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
Forget about its Chinese roots; the Envision is a comfortable, well-appointed crossover. But it's also expensive, and there are some interior compromises. Let's not beat around the bush: The 2017 Buick Envision is the first mainstream vehicle assembled in China and exported to the United States. Introduced last year but expanded for the 2017 model year to a full lineup of base, Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Premium II trim levels, the Envision may sound like a brand of perfume, but it's really a mid-size crossover.
Pros Perfect fit for the Buick lineup Quiet interior Comfortable ride quality Attractive styling
Cons Price on par with genuine luxury rivals Would you buy a Chinese-made American car? Turbo is AWD-only Advanced safety tech costs big bucks
The 2017 Buick Envision ranks 12 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Buick Envision gets lost near the back of the luxury compact SUV pack. It’s comfortable to drive and nicely equipped, and it offers good value for the money, but in a sea of over-achievers, the Envision is just average.
Pros Peppy turbocharged engine Comfortable, spacious seats Excellent safety ratings Lots of tech features
Cons Underpowered base engine Dull handling
The 2017 Buick Envision is an all-new vehicle in the lineup that slots between the smaller Encore and the midsize Enclave SUVs. The Envision combines a practical size with a long list of standard features that make it a value-packed, near-luxury SUV worth considering.
Pros Manageable size makes it easy to drive and maneuver The cabin is as quiet inside as premium luxury SUVs You get a lot of features for the money.
Cons Cargo capacity is merely average for the class Engine output is adequate but far from impressive.
