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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  Underrated suv - 2016 Buick Encore
  By K. Jones - March 27 - 5:32 pm

  This is a nice little suv , it comes very well equipped standard , comfortable, very quiet interior. The only complaint I have read or seen others talk about is the engine power, well unless you are trying to be a NASCAR RACER! I think the encore has more than enough power! Now I would not recommend this for some one who plans on carrying around more than 4 people at a time but this is fine for 2 adults and 2 children. One feature I like is that rear & front seats close completely flat! I did have to get used to the auto stop fuel saving feature which shuts off the motor when stopped . but overall I highly recommend this to someone looking for a small suv !

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  Great Little SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Mike P. - October 6 - 4:02 pm

  Recently purchased this vehicle. Traded in a Honda. Was looking for something that was relatively fun, stylish, and comfortable. The Encore fits the bill perfectly. Some people have mentioned the power as a negative. I find it to be more than acceptable. Have not experienced a problems with it. The inside is made up of generally high quality materials. The vehicle is extremely quiet under all circumstances. I highly recommend it. Before buying, I test drove the following. Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade. After doing that, it was very easy to buy the Encore.

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  Another Buick - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Bill Gowen - February 6 - 8:40 am

  What a great car and value. We test drove both the Honda CRV & Toyota Rav4, both were great cars, but the difference we fond was the ride quality, craftsmanship and overall bang for your dollar. This is our second Buick, and what we are seeing with the Buick is reliability and overall satisfaction level for what you get for your total all in cost. For 20 years all we have bought is Japanese cars, because of the reliability and safety. I have no problem tell other consumers that Buick has done a great job to earn our business back to American made cars.

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  Great Little Car! - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Karen - September 7 - 4:18 am

  This awd encore exceeded our expectations. Car has a premium look and feel. So far mpg has been excellent and the Encore drives very nice and has quite a quiet interior. Some road noise at highway speeds but the short wheelbase is to blame for that i believe. Only downside is storage capacity is somewhat lacking. But we have just one kid and it is not an issue for us. The rear seats fold down flat which is nice for additional storage. You can fold down either side or both leaving half of seating available for the kids car seat. Also the front passenger seat folds down flat for additional storage for those longer items you may transport from Ikea etc, All in all very happy with this vehicle and got it for a great price during GMs 25% off msrp sale. On side note the basicwarranty is longer on the Buicks as compared to the other GM products.

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  An Encore Explanation - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Phil Ershler - June 24 - 2:07 pm

  This car is a well priced entry into the Luxury SUV family of vehicles. Our car was fully loaded and had lots of safety equipment for a lease cost of under $290/Mo including the tax, with only $2400 Cash at signing.

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  See the USA in a Buick today. - 2017 Buick Encore
  By John Faubert - June 18 - 7:09 am

  Great car ,good price, looks great and it Handels better than any car I have ever owned. (PS) gas mileage is super.

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  My review - 2017 Buick Encore
  By DSellor - February 12 - 6:08 am

  Only 500 miles.mso farv simply very impressive vehicle