Is the Best Family Car an Envision or Encore?

If you’re tired of hearing complaints about cramped backseats or if you’ve had to decline too many family trip ideas because you don’t have space, then you might appreciate getting behind the wheel of a Buick SUV. The 2020 Buick Envision and the 2020 Buick Encore both offer impressive performance, ample cargo and passenger space, and innovative technology features, but they also differ in some key areas.

Rather than rank who’s the top dog of the two, we’re going to explore features of both the Envision and the Encore so you can find the best vehicle for you and your family. Here are some of the similarities and differences between the 2020 Encore and the 2020 Envision.

Performance

Image via Flickr by HighTechDad

Buick offers a powerful driving experience with both the 2020 Envision and the 2020 Encore thanks to a few shared performance features. Both models offer intelligent All-Wheel Drive with an active twin-clutch, which monitors and adjusts torque to each wheel to guarantee maximum traction in any driving condition. The Encore and Envision also share StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system that complements the intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and assists you in maintaining control in a variety of road conditions.

While these vehicles share many performance features, they differ in the power and fuel economy they offer. The 2020 Envision runs on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 197 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. If you want to be pushed back into your seat, though, you can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo engine that spikes to 252 horsepower. The Envision also boasts a competitive fuel economy, especially for an SUV, at 22 miles per gallon in town and 29 on the highway. The Envision supplements its engine power with other unique performance features, such as adaptive cruise control.

The 2020 Encore may be smaller than the Envision, but that doesn’t mean it lacks power. The Encore runs on a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. And although the Encore may fall slightly behind the Envision in terms of engine power, it makes up for that difference with a slight edge on fuel economy. You’ll likely save money at the pump with 25 miles per gallon in town and 30 on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space

The 2020 Encore and 2020 Envision both excel in their cargo and passenger space, ending problems of too little room in the trunk or cabin. These models also enhance the driving experience with an innovative interior. Both the 2020 Envision and the 2020 Encore include convenient and comfortable interior features, such as a heated steering wheel, intuitive climate control, a spacious center console, Buick’s QuietTuning technology, heated front seats, and plenty of cargo space. The volume of that cargo space, however, differs depending on the model.

The starkest difference between the Envision and the Encore is likely their size. While both models can seat up to five passengers, the Envision offers more space for passengers and cargo. With a maximum cargo capacity of 57.3 cubic feet and 183.7 inches of total vehicle length, you’ll have little trouble fitting your cargo, whether you’re packing for your child’s next game or for a cross-country road trip. Everyone in the Envision will also ride in comfort, thanks to plenty of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom. Even backseat passengers can enjoy up to 7 feet of legroom.

However, simply because the Envision is larger doesn’t mean that you’ll struggle to fit into a 2020 Encore. The Encore boasts up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space and still offers plenty of headroom and legroom. The Encore’s smaller size also makes it better suited for navigating city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces. If you need more cargo space but don’t quite want to invest in the Envision, then upgrade to the Encore GX, which has more than 50 cubic feet of space.

Technology

The Encore and Envision both boast innovative technology and connectivity features that will keep you entertained and informed no matter where you are. Both models come with the Buick Infotainment System, which allows drivers to access navigation, phone calls, texts, and weather information, as well as connect with their favorite playlists using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

You can access all these features through an eight-inch color touch-screen. Both the Envision and Encore also include a Teen Driver system that allows parents to monitor the driving behavior of their new drivers, as well as set speed alerts, volume limits, and more.

In addition to these ample standard features, the Encore and Envision both include a wide array of technologies, more of which come standard on the Envision than the Encore. Here’s a breakdown of some of those features:

• QuietTuning noise-canceling technology: Standard on both models.
• Push-button start: Standard on both.
• Bluetooth: Standard on both.
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot: Standard on both.
• Rear Vision Camera: Standard on both.
• Cruise Control: Standard on both.
• Park Assist: Standard on the Envision; available on the Encore.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Available on both.
• Heated front seats: Standard on the Envision; available on the Encore.
• Ventilated front seats: Available on the Envision; not available on the Encore.
• Adaptive cruise control: Standard on the Envision; not available on the Encore.
• Surround vision: Standard on the Envision; not available on the Encore.

Pricing

The 2020 Envision starts at $33,500, while the 2020 Encore starts at $23,200. Just because the Encore is a more affordable vehicle, however, doesn’t mean it’s any less of a high-quality vehicle than the Envision. Both vehicles offer top-of-the-line features for their class, making either a good choice for you and your family.

Who’s the winner? It’s a dead tie. With the 2020 Envision and Encore, Buick offers two of the best SUVs in their class. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a peppy, comfortable, and connected driving experience. To see for yourself which vehicle is better for your family, come down to United Chevrolet Buick GMC and take both of these vehicles for a test drive.