Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD. If you're in the market for a small SUV that offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and practicality, this might just be the car for you. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons.

The 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD is designed to cater to those who want a compact SUV without compromising on premium features. It's perfect for city dwellers who need something easy to maneuver and park, yet spacious enough for small families or individuals with active lifestyles. The “Preferred” trim level adds a touch of elegance with its upgraded interior and tech features, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) ensures better traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy streets or simply want extra confidence on wet roads, the AWD system has got you covered. Under the hood, the Encore Preferred AWD typically houses a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. This little powerhouse delivers a decent amount of pep for daily driving. It’s not going to win any races, but it provides enough power for merging onto highways and zipping around town. The turbocharger helps to boost the engine’s output, giving you a responsive feel when you need it. Mated to a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the Encore offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. Speaking of comfort, the interior of the Encore Preferred is a nice place to be. Buick has a reputation for creating quiet and comfortable cabins, and this model doesn't disappoint. The seats are supportive, making long drives more bearable, and the materials used throughout the interior feel upscale. You’ll find soft-touch surfaces in key areas, adding to the overall sense of luxury. Plus, the Encore comes standard with a suite of tech features that keep you connected and entertained on the go. Safety is also a key consideration, and the 2020 Encore Preferred AWD comes equipped with essential safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. Many models also include available advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which can help prevent accidents and give you added peace of mind. All in all, the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD is a well-rounded small SUV that offers a blend of luxury, practicality, and performance. It’s a great choice for those who want a premium driving experience in a compact package.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling of the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD, it's essential to understand what this compact SUV brings to the table. The Encore is primarily designed for comfortable and efficient city driving, rather than high-performance thrills. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the heart of the Encore, delivering around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not sound impressive, they are adequate for the Encore's size and weight. The turbocharger provides a decent amount of low-end torque, which means you'll experience responsive acceleration from a standstill. This makes it easy to merge into traffic and navigate busy city streets. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine's characteristics, providing timely gear changes that help optimize fuel economy and performance. While it's not the sportiest transmission, it does a good job of delivering power when you need it. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is a significant advantage, especially if you live in an area with inclement weather. The AWD system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability on slippery surfaces. This can be a lifesaver in snowy or icy conditions, giving you added confidence behind the wheel. In terms of handling, the Encore is easy to maneuver thanks to its compact size and light steering. It's perfect for navigating tight parking spaces and narrow city streets. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so you can expect a smooth and compliant ride, even on rough roads. However, this also means that the Encore is not the most engaging vehicle to drive on twisty roads. It tends to exhibit some body roll in corners, and the steering lacks the precision and feedback that enthusiasts might crave. Overall, the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD offers a balanced driving experience that prioritizes comfort and convenience over sporty handling. It's a great choice for those who want a small SUV that's easy to drive and provides good fuel economy, especially in urban environments. The AWD system adds an extra layer of security and confidence, making it a practical choice for drivers who face challenging weather conditions.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Let's talk about the interior comfort and technology inside the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD, because that's where this SUV really shines. Buick has always been known for creating comfortable and refined interiors, and the Encore is no exception. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the attention to detail and the quality of the materials used. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a pleasure. They're typically upholstered in a combination of cloth and leatherette, which provides a nice balance of comfort and durability. The driver's seat is often power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The Encore's cabin is surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in the front seats, even for taller occupants. The rear seats are a bit tighter, but they're still adequate for adults on shorter trips. The Encore also offers a decent amount of cargo space, with around 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. If you need more room, you can fold down the rear seats to create a total of 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. One of the standout features of the Encore is its quiet cabin. Buick has gone to great lengths to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), creating a serene and relaxing environment inside the vehicle. This makes it easy to have conversations with passengers or enjoy your favorite music without being disturbed by outside noise. When it comes to technology, the 2020 Encore Preferred AWD comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system. The system features an 8-inch touchscreen display that's easy to see and operate. It includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. This means you can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and listen to music directly from the touchscreen display. The Encore also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. Other available tech features include a premium Bose audio system, a sunroof, and advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Overall, the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior that's perfect for daily commuting and weekend getaways. The combination of comfortable seats, a quiet cabin, and user-friendly technology makes it a standout in the subcompact SUV segment.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

