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 is the main act - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Ron - November 23 - 2:48 am

  This is a small SUV, but large enough fopr most. Very comforable and easy to get around town. Feels great on the highway also

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  Perfect car fort worth tall seniors - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Michael OHara - November 9 - 1:38 pm

  Overall great crossover SUV, one of best out there. Oozes Buick quality. Saddle leather interior is gorgeous. Two shortcomings: garage door opener missing in all models and auto door lock has to be manually set each exit of car. Easy for tall person to get in and out with high roofline and interior headroom.

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  Really nice vehicle ... but - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Kent - June 9 - 1:44 am

  I came real close to buying a Buick Encore. I really like the styling and trim. And, the size is perfect for me. I do question the 1.4L engine. Turbo chargers do not favorably impress me. Just something else to go wrong. I finally took one for a test drive. Did not seem to be as spunky as my 2.0L 2000 Tracker but maybe I could get used to it. The Tracker is 17 years old now. I bought it new in November of 1999. I really do need a new vehicle now. Sadly, I had to walk away from the Encore because of the dark tinted glass. I am older now, dont see as well as when I was young. Always have had some trouble seeing at night. It gets worse when you get older. You will understand that later. Tinted glass is a real pain for me. I dont care if people can see in. I need to be able to see out, in every direction, front, back, and sides. That is what is important and the Encore fails in that respect. The Encore does not seem to be available without the dark tinted glass in the back. That seems to be the case with most of the new SUVs. Even the front glass is a bit dark for me. I guess I am going to have to keep on driving my 1994 and 2000 4WD Trackers. They go in the deep snow and on the ice. And they can pull your boat and trailer out of the water at the lake shore. The Encore cant even pull a small trailer. And they call it a SUV. I dont know that AWD would be as good. My Trackers do have very light tinted glass. Dont even need that but it is tolerable. Clear glass would be better. I know the dark tinted glass is only in the rear but it reduces the available light throughout the interior of the vehicle. I really need a new car but I cant find anything acceptable to me. Everything has dark tinted glass and they all seem to have way too many buttons on the dash. I cant drive and read the operators manual at the same time. I dont text and drive. I like to be able to find the controls by touch. I dont want to have to look for them. I have to keep my mind on the road. I dont want distractions. This is all insane. Aftermarket tint is readily available for all car windows. Why do the automobile manufacturers have to force tinted glass on all of us? It definitely is a serious safety hazard.

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  The little SUV that tried too hard - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Bob DePino - May 20 - 2:22 am

  Take a good look at the cars that you have been admiring on the road and note that it is their body design that makes them appealing. The basic design of the Encore is overshadowed by a ton of unnecessary glam. An overpowering front grill and a lot of randomly placed chrome has basically turned the car into a distasteful quinceanera dress. And dont even consider having a front seat passenger that weighs more that 150 pounds as they will not fit in the seat. Think long and hard before buying a car and then go and purchase one that you will get compliments on. The Buick Encore wont do that for you.

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  First ever Buick, nice but... - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Nikki - April 22 - 3:47 pm

  I bought this 2016 Encore brand new in April. Ive never owned a Buick. Cant say that I ever will again. I loved it until I had to take it to the dealership on October 28th. 10,000 miles and it had to have 3 pistons and rings replaced. When I picked it up yesterday, the check engine light came back on as soon as I pulled off the lot. Took it back, they checked it and "fixed it" and I took off in it again. Just out of the parking lot and the light comes back on. SO, my car is still in the shop with no idea of when I will get it back. Im thinking I bought a lemon.

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  Stop Hating On The Encore! - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Stpo_Crying - January 14 - 7:40 pm

  If your looking for a street racing car or a $100,000 car this is not for you. The Encore has made Buick take a step forward. I used to hate Buick until we looked at and drove the 2016 Encore. Unlike some who leave reviews I actually own it and have been driving it for several months. We have put 4 people in it and drove from Atlanta to Clearwater Fl and had no complaints. I have had a person about 6 5" sit right behind my drivers seat which is back pretty far and they had enough room like they did in my 2005 Quest. I have no problems getting on the highway in Atlanta traffic. Hit the gas and it will go. Dont listen to people who base reviews on what they "think" the car does because they read how much Hp the car has. Thats whats the issue these days..everyone wants to go a million miles per hr but theres no need....Go join the nascar or indy car if you need to..Too many people getting killed because you want to do 100 on the streets..Anyways, the Buick Encore is a great ride and looks sharp. Dont listen to any reviews..just go to your local buick dealer and test drive one for yourself then YOU make your decision and your OWN opinion of it.....

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  Act one and two.... - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Wendy otoole - December 6 - 3:26 pm

  You will be surprised by spaciouness in side. My 6 husband slides in with ease. Comfortable traveling for passenger and driver. Ive had back surgery and like sliding into a chair when i get into car. My 2nd encore and wasn t unhappy with the first. Only had such amazing deals for end of year 2016, that i traded up from a 2014 to a new premier 2016. I love this car. I call it my "whip about". Most of the time my seats down cause I am an antiquer and hauler of most anything. Just enough luxury mixed with simplicity with fun. I cant say anything bad. Ive had many cars and this is my all time fave! So this ain t the encore, but the 2nd act. I am sure will be a fan and purchasing for a lonoooong time.

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  2016 Buick Encore - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Ivon Cruise - April 13 - 5:21 am

  I traded in my Infiniti QX70 for the Encore and love my new car! Its roomy, easier to get in/out of, and has better fuel economy.

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  Buick - make driving great again !!! - 2017 Buick Encore
  By Charles - February 12 - 3:05 pm

  MSRP is to high for this car. I checked around and found lots of deals 20% to 25% less some with just 1K miles.

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  Thats not a Buick - 2016 Buick Encore
  By Bills Buick - February 11 - 11:09 pm

  This car is a made in Korea car and after looking at Hondas, Nissans, Fords, Lexus I think I made a good choice. Traded in a low mileage Lexus RX350 which I loved but decided to finally lease after having bought some 20 or more cars in my lifetime. And pearl white really shows off the car and it is a dream to drive. Ill probably never use the wi-fi and all the bells and whistles but that is okay and since I dont drive in the snow anymore didnt need AWD like the Lexus had.