Pros: Unique upscale character; close-quarters maneuverability; ride quality and noise levels are impressive considering the small size
Cons: Cramped rear-seat space; limited cargo room; so-so acceleration with base engine
CG Says: Buick Encore has revised styling inside and out for 2017. Keyless access and starting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are newly available. Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV with seating for five. Two turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines are offered. The base engine has 138 horsepower, while the optional motor has 154 hp. Both are paired with a six-automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Available convenience features include heated steering wheel, keyless access and starting, and rain-sensing wipers. Available safety features include forward-collision warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Encore delivers surprisingly good ride quality and Buick’s characteristic hushed cabin. For some shoppers, the vehicle’s small size and tall driving position will be real strengths. However, the small dimensions limit Encore’s cargo versatility and rear seat space, especially among similarly priced competitors. Encore is an unusual vehicle that’s quite compelling–if the benefits of its small size are more important to you than the compromises that are also part of the package.
| Class | Subcompact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Buick |
| Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
| Base Prices | Base: $22,990 Preferred: $24,365 AWD Preferred: $25,865 Sport Touring: $25,565 AWD Sport Touring: $27,065 Preferred II: $26,865 AWD Preferred II: $28,365 Essence: $29,065 AWD Essence: $30,565 Premium: $30,465 AWD Premium: $31,965 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 138 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-33 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 153 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 26-27 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31-33 |
