The power difference is negligible.
This is the 2020 Buick Encore GX, and it is not the same car as the current-generation Encore. Well, not exactly, at least. It looks pretty similar and sports the same name, but the “GX” denotes a different model. This one splits the difference between the smaller Encore model and the larger Envision. While the Encore GX is physically larger, its engine isn’t, as it turns out. GM Authority published details on the car’s order guide, giving more insight into the car’s available engines.
As it happens, the 2020 Buick Encore GX uses two brand new inline-three cylinder engines. One is a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine making 137 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The other is a slightly larger turbocharged 1.3-liter unit, making 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The smaller 1.2-liter inline-three mates up to a CVT, while the larger engine gets either the CVT in front-wheel drive models, or GM’s nine-speed automatic in all-wheel drive versions.
The current Buick Encore already had a tiny engine. At just 1.4 liters, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine eked 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. It’s currently the only engine the Encore gets, and it’s shared with the Chevrolet Trax.
According to the GM Authority report, the 2020 Buick Encore GX will weigh around 3,200 pounds. That’s a fair bit of mass for tiny turbocharged engines to handle, so we don’t expect the larger Encore model to be fast. However, it should have decent power to get out of its own way. We’ll find out when we’re able to drive the upcoming Encore GX.
