DecodedCars2020 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD, Gx 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 30 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 168.1–171.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,025–3,358 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2020 small SUV (25.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,358 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (30 city / 32 highway), 21% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2020
- Engines added: 1.3L 3-cyl turbo and 1.2L 3-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 28 to 31
- Lightest version 212 lb lighter
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Encore →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,358 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,236 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,256 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,025 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 32 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 28 | +19% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 30 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +5% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +11% | $2,600 | 344 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2020 Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Encore (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Jeep Wrangler | 25 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Kona | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift › Stand · Jun 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V440000 · 135,400 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
- Risk
- A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes · Sep 24, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V588000 · 3,677 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.
- Risk
- If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Sep 3, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V537000 · 105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
- Risk
- If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Not every 2020 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
89Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
5,240 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 22 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 21 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,240 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 62 |
| 2019 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 88 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →