Shopping for a used 2020 Buick Encore starts with a surprisingly important question: are you looking at an Encore or an Encore GX?
Both were sold for the same model year, but they have different engines, transmissions, and equipment. The regular Encore uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic. The Encore GX uses smaller three-cylinder engines with either a continuously variable transmission or a nine-speed automatic.
For the regular Encore, the buying decision comes down to your priorities. It deserves consideration when parking space, everyday convenience, and purchase price matter more than strong acceleration. However, its limited driver-assistance equipment and documented engine diagnostic concerns make a careful inspection worthwhile.
Here is what to check before deciding whether one belongs on your shortlist.
First, Know the Difference Between the Encore and Encore GX
The Encore GX is not an upgraded version of the regular Encore. Treat it as a separate vehicle when comparing listings, reading reviews, or checking service information. Buick published separate brochures and owner’s manuals for the two models.
| Feature | 2020 Buick Encore | 2020 Buick Encore GX |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline engines | 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder | 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic | CVT with FWD; nine-speed automatic with AWD |
| EPA combined fuel economy | 26–27 MPG | 28–31 MPG |
| Front-wheel drive | Available | Available |
| All-wheel drive | Available on eligible configurations | Available with the 1.3-liter engine |
Engine, transmission, and fuel-economy combinations are listed in the EPA’s model-year database.
This distinction matters beyond the specifications. A road test of a GX cannot tell you exactly how the regular Encore accelerates. A GX service campaign does not automatically cover the Encore, either.
When browsing an advertisement, check the complete model name, engine size, and vehicle identification number. Do not rely on the headline alone.
Engine and Everyday Performance
The regular Encore’s engine produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Buick’s 2020 specification sheet lists the same engine output across its trims, so choosing Sport Touring or Essence does not buy you more power.
That makes the test drive especially important. Rather than judging the vehicle by the word “turbo,” try it on the roads you actually use.
A useful route includes a highway entrance, a hill, stop-and-go traffic, and a stretch of rough pavement. Pay attention to whether acceleration meets your needs without requiring uncomfortable gaps in traffic.
Also distinguish modest performance from a mechanical problem. A vehicle that feels slower than you prefer is one thing. Hesitation, stumbling, warning lights, or a sudden loss of power deserve diagnosis.
Does It Have a CVT?
No. The regular 2020 Encore has a six-speed automatic transmission. The CVT belongs to front-wheel-drive versions of the Encore GX.
During your test drive, check engagement into Drive and Reverse, gentle acceleration, and shifting after the vehicle has warmed up. Do not accept repeated harsh shifts or delayed engagement simply because the seller describes them as normal.
2020 Buick Encore MPG and Fuel Costs
The front-wheel-drive Encore has slightly better EPA fuel economy than the AWD version.
| Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encore FWD | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| Encore AWD | 24 | 29 | 26 |
These are the regular Encore’s ratings, not the GX’s. The official EPA fuel-economy listings show both models, so check the complete vehicle description when comparing them.
What Does That Mean for Your Fuel Budget?
Assume you drive 12,000 miles annually and gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon.
Using the combined ratings, the calculated annual gasoline cost is approximately $1,556 for FWD or $1,615 for AWD. That is a difference of about $60 per year under these assumptions.
Actual costs will depend on your driving and local fuel prices. The calculation also excludes maintenance, insurance, and repairs.
For this comparison, I would not make the one-MPG difference the deciding factor. Vehicle condition, tire condition, and whether you need AWD deserve more attention.
Does the Encore Require Premium Gas?
No. Buick specifies regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. The presence of a turbocharger does not make premium fuel mandatory.
Trim Levels and the Encore Essence Question
The regular Encore’s 2020 lineup included the base model, often identified as 1SV, plus Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence.
