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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 80.00-
Compact Gem - 2016 Buick Encore
By Fred - August 24 - 10:07 pmLove the styling. I didnt agree with the consumer reports description of "plodding acceleration". I had a V6 Hyundai Tucson prior and the acceleration on the Encore almost matches the V6 performance. The Encore has enough power to accelerate into the highway with no problem. I could have used folding side mirrors and the knob that adjusts the mirrors was much better on the Tucson than the Encore. The radio is difficult to program and maintain on the desired settings. Cant wait until my complimentary Sirus subscription runs out to have some of that extraneous stuff go away,,,
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Perfect car for a retired lady who likes luxury! - 2016 Buick Encore
By Marie - June 13 - 1:11 amI love Buicks because, if you get a premium model, you get all the extras including heated steering wheel and remote start which are add ons in other cars. I was intending to buy a Buick Regal, but was unhappy with the lack of visibility in my previous Buick sedan. The salesman suggested I test drive an Encore as well as the Regal. I loved the Encore! The visibility was much better, I enjoyed sitting higher up, and it was easier to park. Granted the trunk is rather small and there probably isnt much leg room in the back seat, but I rarely have a rear seat passenger, so that is fine. Also important to me is that it has OnStar with Turn by Turn navigation and hands-free calling. This is a perfect vehicle for a retired lady who enjoys a certain amount of luxury in her car.
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Another Buick - 2016 Buick Encore
By Bill Gowen - February 6 - 8:40 amWhat 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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Nice litle SUV - 2016 Buick Encore
By Encoresport - November 13 - 2:25 amI like the Buick Encore very much, but cant live with stop/start for the next 6 years. Got a another brand instead.
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Engine Auto Start Stop Feature - 2016 Buick Encore
By twiceencoreowner - September 12 - 2:24 amAfter owning another Encore (2015), I traded and I bgt the 2016 Sport Touring. I was excited as it had a gas saving feature called "Auto stop" plus a few cosmetic extras. At first this feature was intriguing but after 5 mos of it starting and stopping all the time at traffic lights etc it became a real nuisance. The A/C also changes temp and gets hotter and fan slows down..also on heat as the compressor also shuts off. I decided to take it to the dealer and have it disabled...unfortunately that isnt possible..for some damn reason?? Software issue or program design bug? Dealership and Buick wont offer any allowance for my gruntled issue on a new 2017 w/o this stupid feature either. So be damn sure you understand what this does before you get stuck with it on an Encore. To save 50c a week this isnt worth the BS to have it. I cant believe some moron engineer thinks he is saving the environment and gas mileage by starting and stopping an engine at every slow down..
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Uncomfortable Seating - Left LaneWarning Not Reli - 2016 Buick Encore
By John - January 3 - 4:16 pmThe seats are made with EXTREMELY firm foam and are not designed for comfort. The front passenger seat is smaller than the drivers seat. It would be embarrassing to have a friend of a certain size not be comfortable in that seat I could only drive about an hour without getting pain in my back. THEN I READ AN EDMUNDS REVIEW WHICH MENTIONED THAT AFTER DRIVING FOR AN HOUR IT BECAME AN UNCOMFORTABLE RIDE. The left side SAFETY ALERT is ineffective if a car is passing you at a fairly high rate of speed. By the time the left mirror lights up, the passing car is already beside you. I suspect someone is going to rely on the system and wind up in a serious accident The dash is way too complicated. The Regal model with sane featureds has an easy to read.dash. I traded for a Regal - same dealer - AND LOST THOUSANDS IF DOLLARS!
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Great Little Car! - 2017 Buick Encore
By Karen - September 7 - 4:18 amThis 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 pmThis 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 amGreat 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 amOnly 500 miles.mso farv simply very impressive vehicle
