Buick Encore

The Buick Encore is a premium subcompact crossover SUV with seating for up to five passengers. It’s the automaker’s smallest sport-ute, sitting below the slightly larger Encore GX and the midsize Envision, and it shares a platform and some components with the Chevrolet Trax, a less upscale version. The Encore’s current (first) generation debuted in 2013 and has undergone some updates, which are noted below.

Buick offers the Encore in a range of trims, which initially included the Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium. Starting in 2016, the lineup expanded to include the Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium. However, Buick streamlined the offerings in 2021 to just two: the 1SV (Base) and the more upscale Preferred.

The Encore employs a standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower. Starting in 2016, a more powerful direct injection (SIDI) version with 153 hp became available on higher-level trims. However, the more powerful engine option was discontinued after the 2020 model year. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on most trims.

Since 2017, the Encore has come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Key safety features include a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring (introduced in 2015), forward collision warning, and lane departure warning (both available since 2014). However, adaptive cruise control is not offered.

For used car shoppers, we recommend 2017 and newer Encore models due to their standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Essence trim offers a good balance of luxury features and affordability, while those seeking improved performance should consider models equipped with the more powerful 1.4-liter turbocharged SIDI engine, which was available through the 2020 model year.