“The Buick Encore is a super classy small SUV. With its modern looks, features, and technology systems, it is the perfect price!”
2020 Buick Encore: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest 2020 Buick Encore change is that every trim uses the 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo engine and six-speed automatic. Sport Touring and Essence no longer have the stronger 153-hp engine offered for 2019.
About the 2020 Buick Encore
1st generation, late-cycle year sold just before the lineup was pared back for 2021.
The 2020 Buick Encore is a small, easy-to-park SUV aimed at shoppers who want a quieter, more upscale feel than many mainstream subcompact crossovers. Buick’s own legacy description leans on style, advanced technology and a size that fits busy everyday life. In practice, the Encore’s core identity is simple: compact city-friendly dimensions, a calm ride, straightforward infotainment and a cabin that tries to feel a step nicer than the class norm.
The 2020 Encore remains a small, quiet SUV with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sport Touring emphasizes appearance with darker 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, while the comfort-focused Essence has leather seating, heated front seats and LED headlights. Sport Touring and Essence were early-run 2020 trims whose production ended in fall 2019.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Sport Touring and Essence move from the stronger engine offered for 2019 to the lineup's 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo and six-speed automatic. Every 2020 Encore uses this engine and transmission.
Styling
LED headlights became standard on the Essence trim.
Tech
On Essence, the touchscreen changed from standard equipment for 2019 to optional equipment for 2020.
2020 Buick Encore specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Buick Encore?
The biggest change is the standardized 138-hp engine. Sport Touring and Essence no longer use the stronger 153-hp turbo engine offered for 2019, so every 2020 Encore has the same 1.4-liter turbo and six-speed automatic.
Does every 2020 Buick Encore have the same engine?
Yes. Every 2020 Buick Encore uses a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Was the 2020 Buick Encore redesigned?
No. The 2020 Buick Encore is a late-cycle version of the first-generation model, with no major body, chassis or suspension redesign.
What changed on the 2020 Buick Encore Essence?
The 2020 Essence moved to the 138-hp engine, gained standard LED headlights and had its touchscreen shift from standard to optional equipment. It retained comfort features such as leather seating and heated front seats.
Were Sport Touring and Essence produced throughout the 2020 model year?
No. Sport Touring and Essence were listed as 2020 trims, but Buick says production of both ended in fall 2019.
2020 Buick Encore Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Buick Encore.
4.1
2020 Buick Encore
(629 reviews)
“It's great Buick introduced the Encore GX due to its expanded size and capacity. Very low road noise.”
“I love everything about my Buick Encore GX. The features were exactly what I was looking for in a vehicle. It is spacious, quiet and technologically advanced in the most important ways. The touchscreen is big enough to use easily, however it is difficult to keep clean. The interior is beautiful and well made. The exterior is classy and streamline.”