The 2019 Buick Encore is a great compact crossover in a busy realm. Now in its sixth year of design in the U. S. market, the 2019 Encore is Buick’s smallest crossover and arguably one of its best-looking models.
Nothing notable has been replaced for the 2019 design year, apart from a narrower selection of equipment points. The base design was updated in 2017, toning down the grille and front trim to bring it closer to Buick’s existing understated styling themes.
Models come with base (1SV), Preferred, Sport Touring, and Gas. Two editions of the 1. 4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine are available. In its popular version, the turbo-4 develops 138 horsepower. The upgraded edition with start/stop technology, available for peak trim levels, develops 153 horsepower.
All Encore styles use a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. The entire base model can be supplied with all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500.
The crash control effects were admirable, however, the Encore falls short of popular and available active protection features, adding automatic emergency braking.
The NHTSA gives the Encore an overall score of five stars, as well as for frontal and side impact. The IIHS rates the 2019 Encore’s crash coverage as fairly “good,” with the exception of the strictest collision with a small impact on the passenger side, where it earned a score of “Acceptable. ”
Despite its small interior size, Buick’s in-house designers managed to reserve moderate space for the Encore’s passengers.
The Encore’s list of features includes a $940 safety package that provides lane departure warnings and forward collision warnings, as well as front/rear parking assist and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Prices come with the destination fare of $995.
The base Encore 1SV ($23,200) comes with front-wheel drive only, adding a six-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, a 4G LTE hotspot and 18-inch wheels.
The Preferred ($24,600 front-wheel drive, $26,100 all-wheel drive) adds a rear-shipping canopy and front/rear floor mats.
The Sport Touring ($25,800 with all-wheel drive, $27,300 with all-wheel drive) benefits from exclusive 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, fog light accessories and remote start.
Gasoline ($29,300 AWD, $30,800 AWD) adds leather seat upholstery, blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts, heated front seats and a heated wheel.
The simple, sublime lines of the Encore age well. It features a combination of curves and sleek frame lines, in a narrow overall structure.
A square hood and comparably shaped roofline banish the wedge profile used in many of today’s compact cars and crossover SUVs. Despite its modest dimensions, elements of vintage SUV taste can be noticed throughout the Encore’s body. Formation
There’s plenty to enjoy in the Encore’s well-finished, if cramped, cabin. The main points of the equipment recommend a higher quality than expected. In fact, Buick has filled the Encore with premium materials, while also offering a variety of color options.
A high-mounted 8. 0-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the dashboard. Leather is not available in the more practical Essence finish; others have a popular cloth covering.
Despite the lack of a center armrest, the Encore’s front seats offer elegance and comfort. In the back row, as many adults as possible will travel side by side. Legroom and headroom is limited, especially if the optional sunroof is installed. Only small, rear-facing car seats can be installed.
The Encore is a small car and its small back seat means that up to 4 adults will have compatibility in it, and 3 smaller people will have perfectly compatibility in the back seat.
With the rear seatbacks raised, an Encore offers 19 cubic feet of shipping space, which increases to 48 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down.
With its subtle ride and significant soundproofing, the 2019 Encore is a joy on the road. It’s much more suited to the life of an urban hatchback cruiser than a sporty crossover. The Encore’s base engine and upgraded engine provide moderate acceleration.
Refined and quiet, with 18-inch wheels, the Encore offers a sleek and well-composed ride. It generally adapts well to rough surfaces, its length makes its ride intense when traversing asymmetrical or bumpy terrain at highway speeds.
The sound-absorbing fabrics and acoustic glass create a feeling of protection that is not common in vehicles of this size. This serenity makes it easier to use the optional Bose audio system.
The Encore is one of the most economical crossovers. With front-wheel drive, the popular 138-horsepower turbo-4 is EPA-rated at 25/30 mpg city/highway, or 27 mpg combined. All-wheel drive reduces each and every digit to 1 mpg. The upgraded 153-horsepower, stop/start, front-wheel-drive engine is EPA-rated at 26/31 mpg city/highway, or 28 mpg combined.
If length takes precedence over space, the Buick Encore offers a subtle experience and premium feel. Active protection generation is limited, but even the entry-level Encore is generously equipped; Encore Essence will be the most productive value for money.
Driving impressions through Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.