The Buick Encore, a subcompact SUV in Buick’s lineup, offers a blend of luxury and practicality that appeals to a range of drivers—from urban commuters and small families to those simply seeking a comfortable, feature-rich ride. Since its introduction, the Encore has carved out a niche for itself, standing out with a premium feel that’s uncommon among subcompact SUVs, thanks to high-quality interior materials, advanced infotainment features, and Buick’s signature quiet cabin. Designed with city living in mind, the Encore’s compact size allows for easy maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for navigating tight urban spaces and fitting into compact parking spots.
Yet, while the Encore boasts several strengths, it’s essential to weigh them against some drawbacks. Limited cargo space, modest engine performance, and higher ownership costs can impact its suitability for certain buyers. The Encore competes in a crowded market where many other subcompact SUVs offer competitive features, and for those looking for fuel economy or advanced tech, the options can be overwhelming. This article dives deep into the 13 pros and 12 cons of the Buick Encore, examining aspects such as comfort, performance, safety, and cost. By the end, potential buyers will gain a well-rounded perspective on whether the Encore aligns with their needs and expectations, allowing for a more informed decision on this versatile, compact SUV.
Pros Of Buick Encore
1. Compact Size, Ideal For City Driving
The Buick Encore’s compact design makes it an excellent choice for city dwellers who regularly navigate tight urban environments. Its small footprint allows for agile handling and makes it easy to fit into narrow parking spaces or parallel park on crowded city streets. Additionally, its elevated driving position provides drivers with a commanding view of the road, enhancing visibility and making it easier to anticipate traffic in bustling urban settings. Despite its compact size, the Encore maintains a spacious cabin that doesn’t feel cramped, allowing city drivers to enjoy the best of both worlds: maneuverability and comfort. This unique combination of traits makes the Encore particularly suited to individuals who prioritize ease of navigation and parking in city settings without sacrificing the SUV experience.
2. Quiet And Comfortable Ride
The Buick Encore is known for its exceptionally quiet cabin, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning technology, which employs triple door seals, acoustic laminated glass, and a noise-canceling system to minimize external sounds. This focus on cabin quietness sets the Encore apart, particularly on highways or rougher roads where many other compact SUVs allow significant noise intrusion. Inside, passengers enjoy a refined, tranquil environment that enhances the overall driving experience. The suspension system is designed to absorb most road imperfections, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for all occupants. This emphasis on comfort and quiet makes the Encore a great choice for those who value a peaceful driving environment, particularly during long commutes or road trips.
3. Premium Interior Materials
The Buick Encore’s interior feels upscale, with premium materials that contribute to a luxurious feel often missing in the subcompact SUV segment. The dashboard features soft-touch plastics, and higher trims offer leather-appointed seating, adding sophistication to the cabin. The Encore’s interior design emphasizes quality and attention to detail, from the comfortable, supportive seats to the well-crafted trim. These high-quality materials and thoughtful design choices give the Encore a distinct advantage over many competitors, appealing to buyers who want a high-end feel without the price tag of a luxury brand. This emphasis on refinement makes the Encore a compelling choice for those looking to elevate their everyday driving experience.
4. Easy-to-Use Infotainment System
The Encore’s infotainment system is intuitive and straightforward, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones and access essential apps, music, and navigation. The user-friendly interface is designed to reduce driver distraction, with clear graphics and responsive controls that make it easy to operate while driving. The Encore also includes voice command functionality, further enhancing usability. This focus on simplicity and connectivity makes the infotainment system a highlight for tech-savvy drivers who want a hassle-free, integrated driving experience.
5. Good Fuel Efficiency
Despite being an SUV, the Buick Encore provides impressive fuel efficiency, particularly when compared to larger models. With an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, the Encore is an economical choice for those with long commutes or city driving habits. Its efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged engine offers a balanced blend of power and fuel savings, helping drivers reduce their overall fuel costs. For budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing eco-friendly driving, the Encore’s fuel economy is a strong asset, making it a practical choice for those looking to save on fuel without compromising on style or features.
6. All-Wheel Drive Option
The Buick Encore offers an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which increases its versatility, especially for drivers in areas prone to rain, snow, or light off-road conditions. AWD provides enhanced traction and stability, making the Encore more capable on slippery or uneven surfaces. This added capability appeals to buyers who may encounter challenging road conditions and want an extra layer of safety and control. While it may not be intended for serious off-road adventures, the Encore’s AWD option is ideal for those who face seasonal weather changes or occasional rough terrain, broadening its appeal beyond fair-weather driving.
