Overview & Reviews

Buick's Encore distills the brand's essence into a small, affordable compact crossover SUV. That means you get a comfortable ride and a quiet, rich-feeling cabin environment to go along with the Encore's fuel-efficient engine and available all-wheel drive. A fair amount of Buick's latest technology and safety features are also available to imbue the Encore with a healthy premium vibe.

Know that the Encore is smaller than other more established crossovers, however, and those petite dimensions cut down on the Encore's available rear legroom and cargo space. Tepid acceleration is another drawback. But if you're looking for an easy-to-drive and easy-on-the-wallet vehicle with an elevated seating position, the Encore makes a lot of sense.

Current Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is available in four trim levels: base, Convenience, Leather and Premium. All Encore models are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder making 138 horsepower. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.

The base Encore comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview camera and a suite of tech conveniences like Bluetooth, OnStar services, Buick Intellilink smartphone integration, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod connection. The Convenience trim level adds remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control and a blind-spot monitoring system. Pick the Leather trim level to get leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and driver memory settings.

The range-topping Premium level adds a premium Bose audio system, parking sensors and lane departure and forward collision warning systems. A sunroof and a navigation system are also available.

A damped, hushed ride remains a Buick hallmark, and the Encore lives up to this legacy with an acoustically-treated windshield, side glass and headliner, and a specific "quiet" standard tire. The Encore even offers an active noise suppression system that fends off sound from the engine and road by emitting noise-cancelling frequencies through the speakers. But while this Buick may carry occupants in peaceful serenity, it won't carry much else -- maximum cargo capacity is noticeably less than what's provided by most other small crossovers. On the upside, the front passenger seat can fold flat to accommodate longer items, which is a useful feature when space is at a premium.
The Encore is enjoyable to drive around town. Its small size allows it to fit into small parking spaces with ease and gives you a tidy turning circle for U-turns. Less impressive, though, is the 138-hp 1.4-liter engine. This just isn't enough power for a crossover SUV, and although the Encore feels adequately powerful in city driving, it feels strained when merging onto the highway or making any sort of passing maneuver.

Used Buick Encore Models
The Buick Encore debuted for the 2013 model year. There have been no major changes since, though in that first year the blind-spot monitoring system wasn't available.

User Reviews:

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  Buick Encore big failure - 2013 Buick Encore
  By Lorie - April 8 - 5:58 pm

  I have a 2013 Buick Encore. I really liked it for the first few years. Now at 75,000 miles is it falling apart. In the last 12 months it have had; an electrical issue, corroded wiring to transmission control,that caused the car to be unresponsive, would not move when started. Had it repaired for $150.00. Then the reduce engine speed system was active, in traffic, could not go more than 2 miles an hour, very dangerous and scary. Next 4 gasket leaks, valve cover, exhaust gasket, cam phaser seal, oil pan, and needed to replace engine oil cooler and ignition coil, repairs on those $1200.00. Now I have to pay for repairs on a cracked turbocharger, $1000.00. I bought a Buick because they are supposed to be safe and reliable. I am stuck with a crappy car and frankly scared to drive it any distance for fear I will get stuck somewhere, especially in the winter. Oh, dealership and GM absolutely not help. This is ridiculous. I will never, never by a GM car again or go to Zimbrick for a car. Very disappointed.

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  Feels like a new 1996 Geo Tracker - 2016 Buick Encore
  By TheManInDboX - December 23 - 4:34 pm

  The seats are hard, the seating position is terrible, and you cant see out of it.. I have had the little SUV now for the past 3 days due to my Volt (which is a complete pile of garbage) being fixed again.. During that time i can say it is pretty good on gas, but the transmission is jerky, there is no snot at all in it, meaning it wont get out of its own way.. the seats are too small, i am thin and tall, but the seats are way to short and too hard.. making it feel like you are sitting on a pick-nick bench. The audio controls require a degree in computer science to figure out, nothing is labeled well, the steering column plastic isnt straight, and there are noticeable creaks and rattles when you hit bumps.. (The Loaner has 395 Miles on it) There is NO storage at all in it, there are nooks and pockets to store things around the driver, but the rear of it where you would put groceries, or other shopping things, or even a baby stroller, there is simply just not enough room back there. As per handling it may handle well, but it feels top heavy when you hit a corner which doesnt leave much confidence in the handling ability. Good: The BOSE stereo is amazing.. sounds fantastic.. The look of the materials makes it seem like a high end vehicle.. I mean until you realize, they are cheaply made.. Gas mileage seems pretty good for a small SUV (Very small) Bad: Fit and finish Seating position is hard short Seats The telescoping steering wheel is worthless it rattles You cant see out of it, and the parking sensors indicate you are too close at nearly 2ft from something Its slow (The Volt feels like a corvette in comparison) Its expensive (There are a lot of MUCH better options for less) Due to its shape you cant get anything in the hatch area Controls arent well laid out..