Having introduced the Buick Encore GX for the 2020 model year, GM is looking for the all-new crossover to further solidify its already-dominant position in the subcompact crossover space. To that end, the 2020 Buick Encore GX offers plenty of safety technologies, driver assistance and convenience features, functionality and style tailored around the size and space preferences of buyers of vehicles in this space.
Indeed, the new Encore GX has quite a distinct exterior design that surely separates it from the original Encore. That design also differs moderately by trim level. So to detail exactly how each 2020 Buick Encore GX trim differs from the rest, we’ve compiled the following visual comparison.
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is offered in three trim levels. From base to range-topping, the three trims are:
Each trim level also offers the Sport Touring (ST) package, which modifies the look of the vehicle.
For the sake of consistency in our visual comparison, each trim level is finished in Summit White paint. Meanwhile, Encore GX ST models are shown in White Frost Tricoat, since the package is not available with the non-metallic Summit White paint.
Note that this comparison applies exclusively to the 2020 model-year Encore GX, though the 2021 model year remains retains the same appearance.
The front end of the all-new Buick Encore GX is differentiated by two elements: headlamps and front end accents.
The optional Sport Touring package introduces a custom grille with red accents as well as a unique lower fascia accent.
| Trim | Front End Accents | Headlamp |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred (1SB) | Anderson Silver | Halogen |
| Select (1SD) | Anderson Silver | Halogen |
| Essence (1SL) | Chrome | LED |
The 2020 Buick Encore GX side profile is differentiated by three core elements: roof rail availability and wheel finish.
2020 Buick Encore GX Essence
The optional Sport Touring package continues the trend of replacing the black lower body elements with body-color versions. On the side, it finishes the wheel well surrounds and lower door cladding in a body-color hue.
| Trim | Wheels | Roof Rails |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred (1SB) | 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum | Available |
| Select (1SD) | 18-inch machined aluminum with High Gloss Dark Android pockets | Standard |
| Essence (1SL) | 18-inch machined aluminum with High Gloss Dark Android pockets | Standard |
The 2021 Buick Encore GX rear end is differentiated by two elements: rear bumper accents and taillamp type.
The Encore GX ST, meanwhile, adds a body-color bumper treatment while also adding a visible, through-body exhaust configuration.
| Trim | Rear Bumper Accent | Taillamp Type |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred (1SB) | Anderson Silver | Halogen |
| Select (1SD) | Anderson Silver | Halogen |
| Essence (1SL) | Chrome | LED |
All Encore GX models feature black lower body accents, but there are two exceptions: the first is the Sport Touring package, which replaces the black treatment with body-color elements. The second exception is the Encore GX Essence finished in White Frost Tricoat and not equipped with the ST package. This particular trim and color combination equips the model with Anderson Silver lower body accents, as seen below:
2020 Buick Encore GX Essence in White Frost Tricoat
2020 Buick Encore GX Essence in White Frost Tricoat
2020 is the first model year for the all-new Buick Encore GX, which launched in the U.S. market in Q1 2020. For those unfamiliar with the model, it rides on the GM VSS-F platform, and is therefore not mechanically related to the Encore, which rides on the older Gamma 2 platform. The Encore GX slots between the Encore and larger Envision in the Buick crossover lineup.
The 2020 Buick Encore GX is assembled by GM Korea at the GM Bupyeong plant in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea for North America, and by GM China (SAIC) at the Dong Yue plant in Yantai, Shandong, China for the Chinese market. Units of the Encore GX are readily available in most regions nationwide at Buick dealers.
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View Comments
Hi Francisco,
Thank you for giving us the precise details that separate the trims of the Buick Encore! I didn't realize there are so many small things that change, and having those pictures side-by-side helps all of us to understand exactly how they alter the vehicle's exterior. For example, I've always liked the White Frost Tricoat color on Buicks, but I wasn't crazy about the small red grille accents on the Encore GX with the Sport Touring package. Having read your article, I now know the Encore GX - when in White Frost Tricoat and without the Sporting Touring package - won't have those red accents.
Well written article. For a small price difference I just bought the select awd version. Had the safety features I wanted and that made it a better choice than the preferred. Withecsafey features fancier wheels handle above doors and returns arm rest.Got it for 4k less than msrp in Minneapolis.
HEY GM NO more imports assemble it in AMERICA the hell with is globe crap