Used 2018 Buick Encore

The 2018 Buick Encore delivers upscale features and style in a compact-crossover SUV as attractive to first-time buyers as it is longtime Buick devotees looking to downsize. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Trax, the Encore plays in the same segment as the Mini Countryman and Jeep Renegade Limited. Some might even compare it to small-luxury-crossover SUVs like the Infiniti QX30. While interior space is not huge, there’s good legroom front and rear plus a modest cargo area. The Encore’s optional all-wheel drive alleviates winter-road-trip worries, and in good weather helps improve handling on dry pavement. The Encore also recently garnered a top spot on KBB’s Best Compact Crossover 5-Year Cost to Own list.

Using the best of GM’s global architecture to its advantage, the 2018 Buick Encore delivers a world-class driving experience that belies its small size. The Encore’s European-derived suspension has been adjusted to suit American tastes without giving up much in the way of direct feedback, agile handling and adept cornering. If there’s one weak spot in the Encore’s performance, however, it can be found under the hood. The 1.4-liter Ecotec engine is turbocharged for added get-up-and-go, but once additional passengers start piling in, the little engine begins to bog down. Optional all-wheel drive adds even more weight, but its added traction makes it a must-have for anyone enduring regular run-ins with Old Man Winter. For an additional $900, buyers can upgrade to a slightly more powerful version of the 1.4, but only on the Sport Touring and higher trims. Fuel-economy figures for both engines are near the top of its class.

The interior of Buick’s compact Encore SUV shows significant thought went into both its design and detail. An 8-inch color touch screen moves from atop the dash to the center stack, while the larger gauge cluster includes a 4.2-inch driver-information screen. Whether rendered in cloth and Leatherette or available leather, the cabin offers room for five with a 60/40-split rear bench that accommodates two average-sized adults plus a kid in the center spot. A large hatch provides easy access to its 18.8-cubic-foot cargo bay, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the aft seatbacks folded.

From its handsome winged grille and sculpted hood to the stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, the Encore compact SUV for 2018 puts a contemporary spin on each of these elements to create a package that’s skewed toward a more youthful, progressive mind-set. The Encore’s highly sculpted bodywork and a tasteful assortment of bright accent bits are effectively set off by prominent LED-accented projector-beam headlights and LED-infused taillights. Brushed-aluminum faux rear skidplates and a wide wheel/tire package add a bit more aggressive flair to the overall mix.

QUIET TUNING WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
In keeping with Buick’s exacting standards for interior quiet, the Encore comes with Active Noise Cancellation that uses the car’s speakers to send out sound-cancelling sound waves. Ample insulation and Buick’s Quiet Tuning engineering combine to make the Encore one of the quietest small SUVs on the road.

“ACTIVE ON-DEMAND” ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Offering maximum traction in any weather situation, the Encore’s Active On-Demand all-wheel drive works by detecting wheel slip and routing power to the wheel or wheels with the best traction. When not needed, the Encore reverts to front-drive mode which helps maximize fuel economy.

The well-equipped Encore Preferred has air conditioning, Buick IntelliLink telematics with an 8-inch touch screen, a tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control, a power driver’s seat, push-button start, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot and a rearview camera. The Sport Touring gains fog lights and a rear spoiler, while the Encore Preferred II adds dual-zone climate control, remote starting and fog lights and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Encore Essence adds leather trim, heated front bucket seats/steering wheel, a power passenger seat and LED headlights. The top-line Encore Premium boasts Bose audio, front/rear park assist and Forward Collision Alert/Lane Departure Warning.

Largely prepackaged within its trim hierarchy, Buick’s 2018 Encore does offer several individual extras. All but the base and Preferred trims can be fitted with the more powerful 153-horsepower engine. Other options offered include GPS-enabled navigation system, a power sunroof, an oil-pan heater and 18-inch chrome-alloy wheels as well as the 7-speaker premium Bose Audio system — which is already included in the Encore Premium.

Every version of the Buick Encore compact-crossover SUV for 2018, whether front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), shares the same basic powertrain, although higher trims can be upgraded with direct-injection technology for an added 15 horsepower. The engine is GM’s familiar 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque (153 horsepower/177 lb-ft in upgraded). Here, it’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that features manual-style shifting capabilities via a lever-mounted rocker switch on front-drive Encore models. The combination yields respectable acceleration and impressive EPA figures for a vehicle of its type. To complement its mileage-maxing prowess, the engine is designed to run on regular gasoline, not the premium grade required by some of the Encore’s chief rivals.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (base, Preferred)
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 mpg (FWD), 26/31 mpg (AWD)

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Opt. Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence and Premium)
153 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (FWD), 24/30 mpg (AWD)