7. Advanced Safety Features
The Encore comes equipped with several advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Higher trims offer forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. These features add an extra layer of security, particularly in urban environments with frequent stop-and-go traffic. The Encore also includes a standard rearview camera for safer parking and backing up. While some of these safety features are available only on higher trims, the options enhance the vehicle’s safety profile, making it a solid choice for families and safety-conscious drivers.
8. Ample Legroom For Front Passengers
Though compact, the Buick Encore provides ample legroom for front-seat passengers, making it a comfortable ride for taller drivers or passengers. The seating arrangement maximizes space without compromising comfort, creating a cabin that feels spacious and accommodating. Front passengers enjoy a seating position that allows them to stretch out, making long drives more comfortable and less tiring. This thoughtful interior design adds to the Encore’s appeal, particularly for those who prioritize driver and front-passenger comfort in a subcompact SUV.
9. Smooth Transmission
The Encore’s 6-speed automatic transmission is known for its smooth and responsive performance, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The transmission shifts seamlessly, minimizing jerky transitions and enhancing the Encore’s overall ride quality. This smoothness is particularly noticeable in stop-and-go traffic, where constant shifting can otherwise be a nuisance. The transmission is well-paired with the Encore’s engine, providing a balance of power and efficiency that suits everyday driving needs. For drivers looking for a hassle-free, smooth driving experience, the Encore’s transmission is a significant advantage.
10. Competitive Pricing For A Luxury Brand
Buick, a brand known for its premium appeal, has made the Encore accessible to a broader market by offering it at a competitive price point. Although it provides a luxury feel, the Encore remains affordable compared to other luxury subcompact SUVs, making it an attractive entry-level choice for buyers looking for value without sacrificing quality. This competitive pricing strategy appeals to buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of a luxury brand without the financial strain, making the Encore a practical and desirable option in the subcompact SUV market.
11. Great Warranty Coverage
Buick backs the Encore with a strong warranty that includes a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. This coverage offers peace of mind, knowing that potential repair costs are covered during the initial years of ownership. Buick’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its warranty offering, making the Encore a reliable choice for buyers who value long-term support. With a solid warranty, buyers can enjoy their vehicle without the worry of unexpected repair expenses.
12. Responsive Steering And Handling
The Encore’s steering and handling capabilities are highly responsive, making it enjoyable to drive in various settings. Its agility allows drivers to navigate tight spaces and handle sharp turns with ease, providing confidence on winding roads and in urban traffic. This responsive handling enhances the Encore’s versatility, making it well-suited for both city driving and weekend getaways. For drivers who value a car with nimble handling, the Encore delivers a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.
13. Strong Resale Value
Buick’s reputation for durability contributes to the Encore’s strong resale value, which is a key consideration for buyers looking to trade in or resell their vehicle down the line. The Encore’s combination of premium materials, reliability, and brand reputation helps it maintain value better than many other subcompact SUVs. A high resale value makes the Encore a smart investment for buyers who plan to upgrade their vehicle in the future, offering long-term financial benefits.
Cons Of Buick Encore
1. Limited Cargo Space
One downside of the Buick Encore is its limited cargo capacity, which may be insufficient for buyers who frequently transport larger items or gear. With just 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Encore lags behind some competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. Although the rear seats can be folded to create additional space, the total capacity may still be restrictive for families or individuals needing ample storage. For those who prioritize cargo space, the Encore may fall short in meeting their needs, especially during road trips or when transporting bulky items.
2. Modest Engine Power
The Encore is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 138 horsepower—adequate for city driving but limited for highway acceleration or carrying heavy loads. Drivers looking for a more spirited performance or the power to tackle challenging terrains may find the Encore’s engine underwhelming. The modest power may lead to slower acceleration and a lack of responsiveness at high speeds, which can be noticeable during highway merging or overtaking. While sufficient for daily commuting, it may not satisfy those looking for a powerful, energetic drive, especially when compared to competitors with higher horsepower options.
3. Rear Seat Legroom Is Limited
Although front passengers enjoy ample legroom, rear-seat legroom in the Encore is limited. Taller passengers may find the back seat somewhat cramped, particularly on longer journeys. This restricted legroom can be a drawback for families or those who frequently travel with passengers in the back. For those seeking a comfortable ride for all occupants, particularly adults in the rear, the Encore may not provide the most spacious or accommodating back seat.
