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