America’s 2020 Buick Encore GX Compact SUV Revealed, Arrives Early Next Year

Buick unveiled not one but two all-new Encore SUVs at the Shanghai Auto Show last month but only one of them is coming Stateside.

The GM brand has announced that the Encore GX compact crossover is coming to the U.S. in early 2020, expanding its SUV family to four models across the most popular segments: small, compact, and midsize. This confirms a report from a month ago.

Buick says the Encore GX will be positioned between the smaller Encore (the existing model, not the new one unveiled in China) and the larger Envision and Enclave models.

Also read: Buick Crossover Coupe Reportedly Approved For Production

“As we look to the future of Buick, the Encore GX positions us strongly as a consideration for those who want to purchase small or compact SUVs,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. It’s worth noting that almost 90 percent of Buick’s U.S. sales come from SUVs.

Styling-wise, the US-spec Encore GX pretty much looks like the Chinese version except for the sportier bumpers, body-colored plastic cladding, and red accents on the grille and fascias — although these could be trim level-specific features. Inside, the compact SUV looks contemporary and upscale thanks to the two-tone treatment, big center touchscreen neatly integrated into the dash, and the sporty multifunction steering wheel.

The automaker didn’t reveal details about powertrains but said the Encore GX will offer “spirited and efficient performance.” Buick did say that the Encore GX has a cargo space that’s almost 5 cubic feet (141.5 liters) larger than the Encore and about 3 cubic feet (84.9 liters) smaller than the Envision.

The compact SUV also comes with new standard safety and driver assistance features including Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The 2020 Encore GX will also offer the Enclave’s Rear Camera Mirror system and High Definition Surround Vision camera system.

Buick said it will reveal product specifications and pricing when the Encore GX begins arriving at U.S. dealers.