Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Buick Encore GX

The Encore GX is a

subcompact SUV that fits

between the tiny Encore

and the larger Envision.

It rides on an all-new

platform and offers a choice of two

new turbocharged three-cylinder

engines: a 137-hp variant and one

that produces 155 hp. Front-wheel

drive and a continuously variable

transmission come standard; the version with optional all-wheel drive comes

with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Inside is a straightforward interior

and an 8-inch touch screen. The GX also gets plenty of standard advanced

safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency

braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. The SUV will

be available in spring 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$24,100-$30,500

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Buick Envision

Buick's luxury compact SUV

sits between the tiny Encore

and the large Enclave. The

Chinese-built Envision uses

a smooth and quiet 252-hp,

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

originally mated to a six-speed auto-

matic transmission. For 2019, the turbo

engine is paired to a nine-speed auto-

matic. A less expensive 2.5-liter, four-

cylinder engine and available front-wheel drive are new. Handling is clumsy, but

ultimately the car is secure when pushed to its limits. Oddly, the ride is a mixed

bag, soft and unsettled at the same time. Access is easy, and the rear seat is

relatively roomy. The infotainment system is easy to use. Note that the dash

vents are too low and tend to cool the driver's elbows. The Envision's available

suite of active safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance.



OVERALL

SCORE

65

$31,995-$43,600

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 69 MPG 21

Buick Regal

The Buick Regal Sportback

has coupelike styling that

artfully masks its hatch-

back configuration. Most

versions use an energetic

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine;

the sporty GS gets a 3.6-liter V6.

Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are

available. The Regal has a comfort-

able ride, and road, wind, and engine

noise are well-muted. Handling is capable and responsive. We found the seats

to be comfortable and the cabin well-constructed, though a bit plain. Android

Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard, and the infotainment

system is easy to use. Most advanced safety features are optional and are

typically found on versions costing close to $40,000. The Regal TourX version is

a raised all-wheel-drive wagon, similar in concept to a Subaru Outback.



OVERALL

SCORE

64

$25,370-$39,070

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 87 MPG 23

Cadillac CT4

The new Cadillac CT4

replaces the ATS sedan,

slotting beneath the CT5.

It's likely to be roomier

than the cramped ATS,

and it should deliver a sporty driving

experience. The CT4 will be offered in

four trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury,

Sport, and V. The base engine is

a 237-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged

four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic. The sporty CT4-V gets a 325-hp,

2.7-liter turbo engine with a 10-speed automatic. All trims are available in

rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The V is visually distinguished by a

mesh grille, four exhaust outlets, and a rear spoiler. Advanced safety systems

are not available on the base Luxury trim. GM's impressive Super Cruise, a

partially automated system that maintains steering and speed control, will be

available in late 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$32,995-$44,495

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Cadillac CT5

Although the Cadillac

CT5 replaced the CTS

midsized luxury sedan,

it's designed to compete

with the smaller BMW

3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

So far, we've found that the CT5 is

roomier than the CTS. It also drives

well, in part because of its balanced

handling. Cadillac offers two engines:

a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an uplevel 3.0-liter twin-

turbocharged V6. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The

sedan is offered with rear- or all-wheel drive. Standard systems include forward

collision warning, city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian

detection, and a safety alert seat that ties in with driver monitoring. A Super

Cruise advanced driver assistance system and higher-performance CT5-V will

be added sometime after the car's launch.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$36,895-$47,695

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Cadillac CT6

The CT6 is athletic and

lively to drive. Although

the ride is firm, the CT6 is

steady and controlled, and

the interior is very quiet.

The base engine is a refined 3.6-liter

V6. All-wheel drive is standard. The

interior is plush and roomy, but

in-cabin storage is practically non-

existent. Front-seat comfort is superb,

but the rear seat is short on thigh support. The CT6's Super Cruise driver

assistance system operates on freeways and monitors the driver to make sure

he or she is paying attention. The V and Platinum models get a powerful turbo

V8. For the 2020 model year, all CT6 trim lines come standard with forward

collision warning, city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian

detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

70

$58,995-$96,495

RELIABILITY

2

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 95 MPG 22

Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade falls down on

the fundamentals as a lux-

ury SUV; it rides too stiffly

and can't stop or handle

with the grace of its peers.

Despite casting a massive shadow,

the Cadillac is not even that roomy

inside. The second-row seats aren't

very comfortable, and the third row is

cramped. For those who want more

room, a longer ESV version with increased cargo space is available. The Cue

infotainment system is confounding. The real strength of the Escalade lies in its

work abilities, with a powerful 420-hp V8 engine and an impressive tow capac-

ity. Recent updates include a new 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing

the eight-speed unit. We consider a well-trimmed Chevrolet Suburban or GMC

Yukon XL to be a smarter buy. A redesigned Escalade will debut in 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

41

$75,195-$98,295

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 61 MPG 16

Cadillac XT4

The XT4 is Cadillac's entry-

level luxury SUV, and it

delivers a classy cabin in a

small package. The 237-hp,

2.0-liter turbocharged

four-cylinder engine and nine-speed

automatic transmission make for a

responsive powertrain. But the engine

sounds too buzzy when revved. We

got 23 mpg overall with premium

gasoline, which is unimpressive for the class. The ride is on the stiff side but

on a par with the XT4's peers. Its handling is quite nimble. The interior has

comfortable seats with ritzy-looking leather, and chrome touches throughout.

The infotainment system is easy to use, though the location of certain knobs

is unusual and the gear selector takes some getting used to. Forward collision

warning, city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

are standard for 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

52

$35,695-$42,295

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 78 MPG 23

54 CR.ORG APRIL 2020

NEW CAR PROFILES BUICK — CHEVROLET