There is an important historical detail: Buick’s brochure states that production of the Sport Touring and Essence ended in fall 2019. They still exist as 2020-model-year vehicles, so a listing for a 2020 Encore Essence is not automatically incorrect.
| Trim | Main reason to consider it |
|---|---|
| Base / 1SV | Lower-cost entry point; FWD only |
| Preferred | More available options, including AWD |
| Sport Touring | Different exterior details, including a rear spoiler |
| Essence | Leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, and additional equipment |
Equipment availability follows Buick’s original US brochure.
Which Trim Is the Best Value?
My starting point would be a Preferred with documented maintenance and the equipment you actually need.
However, do not rule out an Essence simply because it originally occupied a higher position in the lineup. Compare the actual asking prices, mileage, service records, and inspection results.
The same applies to Sport Touring. Buy it because you prefer its equipment or appearance—not because you expect a stronger engine.
Ask for the original window sticker or a dealer-generated equipment list. A trim badge is not a complete description of a used vehicle.
Interior, Cargo Space, and Practicality
The Encore measures 168.4 inches long. It provides 18.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, increasing to 48.4 cubic feet with them folded. Rear legroom is listed at 35.8 inches.
Those numbers are useful, but your own belongings provide a better test.
Bring the stroller, mobility equipment, pet carrier, or luggage you regularly carry. Check whether everything fits without blocking visibility or forcing passengers into an uncomfortable seating position.
For child seats, test the exact models you own. Confirm both installation and front-seat clearance. A vehicle can meet your passenger count without providing the seating arrangement your family needs.
The Encore should not be your choice when you need more than five seats. Families shopping for a different size of vehicle can also read our 2025 Toyota Sienna guide before deciding whether a small crossover suits their routine.
Infotainment and Phone Connectivity
An eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard. The factory smartphone integration uses a compatible wired connection rather than standard wireless projection.
Bring your phone and cable to the viewing. Test navigation, music, calls, and the USB connection rather than accepting “it has CarPlay” as proof that everything works.
Also check the rearview-camera image and physical controls. These are features you will use regularly, so a problem should be reflected in the purchase decision—not discovered after it.
Safety Features and Crash-Test Results
The regular Encore has an important limitation: automatic emergency braking was not available. Its optional Forward Collision Alert warns the driver, but it is not an automatic braking system. IIHS makes this distinction explicitly in its assessment.
That is one reason not to transfer safety claims from an Encore GX review to this vehicle.
The IIHS report shows mixed results rather than a perfect score across every test:
| IIHS evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Driver-side small-overlap front | Good |
| Passenger-side small-overlap front | Acceptable |
| Original moderate-overlap front | Good |
| Original side test | Good |
| Updated side test | Acceptable |
These ratings come from the model-specific IIHS assessment. Different versions of a crash test should not be treated as interchangeable.
If automatic braking is high on your priority list, I would compare other vehicles before committing to the regular Encore. A higher trim cannot add a system that the model did not offer.
Reliability and Problems Worth Investigating
The useful question is not simply whether the Encore is “reliable.” It is whether the particular vehicle has been maintained, whether any symptoms have been diagnosed correctly, and whether the price reflects its condition.
Owner reviews can raise questions, but they do not establish how frequently a defect occurs. Manufacturer service documents are more useful for identifying specific conditions and the diagnostic procedures associated with them.
Turbo-Related Warning Codes
GM published diagnostic guidance PIP5495M covering 2013–2020 Encores with the listed 1.4-liter engines.
It addresses check-engine-light conditions associated with P0299 and P0234. Importantly, GM warns technicians about replacing turbochargers that are not actually faulty. The guidance calls for checking related controls, hoses, restrictions, and other possible causes before deciding on replacement.
For a buyer, the lesson is straightforward: a turbo-related code is a reason for proper diagnosis, not an automatic verdict that the entire turbocharger has failed.
If a seller says the vehicle “only needs a sensor,” ask for a written diagnosis. Equally, if the turbo was replaced, ask what caused the original problem and whether the repair resolved it.
A cleared warning light is not the same as documented repair work.
Cold-Weather Icing
GM bulletin 16-NA-405 covers certain Encore and Trax vehicles with the 1.4-liter LUV engine, including the 2020 model year.
