Early reviews can make or break any debut product. So will less-than-stellar critiques for the 2020 Buick Encore GX mean a premature curtain for the model? 

The Encore GX isn’t as exciting as some would hope. But this relatively new model is one of the most interesting entries in Buick’s lineup. However, many shoppers may hesitate before buying this small SUV, considering the lack of historical safety data for this vehicle.

Thankfully, some safety experts have already evaluated the Encore GX, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. Let’s take a look at how this small SUV performed in crash tests and what driver-assistance technologies it offers.

How safe is the 2020 Buick Encore GX?

Unlike the smaller Encore, Buick equipped the Encore GX with a respectable assortment of standard smart safety systems. These vital features help give drivers extra peace of mind, as they provide added awareness and an extra layer of protection.

This SUV’s front-crash prevention equipment detects danger that lies ahead and helps the driver react quickly. 

It all begins with the standard forward-collision warning system, which sends out an audible alert when it senses that a crash is imminent. If the driver doesn’t react in time, the automatic emergency braking system activates to help avoid a collision or mitigate damage. Similarly, the Encore GX’s front pedestrian braking system senses bystanders, and it works at speeds up to 50 MPH.

Other standard safety features include lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, a Teen Driver system, and a rearview camera.

You may want to add other driver-assistance technologies if safety is your top priority. The optional safety package ($345) – available on the base trim – comes with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane change alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence comes with parallel and perpendicular park assist. 

Plus, Buick offers available niceties – such as a rear camera mirror, head-up display, and surround-view monitor – that’ll aid you during your daily drives.

Do industry professionals believe the Encore GX is a safe SUV?

So far, only the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has evaluated the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Unfortunately, the small SUV’s crash-test results weren’t awe-inspiring.

The Encore GX performed well in the side crash test, earning a five-star rating. However, it faltered in the frontal crash test and the NHTSA’s rollover assessment, earning four stars in both categories. 

The NHTSA found that the vehicle’s front-passenger side is a particular trouble spot, as it earned a three-star rating in the frontal crash test.

The government-backed organization gave the 2020 Buick Encore GX an underwhelming four-star overall safety rating.

Is purchasing the 2020 Buick Encore GX the safest choice?

It’s easy to get excited about new models. After all, these vehicles have a bit of a mystery to them. But sometimes it’s best to go with a known commodity.
However, you should explore the Mazda CX-30 if you’re looking for a relatively new model that’s a better option than this Buick. The Encore GX can’t keep up with the CX-30 in nearly every category. Plus, you can drive with peace of mind knowing that the 2021 CX-30 is one of the safest subcompact SUVs on the market.