How The 2020 Buick Encore GX Stacks Up In Its Segment

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1. 

   Though the Encore was small enough to get along without rear seat vents, the Encore GX looks more upscale and should have vents for rear seat passengers including dogs.
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2. 

   Imagine paying 38k for a 3 cylinder vehicle with a fraction of the horsepower as the competition… tough sell. I feel bad for the Buick sales department, it would be so embarrassing trying to justify that kind of a price tag to an educated consumer. Just ludicrous that GM thinks that is a competitive sticker price. The Audi Q3 starts at 36k with a 2.0t and DCT not to mention the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA which both start around 38k and offer 2.0t and DCTs. I don’t know who would buy a subpar Chevy trying to pass off as luxury… wtf is GM even doing right now?
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   1. 

      You’d have to be a moron to pay over $30k for this thing.
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3. 

   Some people on here say the darndest things. Go to the highest possible price instead of the realistic price and then say “a fraction of the horsepower as the competition”. From the article:

   2020 Buick Encore GX Turbo 1.3L 155 / 116 @ 5,600 174 / 236 @ 1,600
   2020 Mazda CX-30 2.5L I-4 186 / 139 @ 6,000 186 / 252 @ 4,000
   2020 Honda HR-V 1.8L I-4 141 / 105 @ 6,500 127 / 172 @ 4,300
   2020 Toyota C-HR 2.0L I-4 144 / 107 @ 6,100 139 / 188 @ 3,900

   Clearly, as we can all see, the Buick (according to some) is only a “fraction” of the HP and torque. haha. The ONLY one of the other three I included above that has more in HP and torque is his beloved Mazda brand. However, the Mazda has no turbo, hits the HP number at 400 more RPM and the torque number at a whopping 2,400 RPM more than the Buick.

   Sound to me like someone needs to move over to the Mazda/import brand blogs.

   On another note, I am surprised to see the Trailblazer is a little longer overall with a 1.7″ longer wb than the Buick. And yet the Buick is heavier. I’m guessing the more sound insulation and more features add to the heavier car.
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   1. 

      I’ll say whatever I want, wherever I want, homie. That’s what’s great about America. Thanks for the suggestion though.

      I do follow other automotive blogs because I appreciate all engineering ,not just American companies. I would prefer to buy American for my next vehicle but GM seems to be trying to make that more and more difficult.

      It terms of what I compared it too… The price points overlap, so it’s only logical to make that comparison to the 2.0t of the German makes. Also the Crosstrek will have a 2.5 in 2021. You also failed to acknowledge the 1.6t in the Hyundais and Kias that makes substantially more power than the 1.3t, it’s convenient how you omit facts that don’t support your blind GM favoritism.
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      1. 

         Three things. First, you do whatever you wish. Second, don’t call me homie. Learn some respect.

         Lastly, I don’t need to put the entire list the article already had in my post. I made my point and everyone can go back to the chart to compare others.
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         1. 

            I wasn’t asking for permission, but thanks. Your blessing to exercise my rights really means the world to me.
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            1. 

               What is it in your life that causes you to be so angry? I truly feel bad for you.
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               1. 

                  I’m not angry, I just don’t think other people should tell me what I can and can’t say. I have a great life, but thank you for your concern. I hope you have a great life, too. Life is too short to waste it feeling bad for me.
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         2. 

            I guess I don’t understand your car rating system. I have the GX with the 3turbo engine and it takes off at the stop sign with the rest of the cars,in fact my car is first. On the expressway I hit 70 with no problem and I get 31/32 miles per gallon. The best part the car is very quite inside. Now l’ll be first to omit no burning rubber but who wants to change tires every 25000miles. Let start rating cars by the average driver, not some paid driver!
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      2. 

         Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the point you are making (which you’ve said in previous posts) — for the price point $20-25 g’s the 3-cylinder is on point, but for $30-35 g’s an upgrade small 4 cylinder engine is in order. Most of the competition has a better engine.
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         1. 

