Luxury and longevity don’t always go hand in hand. Too often, a plush interior or high-tech feature list comes with troublesome reliability a few years down the road. But the 2020 Buick Encore manages to pull off something rare for a premium American SUV — it’s comfortable, upscale, and impressively dependable.
- Base Trim Engine
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1.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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138 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
- Fuel Economy
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25/30 MPG
- Make
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Buick
- Model
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Encore
- Segment
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Subcompact Luxury SUV
According to J.D. Power, the Encore earns a stellar 90 out of 100 for quality and reliability, putting it near the top of the compact SUV segment. For anyone shopping for a used luxury SUV that won’t nickel-and-dime them with repair bills, the 2020 Buick Encore is one of the smartest choices on the road.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources.
The Unsung Hero Of American Luxury SUVs
When people think of long-lasting luxury SUVs, the conversation usually leans European or Japanese — Lexus, Acura, maybe a Volvo or Mercedes-Benz. But Buick quietly built a reputation for doing something few American automakers managed to perfect: making a small, premium crossover that actually lasts.
The Encore might not have the badge prestige of a German rival, but it delivers the kind of reliability that owners genuinely appreciate. Buick’s focus wasn’t on chasing big performance numbers or cutting-edge tech gimmicks. Instead, they perfected the basics — smooth ride quality, solid build materials, and an engine/transmission combo that just works. That approach paid off. The 2020 Encore’s dependability record has aged remarkably well, making it one of the most trusted names in used American luxury crossovers today.
What Makes The 2020 Buick Encore So Reliable?
There’s no single magic ingredient behind the Encore’s reliability — it’s a blend of conservative engineering, proven components, and quality manufacturing. Under the hood, you’ll find a humble 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s not an exciting engine by any means, but it’s one that’s been in service across multiple GM models for years — and all that real-world mileage data means GM had the chance to iron out nearly every quirk.
J.D. Power’s 90/100 reliability rating reflects more than just a lack of breakdowns. It also takes into account owner satisfaction, component durability, and the cost of ownership over time. In those categories, the 2020 Encore consistently performs above the average bear.
Owners report minimal issues with electrical systems, body hardware, or engine performance — all common pain points for other small SUVs. The Encore’s predictable maintenance schedule and low repair frequency make it a standout, especially among compact luxury options that often need more pampering.
A Luxury Cabin Without The High-Maintenance Attitude
Step inside a 2020 Encore, and you’ll immediately understand why it still feels relevant. The materials feel upscale without being flashy — soft-touch surfaces, neatly stitched leatherette, and a design that’s elegant rather than complicated. Standard features include:
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Heated mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Cruise control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-speaker sound system
It’s also surprisingly quiet inside. Buick’s QuietTuning technology uses laminated glass and additional sound insulation to reduce road and wind noise, giving the Encore a calm, premium feel at highway speeds.
The infotainment system — a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — might sound modest by 2025 standards, but it’s intuitive, fast, and refreshingly simple to use. Many newer SUVs could learn a thing or two from Buick’s restraint here. In short, the Encore feels like a small luxury SUV that’s built for daily life — the kind of vehicle you can drive every day without worrying about wear and tear.
The Perfect Fit For City Drivers
Not everyone needs a three-row monster SUV with a V8 and a thirst for premium fuel. For urban drivers, the Encore hits a sweet spot. It’s compact enough to slip into tight parking spots yet tall enough to offer a commanding view of the road. Its tight turning radius and smooth ride make it a great companion for city streets, while available all-wheel drive adds confidence when the weather turns bad.
The small footprint also contributes to its longevity — lighter vehicles put less strain on their mechanical components, meaning less wear on brakes, suspension, and drivetrain parts over time. It’s a subtle advantage, but it’s part of what helps the Encore rack up the miles with minimal fuss.
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The Encore’s main trade-off is performance. Its 138 horsepower won’t impress anyone looking for a sporty drive, but that’s not really the point. Buick tuned it for comfort, fuel efficiency, and ease of use — all key factors in long-term durability.
And when it comes to repairs, the Encore’s mechanical simplicity is a strength. Fewer high-strain components mean fewer potential failures. It’s the rare luxury SUV that rewards owners with predictable, affordable maintenance rather than big repair surprises.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Back in 2020, the Encore’s main competitors included the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Lexus UX. Fast-forward to today, and while those models still have appeal, they often come with higher ownership costs and more complex systems.
The BMW X1 offered better performance but required expensive maintenance once out of warranty. The Audi Q3 was stylish and tech-heavy but had mixed reliability results. The Lexus UX came closest to matching the Encore’s dependability, but its higher price tag made it less accessible.
That’s what makes the 2020 Buick Encore special. It delivers genuine luxury comfort and refinement without the high repair bills or complicated ownership experience of its rivals. In many ways, it’s the practical luxury SUV people didn’t realize they needed.
A Used Luxury SUV That Still Feels New
Five years on, the 2020 Encore still feels surprisingly modern. Its minimalist dashboard design has aged gracefully, and because Buick focused on durability rather than trend-chasing, there’s nothing in the cabin that feels cheap or outdated.
The cabin is surprisingly pleasant and not as boring as the exterior. The leather-appointed seats look nice and feel premium.
– Sidd Dhimaan, TopSpeed journalist
Many owners report crossing the 100,000-mile mark with only routine maintenance — oil changes, brake pads, and the occasional set of tires. That’s impressive for any SUV, let alone one positioned as a premium vehicle. And because Buick has a strong dealership network and parts availability across the U.S., repairs (if you ever need them) are easy and affordable. This ease of ownership is one of the Encore’s biggest long-term advantages.
Fuel Efficiency And Cost Of Ownership
Luxury often comes with higher operating costs, but not here. The 2020 Encore gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is excellent for its class. Combine that with affordable insurance rates and a low average annual repair cost (roughly $470 per year, according to RepairPal), and the Encore becomes one of the most cost-effective luxury SUVs to own long-term.
Its resale value has also held steady thanks to its reputation for reliability. Well-maintained examples can still fetch strong prices on the used market, proving that dependability really does pay off.
TopSpeed’s Take: The 2020 Encore Is Well Worth Consideration
The 2020 Buick Encore might not shout for attention, but it earns respect quietly — by starting every morning, running smoothly, and rarely visiting the repair shop. With its high J.D. Power reliability rating, comfortable ride, and refined design, it’s one of the most dependable luxury SUVs America has produced in recent memory.
It’s the perfect reminder that luxury isn’t just about fancy badges or touchscreen overload. Sometimes, real luxury is peace of mind — knowing your car will do its job day after day, year after year, without complaint. For anyone looking for a long-lasting American luxury SUV that rarely needs repairs, the 2020 Buick Encore deserves a serious look. It’s proof that dependability never goes out of style.