Buick Encore

Current Model

This subcompact SUV has a veneer of luxury, but overall it's an outdated and overpriced vehicle. The Encore has a relatively well-finished, quiet cabin, and it rides decently.

In addition, the Buick's tidy size makes it easy to maneuver, and handling is sound. On the downside, the Encore's little 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission combine to deliver plodding acceleration and unimpressive fuel economy. We got just 23 mpg overall in our tests. The small Encore is expensive for what you get, which makes it a dubious value. The interior is narrow and cramped, and the swoopy styling intrudes on the view out of the back.

2021 Buick Encore

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See all 2021 Buick Encore Ratings & Reliability

2013-2020

2013 Redesign Year

The subcompact Encore near-luxury SUV bowed for 2013, on a platform derived from the small Chevrolet Sonic. The Encore boasts a quiet cabin, great maneuverability, and a better ride than many larger and higher-scoring SUVs.

The little 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder and six-speed automatic deliver anemic acceleration however, and fuel economy is disappointing for a vehicle of this size. Handling is sound, though unexceptional. The cabin is reasonably well appointed, but feels narrow and cramped. The swoopy styling intrudes on the view in the rear. A revised interior came for 2017, as well as a larger screen for the infotainment system which also got Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

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