Buick Encore (2020-2022)

• 2nd Generation
• Sold in the USA = 2020-2022
• Status = Discontinued
• Overall Rating = 6.5/10

Buick Encore Price in the USA in 2022

The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the American automaker Buick, which is a division of General Motors (GM). The Buick Encore was first introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle and has been a popular choice in the small SUV segment. It offers a combination of compact size, a comfortable interior, and a smooth ride, making it well-suited for urban and suburban driving. The original Buick Encore kept being sold alongside the new Buick Encore GX, which came out in 2020, until 2022 in North America.  Its production stopped in 2022, and a new model called the Envista took its place. The 2022 Encore is a small crossover SUV. Even though it’s tiny, it can comfortably fit four adults inside, and if you fold down the back seats, you can carry quite a bit of stuff in the cargo area. In 2022, Buick made some important improvements to this small SUV. They boosted its engine power, so now it has 155 horsepower, which is 17 more than the previous year. They also got rid of the basic trim level, so now there’s only the Preferred trim available. They added a new electric heater and included map pockets on the driver and front passenger seats as standard features.

Trims & Variants:

The Buick Encore in 2022 comes in just one version called the Preferred. If you want extra safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert, you can get the Safety Package and Safety Package II. Even if you get both of these packages, the Buick Encore still doesn’t have Smart cruise control as an option.

Engine& Power:

Every Buick Encore comes with a new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that has 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This is an improvement of 17 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous year’s Encore. The standard setup includes a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but you can also get all-wheel drive if you prefer.

Performance & Drive: 

The standard setup for the Buick Encore in 2022 includes a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive, that’s an extra option that costs $620 more.  You’ll notice that it has a taller seating position on a short wheelbase. This gives it a bit of a top-heavy feel, especially when you’re going around corners. It leans more in turns compared to lower-set rivals like the Mazda CX-30. The steering is not super sporty but feels right in terms of weight, and it’s accurate, which should be fine for folks looking for a comfortable small crossover. The Encore’s suspension does a great job of smoothing out bumps in the road. It handles rough patches well, so you won’t feel harsh impacts as much when you’re driving. The Buick Encore doesn’t do as well in terms of fuel efficiency when compared to some of its competitors like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Nissan Kicks. If you go for the front-wheel-drive Encore, it’s estimated to get about 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon Fuel Economy on the highway. If you choose the all-wheel-drive version, the numbers drop slightly to around 24 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The steering in the Encore is generally well-weighted, making it easy to control and maneuver in various driving situations. it may not offer the same level of precision and feedback as some competitors, which can affect its sporty feel. The Encore’s handling characteristics are well-suited for city driving, offering easy maneuverability and a comfortable ride quality on urban roads. The Buick Encore comes equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, which provide consistent and efficient braking performance. The Buick Encore offers an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. ABS enhances stability and control, especially in emergency braking situations or on slippery surfaces. The Buick Encore also features Brake Assist, a system that detects when the driver is making an emergency stop and provides additional braking force to shorten stopping distances.

Exterior Design & Features:

The Buick Encore falls into the subcompact or compact crossover SUV category, which means it has a smaller footprint than larger SUVs. This results in a more manageable and city-friendly size. It has a prominent and recognizable grille design. The grille typically incorporates Buick’s iconic tri-shield logo and horizontal slats. The Encore showcases sculpted body lines and contours that add a sense of dynamism to its design. These lines can vary in complexity and prominence depending on the trim level. The Encore features stylish headlights and taillights with signature Buick LED lighting elements. These lights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the vehicle’s overall aesthetics. It has chrome accents and trim pieces that add a touch of elegance to the exterior, including around the windows, door handles, and grille. It has roof rails and other accessories, adding practicality to the design.

Interior Design & Features:

 You might notice some hard plastic materials in places like the door panels and lower center console. There’s a bit of a mismatch in the glossy black trim on the center stack compared to the glossy gray panels on the doors. It’s not all about hard plastics but there are soft-touch sections on the armrests and dash pad that give the interior a more luxurious feel. These softer surfaces create a more upscale atmosphere. The infotainment touchscreen is flush-mounted, which adds to the modern look, and there are jewel-colored accents in the background that add a touch of style. The controls are easy to understand and use, and there are redundant knobs on the dashboard for adjusting the climate controls, making it convenient for the driver and front-seat passenger. The Buick Encore offers many cool tech features right out of the gate. It includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen system called IntelliLink, which is your hub for things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a 4G LTE data connection with built-in Wi-Fi. There’s a six-speaker audio system that comes with SiriusXM satellite radio. You can also play music from your smart devices through Bluetooth, USB, or an auxiliary input jack. If you want an even better sound experience, there’s an option to upgrade to a Bose premium audio system with seven speakers. So, you’ve got plenty of tech options to keep you connected and entertained while driving.

Safety & Features:

The Encore got top safety marks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star rating overall, which is the highest, for both the front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Encore good ratings for the most part. If you’re interested in extra safety features, you can opt for the Safety Package, which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the Encore. There’s also a Safety Package II, which includes a forward collision alert, lane departure warning, front and rear parking assist, and automatic windshield wipers that can sense rain. 

