Is the Buick Encore a good car? We delve into the details of this compact SUV, exploring its performance, comfort, safety, practicality, and value to help you make an informed decision.
From its sleek exterior to its feature-rich interior, the Encore offers a blend of style and functionality. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo.
Overview of the Buick Encore: Is The Buick Encore A Good Car
The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV that was first introduced in 2013. It is available in three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir. The Encore is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The Encore is a popular choice for drivers who want a small SUV that is both stylish and fuel-efficient. It has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride, and it is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Encore is also very affordable, making it a great value for the money.
Target Audience
The Buick Encore is targeted at young professionals and families who want a small SUV that is both stylish and practical. It is also a good choice for drivers who are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Positioning within the Buick Lineup
The Encore is the smallest SUV in the Buick lineup. It is positioned below the Envision and Enclave. The Encore is a more affordable option than the other two SUVs, and it is also more fuel-efficient.
Performance and Handling
The Buick Encore offers two engine options: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The 1.4-liter engine produces 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.3-liter
engine produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.The Encore’s performance is adequate for most drivers. The 1.4-liter engine provides good acceleration, and the 1.3-liter
engine is more fuel-efficient. The Encore’s handling is also good, with responsive steering and a comfortable ride. However, the Encore’s braking performance is only average.Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Encore’s performance and handling are average. The Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3 offer better performance and handling, while the Toyota C-HR and the Nissan Kicks offer better fuel efficiency.
Acceleration
The Encore’s acceleration is adequate for most drivers. The 1.4-liter engine can accelerate the Encore from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, while the 1.3-liter engine can accelerate the Encore from 0 to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds.
Handling
The Encore’s handling is good, with responsive steering and a comfortable ride. The Encore’s suspension is well-tuned, and it absorbs bumps and road imperfections well. The Encore’s body roll is also minimal, and it handles corners well.
Braking
The Encore’s braking performance is only average. The Encore’s brakes are adequate for most driving conditions, but they can be spongy and lack feel. The Encore’s stopping distance from 60 mph is 120 feet, which is longer than the average for vehicles in its class.
Interior and Comfort
The Buick Encore boasts a well-designed and comfortable interior that combines premium materials with modern technology features. The cabin is spacious and airy, with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants.
The seats are supportive and offer excellent lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The materials used throughout the interior are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and premium accents.
Technology and Features
The Encore comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that features a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system is responsive and easy to use, and it includes a variety of features such as navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling.
Comfort Comparison
Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Encore offers a more comfortable and spacious interior. The seats are more supportive, the materials are of higher quality, and the noise levels are lower. This makes the Encore an excellent choice for drivers who value comfort and refinement.
Safety and Reliability
The Buick Encore is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a good balance of safety and reliability. It has received high crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Encore also comes standard with a variety of driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.In
terms of reliability, the Encore has a good track record. It has received above-average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports. The Encore’s maintenance costs are also relatively low, and it has few common problems.Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Encore’s safety and reliability are both above average.
It offers a comprehensive suite of safety features and has a good track record of reliability.
Crash Test Ratings
The Encore has received the following crash test ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS:
- NHTSA: 5 stars overall
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
These ratings indicate that the Encore is a very safe vehicle. It provides good protection for occupants in the event of a crash.
Driver Assistance Systems
The Encore comes standard with a variety of driver assistance systems, including:
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These systems can help to prevent accidents by warning drivers of potential hazards and taking corrective action if necessary.
Reliability Ratings
The Encore has received the following reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports:
- J.D. Power and Associates: 3.5 out of 5
- Consumer Reports: 4 out of 5
These ratings indicate that the Encore is a reliable vehicle. It is likely to experience few problems and require minimal maintenance.
Maintenance Costs
The Encore’s maintenance costs are relatively low. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for the Encore is $487. This is lower than the average for all subcompact SUVs, which is $526.
Common Problems
The Encore has few common problems. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include:
- Transmission problems
- Electrical problems
- Suspension problems
These problems are relatively minor and can be easily fixed.
Fuel Economy and Practicality
The Buick Encore is rated by the EPA to get up to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. In real-world driving, you can expect to get around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
These numbers are average for the subcompact SUV class.The Encore has 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is less than some of its competitors. However, the Encore’s cargo space can be expanded to 48.4 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.
The Encore also has a number of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console and a glove box.The Encore has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is average for the subcompact SUV class.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Encore’s fuel economy is comparable to other subcompact SUVs. For example, the Honda HR-V gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda CX-3 gets up to 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Practicality Comparison
The Encore’s cargo space is less than some of its competitors, but it is still adequate for most needs. For example, the Honda HR-V has 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Mazda CX-3 has 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Cost and Value
The Buick Encore is priced competitively within its class. Its starting price is around $25,000, and it offers a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and needs.
The Encore’s value proposition is strong. It offers a well-rounded package of features, performance, and overall ownership costs. It is also known for its reliability and low maintenance costs.
Comparison to Competitors, Is the buick encore a good car
Compared to similar vehicles in its class, the Encore offers a good value for money. It has a lower starting price than many of its competitors, and it offers a comparable level of features and performance.