Vehicle Tested
2013 Buick Encore FWD Premium SUV (1.4L 4-cyl. Turbo 6-speed Automatic)
Driven On
2/26/2013
Ratings Summary
The Encore occupies a small niche in the world of tall hatchbacks. It's easy to use, not engaging, quiet, has a small cargo bay and nets good fuel economy. The 1.4L turbo isn't gutsy but it does propel the car acceptably around town.
C
Performance
There isn't anything to entice driving enthusiasts here, but the Encore is capable in day-to-day driving. Low-speed torque is sufficient, though the gearbox could be better.
| Acceleration |
C
|
The 1.4L turbo has good thrust around town; less so at freeway speeds. The transmission is keen to upshift to high gears and changes gears smoothly, if not especially quickly. |
| Braking |
B
|
Though the pedal is rather soft in its initial travel, braking is progressive and predictable. |
| Steering |
C
|
The steering is appropriately quick but lacks substance. It is overboosted and numb, requiring little effort from the driver and giving little information back in return. |
| Handling |
B
|
Sporty is not a word to describe the Encore's handling. It goes where you point it and feels nimble around town. You won't be seeking out canyon roads, however. |
| Driveability |
C
|
The upshift-happy transmission will spoil your rhythm on a winding, uphill drive. Engine braking is lacking. Manual mode is difficult to use and too easy to accidentally engage. |
B
Comfort
Quiet, easy to park, small turning circle. The ride is quite good especially when you consider the short wheelbase.
| Seating Comfort |
C
|
Seats are relatively flat, though the modest bolstering means plenty of flexibility in driver size and your chosen driving position. No obvious flaws, but not outstanding, either. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
The ride is relaxed; neither wallowy nor sporty. It exhibits some exaggerated vertical movements on the bumpy sections of our drive route. |
| Quietness |
A
|
Quiet car overall. No significant engine noise at cruise. Some wind noise at freeway speeds yet very little road noise. Quietness is a strong suit of the Encore. |
B
Interior
Passenger space is quite good considering its compact exterior dimensions, but cargo space does suffer. Light brown dashtop reflects into windshield. Minimal brightwork is a plus.
| Ergonomics |
C
|
Numerous buttons on center console with very small icons on them. Multimedia interface has clear graphics, but screen flow can be clunky. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
Low step-in height and tall roof means it's very easy to get into and out of. The unobtrusive seat helps here, too. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Though compact, most of the interior volume has been given to passenger space. The rear seats, though flat and upright, will fit tall passengers. |
| Visibility |
C
|
Forward visibility is expansive through the windshield. Wide-based A-pillars block a lot of the view outward. Extremely thick C-pillars block most of the view rearward. |
| Cargo/Storage |
C
|
Small cargo area. It'll hold a moderate load of groceries with the rear seats up, but many compact crossovers do better here. |
B
Value
Assuming its fuel economy upside pans out in the real world, the Encore makes a decent case for itself.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
The dubious choice of interior color scheme notwithstanding, the Encore felt tight. A strange whistle was observed at 55 mph in our test sample. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
Our range-topping Encore tester is well-equipped, with leather, back-up camera, navigation, heated seats and a collision warning system. |
| Cost |
C
|
Our example topped $31 grand, which sounds like a lot but isn't far from choices like the RAV4 and Nissan Rogue. |
| MPG |
B
|
The Encore's 25/33 city/hwy mpg fares well against the RAV4 and Rogue but doesn?t best the roomier and less costly Subaru XV Crosstrek. |
| Warranty |
B
|
A 4-yr/50,000-mi basic and 6-yr/70,000-mi powertrain warranty is better than average. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Scheduled maintenance visits are not included, but there is 6 years/70,000 miles of roadside assistance. |
C
Fun To Drive
Fun isn't a word that can be used to describe the Encore. And its small size constrains function, too.
| Driving Experience |
C
|
It's quiet and easy to get into and out of, though the centerstack controls may confound some. |
| Personality |
B
|
The Encore comes across as anonymous and slightly dressy at the same time. Certain customers may find that appealing. |
