Even though it’s been over eight months
since GM introduced us to the new 2020 Buick Encore GX, the crossover is just
getting ready to launch in the U.S. market with pricing unofficially announced
through select mediums like Car&Driver and KBB.
Slotting between the Encore and Envision
in the automaker’s lineup, the new entry-level Encore GX Preferred will set
buyers back US$ 25,095. That places it directly against America’s best selling
SUVs, the US$ 25,050 Honda CR-V and US$ 25,850 Toyota RAV4, even though Buick will
probably want you to believe theirs is a premium product. As for the other
trims, the mid-range Select will cost you US$ 26,695 and the top-end Essence, US$ 29,595.
All versions of the car are offered with
front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available and will bump the MSRP by
another US$ 2,000 across the board. The Encore GX is powered by the 1.2-liter or
1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The former develops 137 hp and comes paired to a CVT, while the latter has 155 hp is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and is standard on
AWD models and a US$ 395 option on the rest of the lineup.
The Summit White paint finish is standard
across the range, while the rest of the palette will cost you between US$ 495 and US$ 1,095, depending on the trim level and shade. The base and mid-range specs can
be had in one of two interior colors, whereas the range-topper of the series
adds another option.
Speaking of extras, you could get the Sport
Touring package on all grades, which costs $650 and adds sportier accents on
the outside, including revised grille and bumpers, black wheels and red
accents. Priced at US$ 1,995 is the Experience Buick pack, available on the Select
and Essence grades, which adds different-styled alloy wheels, power moonroof,
navigation system and 360-degree camera system.
The Advanced Technology pack is another US$ 2,455 and brings adaptive cruise control, head-up display, surround view
camera system, rear park assist, navigation and electrically operated tailgate.
Finally, you could bump the safety features by choosing the US$ 1,815 Safety pack,
with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist. This
bundle of upgrades also adds remote engine start, heated front seats with
electric adjustment for the driver and power tailgate.
