Consider the Buick Encore GX the biggest surprise of 2020. With few compromises, this subcompact crossover delivers the goods.

Shop for the new 2020 Encore GX on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/C2lpb

Buick has been fighting against a reputation of numb, floaty vehicles for years. With the Encore GX, we expected more of the same. But with terrific ride quality, good insulation, terrific tech, and a curious little engine, we walked away from the Encore GX pleasantly surprised.

The engine in this little Buick is a 1.3-liter three-cylinder making 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. And that's the upgraded engine! The standard unit is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. While it's good around town, revving the three-cylinder results in a buzzy, noisy note.

Inside, most of the materials above the waistline are of good quality. The greenhouse is big and bright and easy to see out of. However, below the waistline, you'll find plenty of cheap, hard plastic. In the rear, the seats are comfortable and supportive, with enough legroom for an adult.

Buick's infotainment system, like most GM units, is terrific. Easy to understand and use, it features big icons and crisp graphics. Navigation works well, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported.

The kicker with the Encore GX is its price tag. Very little comes standard, and when kitted out like our test car, you can expect to pay over $35,000. That's too much for a car of this size. Especially when you look at the competition: the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Jeep Compass all over similar dimensions and features at thousands of dollars less.

For more information on the 2020 Buick Encore GX, head to CarGurus: https://cargur.us/C2ln5

Presenter: Matt Smith
Cinematography: Elliot Haney

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0:00 Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX
1:18 Driving Impressions
2:30 Engine Options and Impressions
4:02 Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
5:05 Infotainment Walkthrough
6:07 Safety Offerings
7:28 Exterior Impressions
7:58 Legroom and Interior Thoughts
8:37 Cargo Space and the Encore's Party Trick
9:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts