Buick markets the Encore as a small SUV/crossover. The Encore shows a crossover can be practical, fun and luxurious while getting excellent fuel economy.
The mileage starts with the engine, a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder. It makes 138 horsepower and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic. This combination is good for up to 33 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. A more powerful 153 hp version of this engine is also available on some of the higher trim levels. The Encore comes with front-wheel drive and is available with all-wheel drive as well.
While the outside of the Encore features thoroughly modern styling, it's the interior that really shines. A large, 8-inch full color display is set in the dashboard and houses the standard IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system, while a touch of LED ambient lighting and a wood- and chrome-trimmed dashboard lend the Buick an air of sophistication. The Encore's coolest trick however might be its QuietTuning system, which uses noise cancellation technology to give the small crossover an exceptionally quiet interior.
Buick has included a long list of standard features to go with its modern interior. On the base model those include a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, power windows and doors, a leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, 18-inch aluminum wheels and a 6-speaker AM/FM/satellite radio stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth.
There are three levels of Encore above the base trim. Preferred trim adds a rear cargo cover and rear color-keyed floor mats. Essence adds leather seating surfaces, a power passenger seat, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a memory feature for the driver's seat.
The Sport Touring trim is continued into 2019 featuring and comes with 18-inch midnight silver wheels, a rear spoiler, a remote starter and some foglamps.
The top of the line trim for 2019 is dubbed Essence and features leather seating surfaces, a rear cross traffic alert system, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. All-wheel drive is available.
Safety is enhanced by a total of ten airbags. This includes front and side impact airbags, knee airbags, thorax airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is standard and several radar based safety features are available on the lower models, but come standard with the Premium trim.
Quiet
Refined
Great Fuel Economy
Spacious
Lots Of Standard Features
Available All-wheel Drive
The Buick Encore returns for 2019 with a few evolutionary changes to the lineup. The trim levels have been simplified, while the more powerful engine is now available on the top of the line Essence trim. A new safety package has been added as well. It includes a park assist system, a forward collision alert system and a lane departure warning system.
The Buick Encore competes with other small SUVs and crossovers as well as with some of the more premium small cars available on the market. It offers buyers an appealing blend of small size, luxury and SUV-like practicality. All-wheel drive is available, but the Buick is less about off-roading and more about all-weather driving in comfort. Luxury-oriented touches abound that usually are reserved for cars costing much more. The Encore is a great value, with base prices starting under $25,000.
