Buick Encore

Derived from the small Chevrolet Sonic sedan, this subcompact SUV has a veneer of luxury. It has a well-finished, quiet cabin and a ride that's better than that of a number of larger SUVs. 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 just fair fuel economy. We got just 23 mpg overall in our tests. In addition, the small Encore is expensive, which makes it a questionable value. Still, the Encore's tidy size makes it easy to maneuver, and handling is sound. The interior is narrow and cramped, and the swoopy styling intrudes on the view out of the back. A more powerful Sport Touring version is also available.

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.