It describes problems in extremely cold conditions—around 0°F or below—involving ice in the crankcase-ventilation or intake/charge-air system. Symptoms can include hesitation, reduced power, stalling, smoke, warning lights, and oil leaks associated with increased crankcase pressure.
This does not mean every Encore will experience the condition. It is particularly relevant when reviewing a vehicle’s history in a cold-weather region.
Ask whether it has had recurring winter drivability problems and whether a dealer performed any related work. Let a qualified technician determine whether the bulletin applies.
Oil, Coolant, and Unexplained Power Loss
GM’s turbo diagnostic guidance also cautions against assuming that every oil or coolant symptom originates inside the turbocharger. Related pipes, connections, and other engine systems may require inspection.
Before buying, ask the inspecting mechanic to explain any leaks or low fluid levels. A freshly cleaned engine bay should not replace a proper inspection.
I would postpone the purchase of an Encore with unexplained overheating, repeated loss of power, or unresolved warning lights until the cause and repair cost are established.
Be Careful With Claims About Extended Turbo Coverage
Two GM programs can easily be confused:
N232395330 covers certain 2017–2018 Encores with the specified 1.4-liter engine. Its published model-year table does not establish coverage for a regular 2020 Encore.
N232407740 covers certain 2020 Encore GX vehicles with the 1.2-liter engine, with specified coverage up to 15 years or 150,000 miles. That is a different vehicle and powertrain.
Do not buy a regular 2020 Encore on the assumption that one of these programs guarantees a free future turbo repair. Have a Buick dealer check the VIN and provide the applicable coverage information in writing.
Recalls Must Be Checked by VIN
Recall information is another area where Encore and Encore GX names can become mixed.
For example, GM’s revised bulletin for campaign N202313440 separately lists the 2019 Encore and 2020 Encore GX. Some broader recall summaries group names and model years less precisely.
The safest approach is to check the individual vehicle through the official NHTSA recall lookup, then ask a Buick dealer to confirm its campaign history.
NHTSA explains that its VIN lookup does not display safety recalls already repaired. Therefore, an empty result is not a complete repair history and does not establish the vehicle’s mechanical condition.
Avoid relying on a seller’s statement that “this model has no recalls.” What matters is the status of the vehicle you are considering.
Maintenance Records That Deserve a Closer Look
The maintenance schedule gives you specific questions to ask instead of simply checking whether the seller has changed the oil.
Buick’s owner’s manual calls for:
| Maintenance item | Relevant schedule |
|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | Follow the oil-life system; change at least annually |
| Spark plugs | Scheduled at 60,000-mile intervals |
| Engine coolant | Five years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Automatic-transmission fluid under severe service | Scheduled at 45,000-mile intervals |
The complete schedule includes additional inspections and conditions. Use the schedule appropriate to the vehicle’s operation.
The time limits matter. A low-mileage vehicle may still need age-based maintenance.
For an Encore with incomplete records, ask a mechanic to price the work that is due. Add that amount to your buying budget before comparing it with a better-documented example.
Also request invoices for major repairs. “New turbo” or “transmission serviced” is much more useful when the paperwork identifies the parts, mileage, diagnosis, and repair date.
What Should You Pay for a Used Encore?
The regular Encore originally started at $23,200 before destination and other charges. That historical price is not a reliable guide to what an individual used example is worth today.
Start by comparing the same model, drivetrain, mileage range, and condition. Keep Encore GX listings out of that comparison unless you are deliberately deciding between the two vehicles.
Then request the complete out-the-door price and an inspection-based estimate of immediate expenses.
For example, a hypothetical $12,000 vehicle needing $2,000 of immediate work has already reached a $14,000 purchase-and-repair commitment before taxes and registration. It may not be better value than a more expensive vehicle that needs less work.
That does not mean the higher-priced car is automatically the better one. It means the asking price is only the starting point.
Is the Original Warranty Still Active?
The original standard coverage was three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain, whichever limit arrived first.
