2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and red brake calipers, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Buick Encore GX presented a more mature and complete look than its smaller sibling, the Encore. The GX's larger dimensions and revised styling gave it a more sophisticated appearance. Inside, the cabin was well-crafted, with a focus on style and fit and finish. While not as upscale as some competitors, it offered a pleasant environment, especially in the higher trim levels. The Encore GX's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seating in the top-tier Essence trim, providing a sense of near-luxury.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis contributed to its nimble handling and flat cornering, making it a standout in its class. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine, producing 300 horsepower, was also a strong performer. However, the hybrid option did not offer significant fuel economy benefits. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine choice.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. While not brisk, the engine provided confident performance, especially with the available all-wheel drive. The Encore GX's driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension. It handled corners with composure, offering a pleasant ride for a vehicle in its class. The Encore GX's performance was adequate for everyday driving, though it lacked the power of the Explorer.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt luxurious with features like air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, though the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX provided increased space compared to the standard Encore, with larger rear doors and improved legroom and headroom. Cargo space was 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX's clever design included a quick-flip button for easy seat folding and a rear load floor with removable dividers for additional space. The front cabin was thoughtfully arranged, with the shifter moved to create more storage space. The Encore GX's interior was practical and well-suited for everyday use.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked innovation. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features, though it was not as refined as competitors. The Explorer's technology was functional but felt unfinished, with room for improvement through software updates.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX featured GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, offering a responsive and intuitive interface. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a head-up display. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable menu items and high-quality graphics. The available surround-view camera system provided clear images, enhancing the vehicle's technology offerings.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. The Teen Driver System allowed for speed and volume limitations. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Encore GX's surround-view camera system provided additional safety benefits, making it a well-equipped vehicle in terms of safety.