51/100
2020Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDRegular

2020 Buick Encore GX FWD

EPA ID: 42403
30
City MPG
31
Combined MPG
31MPG· Excellent
32
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2020 Buick Encore GX FWD achieves an EPA-estimated 31 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 30 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.3L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this small sport utility vehicle 2wd features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2020 Encore GX FWD produces approximately 288 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Encore GX FWD performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,950, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $1,000 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.3L 3-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions288 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score7/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$1,950
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $1,000

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
30.9
Impact vs EPA
+$7
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$503/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$13,860
45.9%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$8,468
28.1%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,459
24.7%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$30,186

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #21V440000·2021-07-29
moderate
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

Campaign #20V668000·2020-12-15
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Campaign #20V588000·2020-12-09
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

Campaign #20V537000·2020-10-01
critical
Component: SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Buick Encore GX FWD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2020 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$1,950
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $1,000

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City30 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined31 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

57.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 71 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 4.8 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.