2020 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Buick Encore GX presented a more mature and refined appearance compared to its predecessor, the Encore. It was slightly larger in every dimension, with a longer wheelbase and a wider track, giving it a more substantial presence. Buick invested considerable effort into the exterior styling, featuring a larger grille, revised headlights, and a reworked rear end, which contributed to a more complete and sophisticated look. Inside, the cabin echoed this maturity with a well-thought-out design, offering a level of style and finish that surpassed some competitors like the Hyundai Kona, though it didn't quite reach the upscale feel of the Mazda CX-30.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse relied on styling details to differentiate its trim levels, reminiscent of past practices with models like the Impala and Caprice. The exterior design was typical of an SUV, with a tall roof and chunky wheel arches, appealing to buyers seeking a clean and handsome look. While it didn't stand out as much as the Ford Explorer or Mazda CX-9, the Traverse's restrained styling allowed for distinct cosmetic elements across trims. The RS model featured blacked-out trim, while the High Country model boasted chrome accents, with various appearance packages available for lower trims.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel drive. While the engine provided solid power for its size, it wasn't particularly brisk, and the three-cylinder's inherent roughness was noticeable. Despite this, the Encore GX offered a smooth driving experience with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension, maintaining composure at higher speeds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Although the V6 didn't feel as powerful as its specs suggested, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, though it lacked agility on twistier roads. The all-wheel-drive system, which required manual activation, had the potential for torque vectoring but didn't noticeably enhance handling. The Traverse also featured off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area. With the rear seats up, it provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than the standard Encore and slightly less than the larger Buick Envision. The rear legroom allowed for easy folding of the rear seats, and the adjustable rear load floor added versatility. Up front, the redesigned center console improved storage options, with deep in-door cubbies and cup holders accommodating large water bottles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Cargo space was a significant advantage, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats in place, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was available on higher trims, with a gesture-activated option on the Premier and High Country models. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, typical of midsize three-row crossovers, which often prioritize styling over practicality.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX featured GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, known for its intuitive layout and responsive performance. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. Our test car included a head-up display, projected via a small plastic display from the dash, offering a cost-effective alternative to windshield projection.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system available on higher trims. While competitors offered larger screens, the Traverse's 8-inch display was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse also featured a rearview camera mirror, enhancing visibility, and an optional HD surround-view camera system. USB ports were standard for each row, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features such as forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with a surround-view camera system available on our test model. The Encore GX also featured a standard suite of airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it had mixed headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Traverse offered fewer standard driver-assist features than competitors, with adaptive cruise control and other safety technologies available only on higher trims.