4. No Hybrid Or Electric Option
With increasing interest in eco-friendly vehicles, the lack of a hybrid or electric version of the Encore is a drawback for environmentally conscious buyers. While it offers decent fuel efficiency, Buick has yet to introduce alternative powertrain options for the Encore. For drivers focused on reducing emissions or maximizing fuel economy, the absence of a hybrid or electric model limits the Encore’s appeal in a market where such options are becoming more prevalent.
5. Higher Trim Costs Add Up
While the base model of the Encore is affordably priced, adding advanced features or opting for higher trims can drive up the cost significantly. Buyers interested in leather upholstery, premium sound systems, or advanced safety features may find that the total price nears that of larger SUVs. This added cost for premium options could deter budget-conscious buyers, making the Encore less competitive against similarly priced alternatives with more features in their base models.
6. Limited Towing Capacity
With a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds, the Encore isn’t suitable for heavy towing or hauling. This limitation may be a disadvantage for buyers who occasionally need to tow small trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. For those with specific towing needs, the Encore’s low towing capacity may restrict its utility, leading them to consider larger, more capable SUVs or trucks that can handle greater towing demands.
7. Average Fuel Economy For Its Class
While the Encore offers respectable fuel efficiency, it’s not the class leader in terms of miles per gallon. Competing subcompact SUVs may offer better fuel economy, particularly in city driving conditions. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Encore may fall short of expectations, especially in a market where fuel savings are a key selling point for subcompact SUVs.
8. Rear Visibility Is Limited
The Encore’s design features thicker rear pillars, which can obstruct the driver’s view and create blind spots. This limited rear visibility can make parking and reversing more challenging, even with the help of a rearview camera. The obstructed view may require drivers to be extra cautious when backing up or changing lanes, which can be a drawback for those who prioritize all-around visibility in their vehicle.
9. Average Interior Space For Passengers
Though the Encore offers comfort, its overall interior space is average for a subcompact SUV. The compact design, while beneficial for city driving, means that interior space is limited, and taller passengers may feel cramped, especially in the rear seats. For families or groups that need plenty of passenger room, the Encore’s size may not fully meet their requirements, especially when compared to competitors that offer more generous interior space.
10. Infotainment Screen May Feel Small
While functional, the Encore’s 7-inch infotainment screen may feel small to those accustomed to larger displays, which are increasingly standard in modern vehicles. The screen size could limit viewing ease, particularly for navigation or multi-function use. As many buyers seek immersive technology experiences, the Encore’s relatively smaller display may seem outdated or insufficient in comparison to larger screens found in competitor models.
11. Competitors Offer More Advanced Technology
While the Encore is equipped with a solid infotainment system and basic safety features, it lacks some of the advanced technology offered by competitors, such as adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, or larger infotainment displays. As technology becomes an essential factor in vehicle choice, the Encore’s limited tech features may put it at a disadvantage for buyers seeking the latest innovations in their vehicles.
12. High Cost Of Ownership For Luxury Brand
As a luxury brand, Buick may incur higher costs in maintenance and repairs compared to non-luxury brands. Although Buick offers solid warranty coverage, ongoing ownership costs can be a factor for budget-conscious buyers. The higher expense for genuine parts and specialized service may be a consideration for those looking to minimize total ownership costs over time.
Conclusion
The Buick Encore presents a unique balance of comfort, quality, and versatility within the subcompact SUV segment. It combines Buick’s signature quiet ride, high-quality interior, and user-friendly features, making it a standout option for drivers seeking a premium feel in a compact form. The Encore’s city-friendly design, fuel efficiency, and availability of AWD add to its appeal, making it a solid choice for urban dwellers, small families, and daily commuters.
However, the Encore’s limitations—such as modest engine power, limited cargo space, and higher trim costs—may be restrictive for some buyers. Competing models offer more advanced technology, alternative powertrains, and larger interiors, which could sway those who prioritize space, eco-friendliness, or the latest tech features. Understanding these pros and cons provides valuable insight for potential buyers, helping them decide if the Encore is the right fit for their lifestyle and driving needs. For those who value a luxury feel with practical amenities, the Buick Encore remains a compelling option in the subcompact SUV market.