If you’re in the market for a small luxury SUV, you’ve likely asked yourself, is Buick Encore a good car? The Buick Encore offers a compact SUV package that prioritizes a quiet cabin and user-friendly technology for daily commuting. This article will give you a clear, detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
We’ll examine everything from driving comfort and fuel economy to reliability and pricing. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of whether the Encore fits your lifestyle and budget.
Is Buick Encore A Good Car
Answering this question depends on what you value most in a vehicle. The Buick Encore is a good car for a specific type of driver. It excels in providing a comfortable, quiet, and tech-savvy experience for city and suburban life.
However, it falls short if you need powerful acceleration or abundant cargo space. Let’s break down the key areas to consider.
Pros Of The Buick Encore
The Encore has several compelling advantages that attract buyers to the Buick brand.
- Serene Cabin Experience: Buick’s QuietTuning technology is a standout feature. It uses sound-absorbing materials and acoustic glass to minimize road and wind noise.
- User-Friendly Technology: Recent models feature intuitive infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls are generally straightforward.
- Maneuverable and Easy to Park: Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating tight city streets and fitting into small parking spots with ease.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for comfort, smoothing out bumps and imperfections on typical roads.
- Upscale Interior Materials: Compared to many non-luxury rivals, the Encore often uses nicer soft-touch materials on key surfaces.
Cons Of The Buick Encore
To give a balanced view, it’s important to acknowledge the Encore’s drawbacks.
- Underwhelming Engine Performance: The standard turbocharged engine lacks power, especially during highway merging or passing. Acceleration can feel sluggish.
- Limited Cargo and Rear Seat Space: As a subcompact SUV, space is at a premium. The cargo area is smaller than some competitors, and rear legroom is tight for adults.
- All-Wheel Drive System: The available all-wheel-drive is fine for light snow and wet roads, but it’s not designed for serious off-road adventures.
- Transmission Behavior: Some drivers report that the automatic transmission can be hesitant or jerky in certain driving conditions.
Buick Encore Performance And Driving Experience
How does the Encore feel on the road? The driving experience is defined by comfort over excitement.
Engine Specifications And Fuel Economy
For many years, the Encore used a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produced around 138 horsepower. Later models switched to a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbo engine with similar power output.
Fuel economy is a strong point. You can expect an EPA-estimated:
- 28-30 MPG in the city
- 30-32 MPG on the highway
These numbers make it an efficient choice for commuting. The small tank size means fill-ups are relatively inexpensive, too.
Handling And Ride Comfort
The Encore’s steering is light and easy, which is perfect for parking lots. It’s not a sporty SUV, so don’t expect sharp, responsive handling on winding roads. The body may lean a bit in turns.
Where it truly shines is ride comfort. The suspension effectively absorbs impacts from potholes and rough pavement. Combined with the quiet cabin, this creates a very relaxed atmosphere for longer drives.
Buick Encore Interior Quality And Technology
Step inside the Encore, and you’ll notice it aims for a premium feel. The dashboard and door armrests are often padded with soft materials. Buick pays attention to details like stitching to elevate the look.
Infotainment And Connectivity Features
Modern Encores come with a user-friendly touchscreen. The system is responsive and the menu logic is simple. Standard features typically include:
- A 7-inch or 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen
- Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration
- Available built-in navigation
- Multiple USB ports for charging
The available Bose premium audio system is a worthwhile upgrade for music lovers, providing clear and immersive sound.
Seating Comfort And Cargo Space
The front seats are generally comfortable and supportive for daily use. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are available for colder climates.
Space in the second row is best suited for children or shorter adults. Cargo capacity is about 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Folding the seats down expands it to around 48.4 cubic feet. This is less than some rivals like the Honda HR-V, but adequate for grocery runs or a couple of suitcases.
Buick Encore Safety And Reliability Ratings
Safety and dependability are crucial factors for any car buyer.
