2017 Buick Encore Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What’s new

　　The 2017 Buick Encore received a modest facelift that includes revised front-end styling. On the inside, you'll find a restyled instrument panel with easier-to-use controls, upgraded interior materials and a new technology interface that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　You wouldn't guess it at first glance, but the diminutive 2017 Buick Encore actually embodies many of the elements that Buick, a brand known for building large luxury sedans, has traditionally stood for. Those elements include a hushed cabin, near-luxury trim, and a long list of upscale features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Buick Encore 1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$133/mo  for Encore 1SV

　　Encore 1SV

　　1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $22,990 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $24,365 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $25,865 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $25,565 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $27,065 MSRPPreferred II 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,865 MSRPPreferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $28,365 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,065 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,565 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,465 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $31,965 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For 2017, the Encore gets a few small updates to keep pace with a growing class of competitors. A subtly restyled front end includes new headlights and a new grille design. LED taillamps add additional visibility when you hit the brakes, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are welcome additions to the upgraded technology interface. The instrument panel also features a new design that includes easier-to-use controls and a new gauge cluster layout.

　　The Encore's small size makes for impressive maneuverability in urban traffic and parking lots, but its base engine leaves the little crossover wanting more when it comes time to enter the freeway. The optional four-cylinder engine that offers a bit more horsepower is worth serious consideration.

　　Many buyers might still be put off by the Encore's snug interior, which includes a tight backseat and less cargo room than larger crossovers like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. There's also an insurgence of similarly subcompact competitors to contend with, including the Ford Escape, Ford Escape and Fiat 500X.

　　Standard safety features for the 2017 Buick Encore include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Also included is OnStar, which provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.

　　A blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Sport Touring and higher trim levels, while forward collision and lane departure warning systems are standard on the Encore Premium.

　　In government crash tests the Encore received a perfect five-star rating for overall crash protection, frontal protection and side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Encore the highest possible rating of Good in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.

　　In zzdcar testing, a front-drive Encore stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is average for this class.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　A quiet cabin, user-friendly technology and city-friendly compact size make the 2017 Buick Encore worth a look if more conventional crossover SUVs simply seem too large. Modest performance and tight quarters limit the Encore's appeal, however.

　　

Driving

　　Driving the 2017 Buick Encore is an experience very much in line with what you'd expect from Buick. The cabin is extremely quiet for the segment with extensive sound-deadening materials and active noise-cancelling technology. The suspension is also tuned to favor comfort over handling, and so not surprisingly it soaks up most bumps with little drama. The short wheelbase does mean the ride can get choppy over freeway expansion joints, however.

　　On the handling front, the Encore feels confident if not particularly sporty, a setup we suspect will suit most buyers just fine. On the upside, this SUV's small size and tight turning radius give it a nimble feel larger compact SUVs can't match.

　　When equipped with the standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 138-hp engine, the Encore feels a little too slow for our tastes. Unless you're interested in maximum fuel efficiency, we would advise you to consider the optional 153-hp engine.

　　

Interior

　　The 2017 Buick Encore features comfortable front seats and a high seating position that offers a commanding view of the road. In back, the seats offer enough head- and legroom for 6-footers but there's no denying that it's a tight fit for both adults and rear-facing child seats. The interior layout includes a number of storage spaces, including a drawer under the front passenger seat on cloth-upholstered models that's useful for stashing valuables you'd rather not leave out in plain sight.

　　As for the surroundings, the Encore's cabin has a high-end atmosphere on higher trim levels, featuring soft-touch materials and handsome simulated wood and metal trim. Aside from a smattering of similar-looking buttons, the controls are fairly intuitive and easy to access. A high point for this year is the improved layout of the center stack controls, including the updated 8-inch center touchscreen for the IntelliLink infotainment system.

　　The interior also comes up short in the cargo-carrying department, with 18.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down. Those numbers are similar to subcompact SUV competitors, but fall far short of more popular compact crossovers like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The Encore's standard fold-flat front passenger seat does give it some added flexibility.

　　

2017 Encore Highlights

Trim: 1SVPreferredSport TouringPreferred IIEssencePremium1SV

　　

Base MSRP	$22,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles