“The 2019 Buick Encore has met or exceeded all of my expectations. The ride is smooth and relatively quiet. The Encore feels solid and safe on the road. Its cargo capacity meets my needs. I was even able to load a recliner into the back. At some point in the future, I expect to buy a newer Buick, either an Encore or larger SUV.”
2019 Buick Encore: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Buick Encore is a simpler four-trim lineup. Buick dropped the Preferred II and Premium trims, while the rest of this small SUV largely carried over.
About the 2019 Buick Encore
1st generation (2013-2022), late-cycle trim-simplification year; not a redesign or refresh.
Buick pitched the Encore as a small SUV that mixed city-friendly size with a quieter, more polished feel than many mainstream subcompact rivals. The brochure leans on nimble maneuverability, turbocharged power, flexible seating for five, useful cargo flexibility, and easy phone-friendly infotainment. For most shoppers, the Encore’s appeal is simple: it is easy to park and easy to live with, but it feels calmer and a bit more upscale inside than the average small crossover.
The 2019 Encore is a small SUV focused on easy maneuvering, a quiet cabin, and straightforward everyday technology. Base and Preferred trims have an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sport Touring adds a sportier look and remote start, and the comfort-focused Essence has leather-appointed and heated front seats plus blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.
What changed, by category
Trims
Buick reduced the lineup from six trims to four by dropping Preferred II and Premium. The remaining range consists of base 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence, with Essence taking over as the top trim.
Tech
Navigation changed from standard to optional on Sport Touring and Essence. Essence also gained a standard 120-volt household-style power outlet.
2019 Buick Encore specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shift Control |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138–153 hp | 138 hp | 138–153 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 148–177 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148–177 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2019 Buick Encore?
The biggest change is the smaller four-trim lineup. Buick dropped Preferred II and Premium, leaving base 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, and Essence.
Was the 2019 Buick Encore redesigned?
No, the 2019 Encore was not redesigned or refreshed. It kept the same basic body, cabin layout, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and core touchscreen system.
Which trims were discontinued for the 2019 Buick Encore?
Preferred II and Premium were discontinued for 2019. Essence became the highest trim in the remaining four-trim range.
Did the 2019 Buick Encore get new technology?
The 2019 Encore did not receive a major technology upgrade. Navigation changed from standard to optional on Sport Touring and Essence, while Essence gained a standard 120-volt household-style power outlet.
Is the 2019 Buick Encore meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
No, the 2019 Encore is largely similar to the 2018 model. The main differences are the smaller trim range and a few equipment adjustments rather than a redesign, new engine, or broad safety and infotainment update.
2019 Buick Encore Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Buick Encore.
4.0
2019 Buick Encore
(250 reviews)
“After my accident, we decided on a bigger car for safety and our love of the outdoors. It's been great and haven't had any major issues. I feel safe in it and love the ease of my phone since I'm driving a lot for work.”
“I think everyone out there should at least test drive a Buick, doesn't matter what kind they're wonderful pieces of machinery, they're absolutely glorious to have!”