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- Highs Smooth ride, intuitive infotainment setup, surprisingly spacious cabin.
- Lows Not as fuel efficient as key rivals, lacks standard safety tech, just plain slow.
- Verdict The Encore does a good job of distilling Buick sensibilities down to a small scale, but others in this small-SUV class are simply better.
Overview
It has the upscale appearance and curvaceous sheetmetal that's characteristic of Buick's larger SUVs but the 2022 Encore is one of the smallest crossovers you can buy. Despite its diminutive size, the Encore's cabin is spacious enough for four adults, and with the rear seat folded, it can hold a decent amount of cargo. Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, but if you're seeking more modern items such as driver-assistance features, the Encore's offerings are slim. The similarly named Encore GX is a more modern Buick, but its higher price puts it into contention with the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX; the regular Encore reviewed here carries a similar starting price to the Kia Seltos and the Honda HR-V—but those SUVs offer more value.
What's New for 2022?
Buick's littlest SUV gets a few notable upgrades for 2022, starting with its engine, which now makes 155 horsepower, an increase of 17-hp over last year's model. The base trim has been discontinued leaving only the Preferred trim available this year. A new electric heater is now standard, as are driver- and front-passenger seatback map pockets.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since the base model is no longer available, the Encore comes only in Preferred trim—in front-drive or all-wheel drive form. Buyers looking to add driver-assistance features will want to add the Safety and Safety II packages, but otherwise the Preferred trim includes most of the Encore's available features as-is. Looking for more features? Consider moving up the Buick ladder to the Encore GX (reviewed separately).
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Encore's 155-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder will deliver adequate pep, but buyers shouldn't expect any excitement. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $620 option. With the passengers sitting high atop a short wheelbase, the Encore has a more top-heavy feel than lower-set rivals such as the Mazda CX-30, and as a result, the Encore leans more heavily in corners. Steering is well-weighted if not particularly engaging, but it's accurate and will be agreeable for buyers seeking a comfort-oriented small crossover. Speaking of comfort, the Encore's suspension soaks up bumps admirably, and harsh impacts are dutifully dampened.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
While we haven't subjected the Encore to our real-world fuel-economy test, its EPA ratings lag behind competitors such as the Hyundai Kona, the Mazda CX-30, and the Nissan Kicks. The front-drive Encore has an EPA-estimated rating of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway; the all-wheel-drive Encore's estimates are 24 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. For more information about the Encore's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Within the Encore's compact body lies an interior that is very nearly premium save for a few missteps. There are some hard plastics in the door panels and lower center console, and the glossy black trim on the center stack of our test vehicle didn't match the glossy gray panels on the doors. However, soft-touch sections on the armrests and dash pad provide a more upscale atmosphere; the flush-mounted infotainment touchscreen and jewel-colored background accents help, too. The front-seat layout is quite good, with controls that are straightforward and redundant knobs on the dash for climate controls. We appreciated the high seating and comfortable driving position, but larger drivers may find the seat bottom too narrow. The Encore's talents as a utility vehicle start and end with a good performance in our carry-on test: It held 20 of our suitcases with the rear seats folded. Otherwise, the little Buick's interior measurements, difficult-to-fold rear seat, and class-average storage space for small items do little to impress.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Encore comes standard with a host of tech goodies, including a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system—dubbed IntelliLink—with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE data connection with onboard Wi-Fi. A six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio is standard and can stream audio from smart devices via Bluetooth, USB, or an auxiliary input jack; a Bose premium audio setup with seven speakers is also available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
Mixed reviews from the two U.S. crash-test agencies and a dearth of driver-assistance tech make the Encore a disappointing choice for buyers focused on safety. To make matters worse, the Encore's back seats may not be sufficient for small families to comfortably fit children in safety seats. For more information about the Encore's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available forward-collision warning
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available lane-departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Outdone by the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Kona in this segment, the Encore offers longer warranty coverages than most others including the Trax. The GM trucklets offer a free maintenance visit within the first year of ownership.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
