If you’re shopping for a small SUV, you’ve likely asked yourself, is the Buick Encore a good car? The Buick Encore’s position in the crowded small SUV segment hinges on its comfort and value proposition. It offers a quiet ride and a premium feel at a price that often undercuts its rivals. This article will give you a clear, detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Is The Buick Encore A Good Car
The answer depends on what you prioritize. For many buyers, the Encore is a very good car, especially if you value a smooth, quiet cabin and user-friendly features. It’s not the sportiest or most powerful option, but it excels in comfort and daily usability. Let’s break down the key areas to see where it shines and where it falls short.
Pros And Cons Of The Buick Encore
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of the main advantages and drawbacks.
- Pros: Exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride, upscale and intuitive interior design, strong value for money, good fuel economy, easy to maneuver in the city.
- Cons: Underpowered engine options, cramped rear seat and cargo space compared to newer rivals, infotainment screen can feel outdated.
Comfort And Ride Quality
This is where the Buick Encore truly stands out. Buick has long focused on delivering a “quiet cabin” experience, and the Encore continues that tradition.
The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively soaking up bumps and road imperfections. Combined with sound-deadening materials, this creates a serene driving environment that feels more luxurious than many competitors. On long highway trips, you’ll appreciate the lack of noise and harshness.
Seating And Interior Materials
The front seats are generally supportive and offer good adjustability. Buick often uses high-quality materials on the dashboard and door panels, which helps the interior feel more premium than a typical economy SUV. However, some lower trim levels may use more hard plastics in areas you touch less frequently.
Performance And Engine Options
Performance is the Encore’s most common criticism. For many years, it used a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that felt underpowered, especially during highway merging or passing.
Later models received a newer 1.4L turbo or a 1.3L turbo three-cylinder engine. While these offer a bit more refinement and better fuel economy, the Encore is still not a quick vehicle. The focus here is on relaxed, comfortable cruising, not spirited driving. The transmission is smooth and unobtrusive, which fits the car’s character perfectly.
Fuel Economy Ratings
One benefit of the smaller engines is efficient fuel use. The Buick Encore typically achieves ratings that are competitive for its class.
- FWD models often get around 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
- AWD models will see a slight decrease, usually by 1-2 MPG.
- Real-world driving usually aligns closely with these EPA estimates, making it a cost-effective daily commuter.
Interior Space And Practicality
This is a key consideration. The Encore is a subcompact SUV, so space is limited, especially when compared to newer models that have grown in size.
The front seats offer ample room for most adults. The rear seat, however, is best suited for children or shorter adults on shorter trips. Cargo space behind the rear seats is also modest. If you regularly carry rear passengers or need to haul lots of gear, you might find the space restrictive. Folding the rear seats does open up a much more usable area for groceries or luggage.
Cargo Capacity Comparison
With the rear seats up, you get about 18-20 cubic feet of space. Fold them down, and that expands to roughly 48 cubic feet. This is less than rivals like the Honda HR-V or the newer Kia Seltos, so pack accordingly.
Technology And Infotainment Features
Buick’s IntelliLink system has been the centerpiece of the Encore’s dashboard for years. It’s generally straightforward to use, with a responsive touchscreen and physical buttons for critical functions like volume and climate control.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on later models, which is a huge plus for smartphone integration. The available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is also a useful feature for families. Some may find the screen size smaller than those in newer competitors, but the functionality is solid.
Safety Features And Ratings
Safety is a strong point for the Encore. It earned top marks in its time.
- It consistently received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for several model years, with good ratings in most crash tests.
- Available safety tech includes a rear vision camera, rear park assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. Later models may offer more advanced features like automatic emergency braking.
Always check the specific year’s ratings, as standards evolve.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Buick as a brand often ranks above average in reliability studies. The Encore has proven to be a dependable vehicle with proper maintenance. Repair costs are typically reasonable for the class, and the widespread availability of GM parts helps keep expenses down.
One advantage is Buick’s complimentary maintenance program, which was offered on new models and covers the first few scheduled services. This can reduce the initial cost of ownership. Depreciation is steeper than some Japanese rivals, which can make a used Encore an excellent value.
Trim Levels And Value For Money
The Encore usually came in three main trims: Base, Preferred, and Essence (or Sport Touring in some years). Each step up adds more comfort and technology features.
- Base: Well-equipped with keyless entry, a touchscreen, and a rearview camera.
- Preferred: Adds leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat.
- Essence: Includes leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and more advanced safety features.
The value is found in the mid-level trims, which offer a lot of premium comfort for the price. You get features often reserved for more expensive luxury brands.
Who Is The Buick Encore Best Suited For
The Buick Encore is an ideal choice for a specific set of buyers. Consider it if you:
- Primarily drive alone or with one passenger.
- Prioritize a quiet, comfortable ride over sporty handling.
- Want a premium feel without a luxury brand price tag.
- Do mostly city driving where its size and maneuverability are assets.
- Are looking for a good value on a used or certified pre-owned model.
Common Competitors To Consider
It’s smart to cross-shop. Key rivals include:
- Honda HR-V: More cargo space and practicality, but a noisier ride.
- Mazda CX-30: Much more engaging to drive, with a nicer interior.
- Hyundai Kona: Bold styling, good tech, and a peppy optional engine.
- Chevrolet Trax: Its corporate cousin, often less expensive but with a more basic interior.
Test driving these will highlight the Encore’s unique focus on comfort.
Final Verdict And Recommendations
So, is the Buick Encore a good car? Yes, for the right driver. It delivers on its promise of a comfortable, quiet, and feature-rich experience at a reasonable price. Its main compromises are in rear-seat space and acceleration.
If you buy one, we recommend opting for a later model year (2017 or newer) to get the updated infotainment with smartphone integration. A mid-level Preferred trim offers the best balance of cost and features. And always get a pre-purchase inspection if you’re considering a used vehicle to ensure it’s in good shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buick Encore good on gas?
Yes, the Buick Encore gets good fuel economy for a small SUV. Most models achieve around 25-30 MPG combined, making it an efficient choice for daily commuting and longer trips.
Is the Buick Encore reliable?
Overall, the Buick Encore has a good reliability record. Buick as a brand often scores well in dependability studies. Regular maintenance is key to keeping any vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
What are the main problems with the Buick Encore?
Some reported issues over the years include occasional problems with the turbocharger, the infotainment system freezing, and early wear on the brake rotors. These are not universal, but something to listen for during a test drive.
Is the Buick Encore being discontinued?
Yes, Buick ended production of the Encore in North America after the 2022 model year. It was replaced by the slightly larger Buick Encore GX. This means you can find great deals on remaining new 2022 models or used Encores.
How does the Buick Encore compare to an Encore GX?
The Encore GX is a bit larger, offers more powerful engine choices, and has a more modern interior and exterior design. It’s essentially the next generation, addressing many of the space and power criticisms of the original Encore. The GX is a good step up if your budget allows.