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

1. Improved Engine: The 2022 Buick Encore comes with a more powerful engine, offering 155 horsepower, which is an improvement of 17 horsepower over the previous model. This provides better performance.
2. Highway Fuel Efficiency: It delivers good fuel efficiency on highways, which can save money during long trips. The front-wheel-drive version is estimated to get about 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
3. Stylish Exterior: The Encore has an attractive and stylish exterior design, with a recognizable grille, LED lighting elements, and chrome accents, making it appealing to many buyers.
4. Safety Ratings: The Buick Encore received top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), providing peace of mind to drivers.
5. Modern Tech Features: It comes equipped with modern tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Bose premium audio, keeping drivers connected and entertained.

Cons:

1. Base Model Features: The starting model of the Encore may feel a bit stripped down and lack some of the features available in higher trims, potentially requiring additional upgrades to get desired features.
2. Limited Rear Seat Space: The back seats in the Buick Encore can be tight, which might not provide the most comfortable experience for passengers in the second row, especially during longer journeys.
3. Ride Comfort: The ride may not be as smooth when driving over uneven or bumpy roads, which could impact comfort, especially for those looking for a more comfortable and cushioned ride.
4. No Smart Cruise Control: The Buick Encore does not offer smart cruise control as an option, which could be a drawback for those seeking advanced driver assistance features.

Verdict:

The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers improved engine performance, good highway fuel efficiency, a stylish exterior design, top safety ratings, and modern tech features. It’s well-suited for urban and suburban driving, providing a comfortable and connected experience for drivers. However, it has some drawbacks, including a potentially stripped-down base model, limited rear seat space, a ride that may not be as smooth on rough roads, and the absence of smart cruise control as an option. Ultimately, the Buick Encore is a competitive choice in its segment, particularly for those prioritizing style, safety, and a well-appointed interior.

Major Competitors:

1. Mazda CX-30: The Mazda CX-30 is known for its engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior, and stylish design. It offers a range of engines, including a more powerful turbocharged option.
2. Honda HR-V: The Honda HR-V is known for its spacious and versatile interior with the Magic Seat feature. It’s also praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
3. Hyundai Kona: The Hyundai Kona offers a variety of powertrains, including conventional gasoline, hybrid, and electric versions. It has a well-designed interior and a comfortable ride.
4. Nissan Kicks: The Nissan Kicks is a budget-friendly option with a roomy interior and a user-friendly infotainment system. It’s efficient and easy to maneuver in urban environments.
5. Chevrolet Trax: The Chevrolet Trax is a sibling to the Buick Encore, sharing some similarities. It’s known for its affordability, but it may not offer the same level of refinement as some competitors.
6. Toyota C-HR: The Toyota C-HR stands out with its bold and distinctive styling. It’s praised for its standard safety features and reliability but criticized for its limited cargo space.
7. Ford EcoSport: The Ford EcoSport offers an available all-wheel-drive system and a choice of engines. It’s one of the smaller options in this segment and may have less interior space compared to some rivals.
8. Kia Soul: Although not a traditional crossover, the Kia Soul is often cross-shopped with subcompact SUVs due to its unique style, spacious interior, and good value.
9. Jeep Renegade: The Jeep Renegade combines off-road capability with subcompact SUV practicality. It’s known for its rugged design and available four-wheel drive.
10. Subaru Crosstrek: The Subaru Crosstrek offers standard all-wheel drive, making it appealing to those in need of additional traction. It’s also praised for its off-road capabilities.

Difference Between Buick Encore & Encore GX:

The Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX are both subcompact crossover SUVs, but they have some key differences:

• Size and Dimensions:
  • The Buick Encore is the smaller of the two. It falls into the subcompact category, offering a more compact footprint.
  • The Buick Encore GX is slightly larger and belongs to the compact subsegment. It has a bit more interior space and cargo capacity.
• Engine Options:
  • The standard Buick Encore is typically equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.
  • The Buick Encore GX offers a choice of engines, including a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged engine as the top-tier option.
• Interior Space:
  • The Buick Encore tends to have a slightly smaller cabin, which can result in less passenger and cargo space compared to the Encore GX.
  • The Encore GX provides more rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity, making it a more practical choice for those needing extra space.
• Trim Levels:
  • The Buick Encore may have a simpler trim lineup, with fewer available options.
  • The Encore GX often offers a wider range of trim levels and configurations, allowing for more customization.
• Technology Features:
  • Both models come with modern tech features, but the Encore GX may offer more advanced technology options, including larger touchscreens and more driver assistance features.
• Price:
  • The Buick Encore is generally positioned as the more budget-friendly option in Buick’s lineup.
  • The Encore GX may have a slightly higher starting price due to its larger size and additional features.
• Target Audience:
  • The Buick Encore is aimed at individuals or small families seeking a compact and economical crossover for urban driving.
  • The Encore GX may appeal to those who want more space, versatility, and advanced features in a compact SUV.

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