NHTSA And IIHS Safety Scores
The Encore’s safety scores have varied by model year. It’s essential to check the specific year you’re considering. Generally, it has earned good ratings:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) often gave it 4 or 5 out of 5 stars overall.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded many models “Good” ratings in most crash tests.
Available advanced safety features include:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
Predicted Reliability And Ownership Costs
Reliability reports for the Buick Encore are mixed. Some model years have better records than others. It’s wise to research specific years for common issues.
Ownership costs are generally average for the class. Maintenance won’t be as cheap as a Toyota, but it’s not as expensive as some European luxury brands. Insurance costs are typically reasonable for a vehicle in this segment.
Buick Encore Trim Levels And Pricing
The Encore was typically offered in three main trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence. Each added more features and luxury touches.
Pricing for a new Encore started in the mid-$20,000 range and could climb into the low-$30,000s with options. On the used market, you can find excellent value.
- Models from 2017-2019 offer modern features at a significant discount.
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models from Buick provide extended warranty coverage for added peace of mind.
Who Is The Buick Encore Best Suited For?
The Buick Encore is an ideal fit for a specific set of priorities. You will likely be happy with an Encore if:
- Your daily driving consists of city commutes and suburban errands.
- A quiet and comfortable cabin is a top priority for you.
- You rarely need to carry more than one or two passengers.
- You value a higher-end interior feel over sporty performance.
- You want an easy-to-park vehicle with good fuel efficiency.
You might want to consider other options if you frequently take long road trips with a full car, need maximum cargo space, or desire engaging driving dynamics.
Buick Encore Vs Key Competitors
How does the Encore stack up against other popular subcompact SUVs?
Buick Encore vs Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V prioritizes practicality. It offers far more cargo space thanks to its versatile “Magic Seat” system. The HR-V is also known for its excellent reliability. However, its cabin is noisier and its interior materials are more basic than the Encore’s.
Buick Encore vs Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is the sportier choice. It has more powerful engine options, sharper handling, and a very stylish interior. It’s also quieter than many rivals. The CX-30 might be less comfortable on very rough roads and can have a higher starting price.
Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax is the Encore’s corporate cousin, sharing a platform. The Trax is much more budget-focused. It has a lower starting price but features more hard plastic inside and fewer standard luxury amenities. The Encore offers a clear step up in refinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buick Encore being discontinued?
Yes, Buick discontinued the Encore after the 2022 model year in North America. It was replaced by the slightly larger Buick Encore GX. You can still find plenty of new old-stock and used Encores available for sale.
What are common problems with the Buick Encore?
Some reported issues across various model years include premature brake wear, problems with the turbocharger, occasional electrical gremlins, and transmission shudder. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying a used vehicle.
Is the Buick Encore good in snow?
With its available all-wheel-drive system and standard traction control, the Encore is competent in light to moderate snow. It handles typical winter commuting conditions well. For deep snow or severe winter terrain, dedicated winter tires are highly recommended for any vehicle.
What is the Buick Encore’s fuel mileage?
The Buick Encore gets good fuel economy. Most models with front-wheel drive achieve an EPA-estimated 28-30 MPG in the city and 30-32 MPG on the highway. All-wheel-drive models see a slight decrease in these numbers.
How much does a used Buick Encore cost?
Used Buick Encore prices vary widely based on year, mileage, and trim. You can find older models (2015-2017) for under $15,000. More recent models (2020-2022) typically range from $20,000 to $28,000. Always compare prices in your local market.
Final Verdict: Is The Buick Encore Recommended?
So, is the Buick Encore a good car? The answer is a conditional yes. It’s a good, and often great, car for the right driver. If your priorities align with its core strengths—a quiet, comfortable, and tech-friendly commuter—then the Encore is a compelling choice, especially on the used market where it offers strong value.
Its shortcomings in power and space are significant but manageable for many urban and suburban households. We recommend test driving an Encore back-to-back with its key competitors. Pay attention to the cabin noise levels, seat comfort, and how the engine feels during your normal driving routes. This hands-on experience will ultimately tell you if the Buick Encore’s particular blend of attributes is the right fit for your garage.