Okay, let's get into the fuel efficiency and practicality aspects of the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD. For many buyers, these are crucial factors when choosing a small SUV. The 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD is designed to offer a good balance of fuel efficiency and practicality, making it a smart choice for urban dwellers and small families alike. Fuel efficiency is a major selling point for the Encore. With its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Encore achieves respectable fuel economy figures. According to the EPA, the Encore AWD gets an estimated 24 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the subcompact SUV segment and make the Encore a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and long road trips. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. However, in general, you can expect the Encore to be relatively fuel-efficient, especially compared to larger SUVs. In terms of practicality, the Encore offers a surprising amount of versatility for its small size. The Encore's compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces, which is a major advantage in crowded urban environments. The Encore also offers a decent amount of cargo space, with around 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is enough room for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. If you need more space, you can fold down the rear seats to create a total of 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Encore also comes with a number of storage compartments and cubbies throughout the cabin, which are perfect for stashing small items like phones, wallets, and keys. The center console has a storage bin and cupholders, and there are door pockets on all four doors. The Encore is also available with a number of practical features, such as a roof rack, which allows you to carry larger items like bikes or kayaks. Other available features include a power liftgate, which makes it easier to load and unload cargo. Overall, the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD offers a good combination of fuel efficiency and practicality. It's fuel-efficient enough to save you money at the pump, and it's practical enough to handle your daily needs. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or going on a road trip, the Encore is a versatile and efficient choice.

Potential Drawbacks

Now, let's be real and talk about the potential drawbacks of the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD. While it has many great qualities, it’s not perfect, and it’s important to be aware of its shortcomings before making a purchase. One of the main drawbacks of the Encore is its engine performance. While the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is adequate for most driving situations, it can feel underpowered at times, especially when accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway. The Encore is not the quickest vehicle in its class, and some drivers may find its acceleration to be lacking. Another potential drawback is the Encore's ride quality. While the suspension is tuned for comfort, it can feel a bit stiff on rough roads. The Encore tends to transmit bumps and potholes into the cabin, which can be uncomfortable for passengers. Additionally, the Encore's handling is not the most engaging. The steering lacks precision and feedback, and the vehicle tends to exhibit some body roll in corners. If you're looking for a sporty and fun-to-drive SUV, the Encore may not be the best choice. The Encore's interior, while generally well-appointed, can feel a bit cramped for larger passengers. The rear seats are a bit tight, and legroom can be limited, especially on long trips. The Encore's cargo space is also relatively small compared to some of its competitors. If you frequently need to haul large items, you may want to consider a larger SUV. The 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD has received mixed reviews for its reliability. Some owners have reported issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical system. It's important to research the Encore's reliability record and consider purchasing an extended warranty to protect yourself from potential repair costs. Finally, the Encore's price can be a bit high compared to some of its competitors. While the Encore offers a lot of features for the money, it's not the most affordable subcompact SUV on the market. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to shop around and compare prices before making a decision. Overall, the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD has a number of potential drawbacks that buyers should be aware of. While it's a comfortable and well-equipped SUV, it's not the most powerful, spacious, or reliable vehicle in its class. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding if the Encore is the right choice for you.

Is the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD Right for You?

So, the big question: Is the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD right for you? Let’s recap and help you decide if this small SUV fits your needs and lifestyle. The 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD is a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and practicality. It's particularly well-suited for individuals and small families who prioritize a refined driving experience and don't need a lot of cargo space. If you live in a city and need a vehicle that's easy to maneuver and park, the Encore's compact size is a major advantage. It's also a good choice if you value a quiet and comfortable cabin, as the Encore excels in these areas. The Encore's user-friendly technology and available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it a great choice for tech-savvy drivers. The Encore is a good fit if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making it easier to navigate snowy or icy roads. However, if you need a lot of cargo space or regularly transport multiple passengers, the Encore may not be the best choice. Its rear seats and cargo area are relatively small compared to some of its competitors. If you're looking for a sporty and fun-to-drive SUV, the Encore may also not be the right fit. Its engine performance and handling are adequate, but not particularly exciting. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the 2020 Buick Encore Preferred AWD is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value luxury, comfort, and practicality in a small package, it's definitely worth considering. But if you need more space, power, or sporty handling, you may want to explore other options. It's always a good idea to test drive the Encore and compare it to other vehicles in its class before making a final decision. Consider your budget, your driving habits, and your lifestyle, and choose the SUV that best meets your needs. With careful consideration, you can find the perfect vehicle to fit your life.