The 2017 Buick Encore reaches for the compact-luxury stars, but it falls shy on styling and front-seat space.When it was new in 2013, the Buick Encore was virtually alone on the automotive landscape as one of few small crossover SUVs. Today, that's a crowded niche, with pricey and prestigious rivals like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3 as numerous as the more affordable ones (Trax, Renegade, 500X, CX-3, and HR-V). A 2017 update aims to keep it competitive. Most noticeable is the new front end, but the updated interior, complete with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto, make it easier to live with on a daily basis.
Pros Quiet, calm interior Well-equipped Back seat fits adults Two-tone trim is tony Cargo space is ample
Cons Base engine's sluggish acceleration Mediocre gas mileage Cabin feels narrow Are hatchbacks luxury shapes?
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.
Pros Quiet interior on the highway Excellent crash-test scores Small engines deliver solid fuel economy Long list of tech and safety features.
Cons Tepid performance from base engine Small cargo area can't swallow much luggage.
The 2017 Buick Encore ranks 3 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Buick Encore is ranked highly among subcompact SUVs because it does what you want – and does it well. Its small footprint gives you excellent maneuverability, yet its spacious interior provides enough room for you, your friends, and their stuff, all wrapped in a classy, upscale package.
Pros User-friendly technology Generous list of standard features Luxurious interior
Cons Underpowered base engine Narrow rear seats
The Encore GX, despite the familiar name, is an all-new model for Buick for 2020.Buick offers several attractive and comfortable crossovers, and the all-new Encore GX occupies the smaller end of that spectrum. The 2020 Buick Encore GX initially sounds as if it were a trim level that is offered on the subcompact Buick Encore, but it is actually its own, bigger model positioned below the compact Buick Envision. The Encore GX gives Buick another entry in the ever-popular crossover market, with its purposeful design and efficient packaging.
The Encore GX is an all-new crossover.It's larger than the standard Encore.Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Fuel-efficient engine choices Large cargo capacity for the class Plenty of standard and available safety features Accessible pricing
Cons Engine output is weak compared to many rivals
Positioned as an in-betweener for Buick's crossover lineup, the 2020 Encore GX is bigger than the subcompact Encore, but smaller than the midsize Envision. Pros Sharp, bold exterior styling Standard active safety equipment
Cons Consumer indifference to an undefined brand
