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Starting at
Starting at
| 3 | Trims | 2 |
| 26 / 31 MPG | Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 25 / 30 MPG |
| Available | Forward Collision Alert | Not Available |
A small SUV can be a great fit for a lot of people––providing you with the style, power, and functionality of an SUV, but in a modest package that you can more easily fit into your life. Choosing the right small SUV, however, can be tricky, and it is very important that you get what you need in your vehicle. Looking at two models, like the 2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Buick Encore and seeing what they have to offer, is a great way to figure out which one is right for you.
Right off the bat, you should know that both of these SUVs are built on the same platform and have a lot in common. They have the same engine, they both have front-wheel drive standard with all-wheel drive available, and they provide you with the same amount of interior cargo space. You will likely be served just as well by either of these two vehicles, and they are well made, gorgeously designed, and pack a ton of great features inside––though the Trax has superior available safety features.
With that in mind, the 2020 Chevy Trax does start at a lower price than the 2020 Buick Encore, which should be no surprise considering Buick’s reputation for an emphasis on luxury. And yet, at that lower price, you get the exact same engine, the same amount of interior space for your passengers and cargo, and many of the same great options inside. Plus, the estimated fuel economy is slightly better on the 2020 Chevy Trax, which means you will save money up-front and for many years head. Visit us at Raceway Chevy to see the impressive 2020 Chevy Trax for yourself and discover why it is right for you.
Both the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore have a single-engine available, which makes it easy to compare them and see how they stack up. What makes the comparison even easier, however, is that they have the same engine: a 1.4L Turbo EcoTec 4-cylinder engine that delivers up to 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. This is a great engine for a small SUV like these two models, giving you the power and performance you need without going overboard or coming up short like a lot of other models.
In both the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore, this engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for a quick and responsive driving experience. These are small SUVs with a sporty, fun design that is showcased in their engines and mechanical systems. They both come with front-wheel drive standard, but you can choose available all-wheel drive for either of these small SUVs, making them a great option on rough terrain or in slippery conditions. While neither model is designed for towing or going off-road, the 2020 Chevy Trax is a lot of fun to drive and has a nimble design that always keeps you in control.
There is a lot about the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore that is very similar or even identical since they are built on the same platform and utilize a lot of the same mechanical components. They both have the same engine, after all, and though their frames might make them extremely similar in size and overall driving performance, there are still some differences. When it comes to estimated fuel economy, for example, we can see that these two SUVs are not identical, and the 2020 Chevy Trax comes out on top.
The Trax has an estimated fuel economy of 26/31 MPG in the city and on the highway, with an estimated combined fuel economy of 28 MPG. By comparison, the 2020 Buick Encore has an estimated gas mileage of 25/30 MPG in the city and on the highway, with an estimated combined fuel economy of 27 MPG. Is this a huge difference? No, it certainly is not, but it is a difference and one that can potentially add up.
Just one MPG is not going to be noticeable if you are running errands for a few minutes one day, that is true. But over time, as you drive many thousands of miles: running errands week after week, going to work every day, taking your family and friends on road trips, and simply living your life, the difference will likely become clear. That superior fuel economy will save you money at the gas pump, and it helps out the environment by burning less gas and really taking advantage of the small design of the 2020 Chevy Trax.
On the inside, the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore are very similar SUVs, and in some cases, downright identical. For example, both of these SUVs offer nearly 19 cu.ft. of interior cargo space behind the rear seats and more than 48 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front seats with the rear seats down. The 2020 Chevy Trax gives you up to 40.8 inches of legroom in the front and 35.7 inches of legroom in the second row; meanwhile, the 2020 Buick Encore gives you 40.82 inches of front legroom and 35.75 inches of legroom in the second row––essentially the same.
When it comes to the features you get inside; however, there are some differences. The 2020 Chevy Trax starts off with a 7-inch infotainment screen, a 6-speaker audio system, and a 4-way manual driver’s seat. The standard features on the Chevy Trax also include steering-wheel-mounted controls, a 3-inch driver information display, single-zone climate control, and remote keyless entry.
By comparison, the 2020 Buick Encore starts off with an 8-inch infotainment screen, a 6-speaker audio system, and a 6-way power driver’s seat. The Encore features steering-wheel-mounted controls, a 4-inch digital driver display, remote keyless entry, and single-zone manual air conditioning. While a few of those features are certainly impressive, they also come at a starting price tag that is about $2,000 higher than the 2020 Chevy Trax.
Safety is, arguably, the most important thing about any vehicle, and that includes both the standard and available safety features. When looking at the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore, they have a lot of similarities, but the available safety features on the Trax are, somewhat surprisingly, quite superior.
The 2020 Chevy Trax comes with StabiliTrak electronic stability and traction control, ten airbags, and daytime running lamps standard. It also has a rear vision camera and a tire pressure monitoring system, as you would expect. The highest trim of the Trax, the Premier, includes LED daytime running lamps, a side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, and a lane departure warning. The Premier trim also includes a forward collision alert and rear park assist to help protect you and your loved ones on the road.
By comparison, the 2020 Buick Encore has similar starting safety features, with StabiliTrak, ten airbags, and LED daytime running lamps. The highest trim of the Encore, the Preferred, does not add any safety features, however, and great options like a rear cross traffic alert and side blind zone alert are available as part of an extra package. Other options, like the forward collision alert and rear park assist that come on the highest trim of the 2020 Chevy Trax, are not available at all on the Encore.
Comparing the 2020 Chevy Trax and the 2020 Buick Encore is a bit strange since they have so many things in common. You can often judge two SUVs by looking at their engines and interior cargo space to see which is superior, but these elements are identical on these two models. And yet, with that in mind, it makes the differences between them much more pronounced because they are so alike in many ways. With a lower starting price, slightly superior estimated fuel economy, and available safety features that you will not find with the 2020 Buick Encore, the 2020 Chevy Trax proves itself to be a better option than its luxurious cousin.
Here at Raceway Chevy, we are proud to offer the entire modern Chevrolet lineup, which includes a number of fantastic SUVs like the 2020 Chevy Trax. Our knowledgeable and friendly salespeople are here to answer any questions you might have, and they will work closely with you to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Plus, our service center and parts department will be here for you for many years to come, to ensure your SUV always runs beautifully and keeps you safe. Call or come visit us at Raceway Chevy in Bethlehem, PA, today, and we will make sure you drive away completely happy.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
