanwhile, the first-generation Buick Encore will be on sale in the U.S. for the foreseeable future, with the all-new Encore GX joining the lineup early next year. Check out our visual comparison between these two completely different vehicles here.
The Buick Encore GX rides on the VSS-F vehicle set platform and slots between the “regular” Buick Encore and Buick Envision in Buick’s model cadence, which makes it a “subcompact-plus” entry – that is, larger than a typical subcompact B-segment CUV, but smaller than a typical C-segment compact crossover.
As we covered previously, the U.S.-spec 2020 Buick Encore GX will offer two brand-new engines. Both powerplants are turbocharged inline three-cylinders – the 1.2L LIH and 1.3L L3T. Output ratings range up to 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 166 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm for the 1.2L LIH and 155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 174 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm for the 1.3L L3T.
As for the transmissions, the LIH will mate exclusively to the MRG CVT, while the more powerful L3T will mate to the MRG CVT in front-wheel-drive models, and the GM nine-speed automatic M3G in all-wheel-drive models.
Engine | Power (hp / kW @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft / NM @ RPM) | Transmission | Preferred FWD | Preferred AWD | Select FWD | Select AWD | Essence FWD | Essence AWD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.2L Turbo LIH | 137 / 102 @ 5000 | 166 / 220 @ 2500 | CVT | S | - | S | - | S | - |
1.3L Turbo L3T | 155 / 115 @ 5600 | 174 / 236 @ 1500 | CVT | - | - | A | - | A | - |
1.3L Turbo L3T | 155 / 115 @ 5600 | 174 / 236 @ 1500 | 9-Speed Automatic | - | S | - | S | - | S |
- S = Standard
- A = Available
- – Not Available
The 2019 Los Angeles International Auto Show is scheduled to kick off later this month. GM Authority will be on the scene to cover all the big debuts as they happen, so stay tuned. In the meantime, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Encore news, Buick news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
3 Cylinder and a CVT?
No thanks.
Exterior looks wise this looks to be a Home Run for Buick.
I want to see the interior as well.
Alex, the LIH is a 1.2L Turbocharged 3 cylinder and the L3T is a 1.35L Turbocharged 3 cylinder. Just for correction.
Well I’m glad they have a nine speed transmission for the all wheel drive they save themselves, because I wouldn’t of thought twice about buying one with the CVT.