Luxury cars usually promise comfort and style, but they don’t always deliver on reliability. Plush interiors and fancy tech often come with a side of expensive repairs a few years down the road.
The 2020 Buick Encore bucks that trend. It’s cozy, upscale, and somehow manages to stay impressively dependable.
J.D. Power gives it a near-perfect 90 out of 100 for quality and reliability, ranking it near the top of compact SUVs. If you want a used luxury SUV that won’t drain your wallet on repairs, the Encore is a smart pick.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from Buick and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, J.D. Power, and RepairPal.
The Luxury SUV That Rarely Gets the Credit It Deserves
When people think long-lasting luxury SUVs, they usually picture Lexus, Acura, or maybe a Volvo or Mercedes. Buick doesn’t get mentioned as often, but the brand quietly figured out something most American automakers haven’t: a small, premium crossover that actually sticks around.
The Encore might not flaunt a German badge, but owners love it for one simple reason—it just works. Buick skipped the flashy tech and crazy performance numbers, focusing on the basics that really matter.
Smooth ride, solid materials, and a no-nonsense engine and transmission combo have kept the 2020 Encore reliable for years. That practical approach has aged well, making it one of the most trusted used American luxury crossovers around.
How the 2020 Buick Encore Stays So Dependable
The Encore’s reliability doesn’t come from one flashy feature—it’s all smart engineering, proven parts, and solid craftsmanship. Under the hood sits a humble 1.4-liter turbo four with a six-speed automatic that’s been tested across multiple GM models.
J.D. Power gives it a 90/100 for reliability, and that score goes beyond just avoiding breakdowns. It factors in owner satisfaction, durability, and long-term costs, and the Encore consistently beats the average.
Owners report hardly any issues with electronics, body hardware, or the engine. With a simple maintenance schedule and low repair needs, the Encore stands out as one of the most dependable compact luxury crossovers you can find.
Luxury Inside Without the Headache
Step into the 2020 Encore, and it’s easy to see why it still feels modern. The cabin is upscale without overdoing it—soft-touch surfaces, neatly stitched leatherette, and a clean, elegant design. Standard features include:
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Heated mirrors
- Rear privacy glass
- Cruise control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-speaker sound system
It’s also surprisingly quiet for a compact SUV. Buick’s QuietTuning tech, with laminated glass and extra insulation, keeps road and wind noise down, giving the Encore a calm, premium vibe even at highway speeds.
The infotainment system is a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It might seem modest by 2025 standards, but it’s intuitive, quick, and surprisingly easy to use.
Many newer SUVs could take a page from Buick’s playbook here. The Encore feels like a small luxury SUV built for daily life—the kind you can drive every day without sweating the wear and tear.
The Compact SUV That Thrives in Town
Not everyone needs a three-row SUV with a V8 and a taste for premium fuel. For city drivers, the Encore hits the sweet spot—compact enough for tight spots but tall enough for a clear view of the road.
A tight turning radius and smooth ride make it great on urban streets, while available all-wheel drive adds confidence in bad weather.
Its small footprint also helps it last longer, putting less strain on brakes, suspension, and drivetrain parts. That’s one reason the Encore can rack up miles with minimal fuss.
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The Encore’s biggest trade-off is performance. Its 138 horsepower won’t thrill anyone chasing a sporty drive, but that’s not the point—Buick focused on comfort, fuel efficiency, and ease of use.
When it comes to repairs, simplicity is the Encore’s secret weapon. Fewer high-strain components mean fewer breakdowns, making it a rare luxury SUV that delivers predictable, low-cost maintenance instead of surprise bills.
How It Compares to the Competition
Back in 2020, the Encore went up against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Lexus UX. Today, those models still have appeal, but they often come with higher costs and more complicated systems.
The BMW X1 had better performance but pricey maintenance once out of warranty. The Audi Q3 looked great and packed in tech, but reliability was hit or miss. The Lexus UX was close on dependability, but its higher price made it harder to justify.
That’s what makes the 2020 Buick Encore stand out. It gives you real luxury and comfort without the high repair bills or complicated ownership, making it the practical luxury SUV people didn’t know they needed.
A Used SUV That Still Feels Fresh
Five years later, the 2020 Encore still feels surprisingly modern. Its simple, clean dashboard has aged well, and Buick focused on durability over flashy trends, so nothing in the cabin feels cheap or dated.
Many owners hit 100,000 miles with just routine maintenance—oil changes, brake pads, and the occasional tires. That’s impressive for any SUV, especially one marketed as premium.
Buick’s widespread dealership network and easy parts availability mean repairs are simple and affordable if they’re ever needed. That hassle-free ownership is one of the Encore’s biggest long-term perks.
Economical to Drive and Own
Luxury usually means higher running costs—but not with the 2020 Encore. It gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is excellent for its class.
Add affordable insurance and low annual repairs—about $470 per year according to RepairPal—and the Encore quickly becomes one of the most cost-effective luxury SUVs to own.
Its resale value has held strong thanks to its reliability. Well-kept examples still command good prices, proving that dependability really does pay off.
The 2020 Encore Is Worth a Closer Look
The 2020 Buick Encore might not grab headlines, but it earns respect quietly—starting every morning, running smoothly, and rarely needing a trip to the shop. With a high J.D. Power reliability score, a comfortable ride, and a refined cabin, it’s one of the most dependable luxury SUVs America has made in recent years.
Luxury isn’t just about flashy badges or overloaded touchscreens. Sometimes it’s peace of mind—knowing your car will handle day after day, year after year, without complaint.
For anyone after a long-lasting American luxury SUV that won’t rack up repair bills, the 2020 Encore is worth serious consideration. It’s proof that dependability never goes out of style.