            I’m about to get more thumbs down for just pointing out the obvious. But yeah, I mean the 3 cylinder is ok for 25k. I still don’t think it’s the best value in the class by any means, but if optioned appropriately I could see the appeal for some buyers. As far as spending over 25k on this vehicle or the trailblazer… dunno who would do that. Especially when GM is giving away the Trax right now for like 17k new. No surprise that the Trax is the best seller in the segment at that price point. It is certainly dated though, I’m pretty sure the Trax doesn’t even feature direct injection.

            I think the sales numbers kind of speak for themselves, the GX and Trailblazer are definitely off to a pretty slow start. Both selling around 3000 units per month so far. When the Kona and Seltos sales are totaled the GM combined sales of the GX and TB are lagging pretty far behind. Buick GX sales are also lagging a little behind the CX-30. I guess we’ll see if the sales of these new GM AWD offerings grab more of the market during the winter months, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

            I’m just hoping GM is kind of testing the waters with this new platform because it would be a shame to waste such a well designed vehicle. I was really impressed with the styling, handling, and interior, but the drivetrain was such a letdown. If given a 1.6t or 2.0t a 30k+ price tag would be justifiable.
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            1. 

               Check out the other article today indicating how well the Trailblazer is selling even though it is not fully available yet. It is very likely the Trailblazer will outsell all the whale killers once it is up to full availability.
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   2. 

      But have you seen this thing in person? I was interested in the GX until I did. That 3 cylinder bumps, shakes & rattles like a mofo, even at idle. Compare this harsh thing to any Japanese or Korean (or German) 4 cylinder. There is much more to a luxury car motor than the hp/torque ratings. I can just imagine that these things are going to start blowing up at 50-60k miles if not earlier. Another major misstep by GM in my book.
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   3. 

      I agree with your post 100%. I bought the GX 3 cylinder with 155 hp. It’s peppy and slightly better gas mileage than the four banger Encore and a few other offerings. Course I am a mature adult, not a kid that make stupid statements like some people on this thread.
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   4. 

      I agree with your post. Some just have to badmouth everything. I have the encore GX with 155 hp 3 cylinder and it outperforms some four-cylinder engines. So I have no problem with that. The ride is good, it is Peppy in is acceleration onto the highway and has a lot of upgraded safety sensors. Perhaps those that badmouth this vehicle should take a test drive first before they make a comment.
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4. 

   The problem with the Encore GX is the same problem that the base Malibu, Equinox, Terrain, XT4, and Trailblazer have. Just not enough engine.

   And I’m not touching a 3 cylinder under any circumstance.
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   1. 

      100% agreement with you, I would never even consider purchasing any vehicle with a 3 cylinder engine.
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5. 

   3 cylinder that the encore gx uses is not enough. My advice is to go and take a test drive. Be honest about the power. It’s just not enough as the engine is always working.
   Come on GM you can do better..
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   1. 

      I test drove the Trailblazer – both the 1.2 and 1.3. Again the the pair of 3-cylinders are okay for the lower end models, but not the TB Activ/RS models. I looked at the LT priced around $26-27 g’s. The 1.2 was loud and disappointing for the point point (okay for something at $20 g’s). The 1.3 was decent for the middle of the pack model – I would have preferred a small 4-cylinder.
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6. 

   Can anyone tell me has the gx’s motors been proven for longevity. Years of service in Asia. I worry with vibrations will they develop gasket or seal issues. Can we expect these engines to last 150,000 miles
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7. 

   I bought a 20 GX trading in my 17 encore. It was 26000. With discounts I got for 23037. For what I need suv size wise in the city. It’s perfect. Just enough upscale for single on a Budget. And I took it to CT from PA and it did great. And very comfy the whole way. Does it have some missteps sure but for 23000. I’ll live the 3 yr lease.
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