We have some great news! The Buick manufacturer is currently testing its all-new Encore model. It will go on sale as the 2020 Buick Encore and we are expecting to see it sometime by the end of the next year. The newest Encore will represent the second generation model and will bring a number of important changes. So, it will ride on the entirely new platform, and it will be slightly larger compared to its forerunner. So, its interior will offer more space and will be revised with the new design of the dash etc. As well, it will feature a new, refreshed exterior design.
Engine and performance of the 2020 Buick Encore
The all-new 2020 Buick Encore will return with the same engine as its predecessor. It is a 1.4-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine. In the base and Preferred trim levels, it is able to develop 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive layouts. The front-wheel drive model gets 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive system, it is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
A 1.4-liter inline-4 turbo unit in the Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium models can produce 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It works with the same 6-speed automatic and the same drivertrains. As for the fuel economy, the AWD model is estimated to be 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Connected to front wheels, it gets 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. However, according to some sources, the carmaker should also offer the new GMs 9-speed automatic transmission.
Design of exterior
The 2020 Buick Encore will represent a second generation model, so we can expect major changes in the terms of exterior styling. The 2020 Encore SUV has been spied during its testing on the roads, and despite a heavy camouflage, we were able to see some new details. However, the carmaker has kept its soft shape. The current model rides on the GM Gamma 2 platform, but the 2020 model will get a new architecture. But, it is still not clear if it will be underpinned with the GM G2 or GM VSS-F platform. Nevertheless, the newest Buick will slightly grow in size which will improve interior space for all the passengers.
Furthermore, as for its new design, it is hard to guess whether the Encore will keep its sharp, sloped front fascia. However, we could see that the headlamps will be positioned a bit higher. As well, there should be a revised grille and most likely new taillights also.
The interior design of the 2020 Buick Encore
First of all, as we have previously mentioned, the 2020 Buick Encore will slightly grow in size, so the interior will be more spacious as well. This means that it will offer more room for the passengers and therefore, more comfort. Moreover, the cabin will be redesigned also including a new center stack and new gauge cluster on the instrument panel. The new Encore will come with two-row seating configuration as before and should get cloth upholstery in the base model. However, the higher trim levels will be available with leatherette and leather upholstery.
On the center of the dash, it will be placed an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. As for the cargo, with all seats up, there is a room of 18.8 cubic feet. However, with the second row folded down, it increases to 48.4 cubic feet.
Equipment and safety of the 2020 Buick Encore
The 2020 Buick Encore should be offered in following trim levels. Those include the base, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, and Essence. The base model will come standard with Bluetooth, a 6-way power driver’s seat, folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, OnStar with 4G LTE hotspot, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, cruise control, push-button start, and Wi-Fi hotspot. The Sport Touring model will add a rear spoiler and fog lights.
Furthermore, the Preferred will also include remote starting, dual-zone climate control, and rear cross traffic alert. In the Essence model, there will also be leather seats, LED headlamps, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel. The range-topping trim will get Bose audio system with seven speakers, navigation, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, active lane control, blind spot monitors, and front and rear park assist.
Release date and price
The new generation 2020 Buick Encore should be available in the second half of 2019, and it will most likely be in the end of the year. The price is not yet known for now, but we assume that it could get higher than the price of the current model which starts at around $24,000.