For most examples first placed in service around the model year, those periods have now passed. Ask the dealer to confirm the actual in-service date and any separate warranty, service contract, or special coverage. Buick provides vehicle-specific warranty-status information through its owner services.
Can a 2020 Buick Encore Tow a Trailer?
No. Buick’s US owner’s manual explicitly says the regular Encore was not designed or intended to tow a trailer.
Do not apply an Encore GX towing figure to this vehicle.
An installed accessory hitch also does not override the manufacturer’s instruction. A receiver used for a permitted accessory carrier is not proof that the vehicle is approved for trailer towing.
A Practical Pre-Purchase Checklist
Confirm the Vehicle and Its History
Match the VIN on the vehicle to the paperwork. Confirm whether it is an Encore or Encore GX, its drivetrain, and its actual equipment.
Ask for maintenance and repair invoices, not just a verbal summary. Make completion of a satisfactory independent inspection a condition of your purchase.
Test It Cold and Fully Warm
Arrange to see the vehicle before it has been warmed up when possible. Try local roads and highway driving, and repeat low-speed maneuvers after the test drive.
Make a note of warning lights, hesitation, unusual noises, and shifting behavior. Your role is to identify concerns for the mechanic—not diagnose them during a short drive.
Check Everyday Usability
Adjust the seat and steering wheel, connect your phone, load your usual cargo, and test the air conditioning.
Try any equipment that influences the price, including a sunroof, heated seats, parking sensors, or upgraded audio. Ask for a repair estimate when something does not work.
Request a Written Inspection Result
Ask the mechanic to separate findings into urgent repairs, upcoming maintenance, and minor issues. Include the engine, cooling system, transmission, brakes, tires, suspension, and underbody.
For vehicles showing turbo-related symptoms or a history of winter power loss, provide the service records and ask whether the applicable GM diagnostic guidance has been considered.
A report with estimated costs gives you a better basis for negotiating—or walking away.
Should You Choose the Encore or Encore GX?
I would choose based on the actual vehicles available, rather than assuming the GX badge always means a better purchase.
The regular Encore is worth considering when it fits your needs and costs meaningfully less than a comparable GX. Its conventional six-speed automatic may also suit your preference, but that alone does not establish better reliability.
The GX deserves a separate comparison when fuel economy and its different powertrain choices appeal to you. Its EPA combined ratings reach 31 MPG in the 1.3-liter FWD configuration, compared with 27 MPG for the most efficient regular Encore.
Use the purchase-price difference, inspection results, equipment, and expected ownership costs together. Do not pay extra simply because a listing describes one vehicle as “premium.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?
There is no sound way to guarantee the reliability of an individual used Encore from its model name alone. GM has published relevant turbo-diagnostic and cold-weather service guidance, so those areas deserve attention alongside maintenance records and an independent inspection.
Is the Encore Essence the same as the Encore GX Essence?
No. Essence is an equipment grade used on two different models. Confirm the complete model name before comparing specifications or buying parts.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. The diagnostic bulletins discussed here provide service guidance; they do not automatically establish recall status or free repair eligibility. Recall applicability should be checked by VIN, while any warranty or special coverage must be verified separately.
Should I reject an Encore that has already had a turbo replacement?
Not automatically. Ask for the diagnosis, repair invoice, and evidence that the symptoms were resolved. GM’s guidance makes clear that correct diagnosis matters, so the repair history is more useful than the replacement claim alone.
Final Verdict
The strongest reason to buy a used 2020 Buick Encore is finding one that fits your daily needs, passes inspection, and is priced fairly—not simply finding the cheapest example.
My starting recommendation is a well-documented Preferred, while an Essence may be worth choosing when its condition and price are equally convincing.
Before committing, verify that you are comparing the regular Encore with the right vehicles. Check the actual safety equipment, investigate warning lights properly, and price overdue maintenance into the deal.
If the seller cannot explain a recurring problem or will not allow an independent inspection, move on. A better-equipped trim is not worth taking on an unresolved mechanical issue.