2017 Buick Encore
2017 Buick Encore pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
You wouldn't guess it at first glance, but the diminutive 2017 Buick Encore actually embodies many of the elements that Buick, a brand known for building large luxury sedans, has traditionally stood for. Those elements include a hushed cabin, near-luxury trim, and a long list of upscale features.
For 2017, the Encore gets a few small updates to keep pace with a growing class of competitors. A subtly restyled front end includes new headlights and a new grille design. LED taillamps add additional visibility when you hit the brakes, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are welcome additions to the upgraded technology interface. The instrument panel also features a new design that includes easier-to-use controls and a new gauge cluster layout.
The Encore's small size makes for impressive maneuverability in urban traffic and parking lots, but its base engine leaves the little crossover wanting more when it comes time to enter the freeway. The optional four-cylinder engine that offers a bit more horsepower is worth serious consideration.
Many buyers might still be put off by the Encore's snug interior, which includes a tight backseat and less cargo room than larger crossovers like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. There's also an insurgence of similarly subcompact competitors to contend with, including the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Fiat 500X.
Standard safety features for the 2017 Buick Encore include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Also included is OnStar, which provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.
A blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Sport Touring and higher trim levels, while forward collision and lane departure warning systems are standard on the Encore Premium.
In government crash tests the Encore received a perfect five-star rating for overall crash protection, frontal protection and side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Encore the highest possible rating of Good in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests.
In Edmunds testing, a front-drive Encore stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is average for this class.
Driving
Driving the 2017 Buick Encore is an experience very much in line with what you'd expect from Buick. The cabin is extremely quiet for the segment with extensive sound-deadening materials and active noise-cancelling technology. The suspension is also tuned to favor comfort over handling, and so not surprisingly it soaks up most bumps with little drama. The short wheelbase does mean the ride can get choppy over freeway expansion joints, however.
On the handling front, the Encore feels confident if not particularly sporty, a setup we suspect will suit most buyers just fine. On the upside, this SUV's small size and tight turning radius give it a nimble feel larger compact SUVs can't match.
When equipped with the standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 138-hp engine, the Encore feels a little too slow for our tastes. Unless you're interested in maximum fuel efficiency, we would advise you to consider the optional 153-hp engine.
Interior
The 2017 Buick Encore features comfortable front seats and a high seating position that offers a commanding view of the road. In back, the seats offer enough head- and legroom for 6-footers but there's no denying that it's a tight fit for both adults and rear-facing child seats. The interior layout includes a number of storage spaces, including a drawer under the front passenger seat on cloth-upholstered models that's useful for stashing valuables you'd rather not leave out in plain sight.
As for the surroundings, the Encore's cabin has a high-end atmosphere on higher trim levels, featuring soft-touch materials and handsome simulated wood and metal trim. Aside from a smattering of similar-looking buttons, the controls are fairly intuitive and easy to access. A high point for this year is the improved layout of the center stack controls, including the updated 8-inch center touchscreen for the IntelliLink infotainment system.
The interior also comes up short in the cargo-carrying department, with 18.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down. Those numbers are similar to subcompact SUV competitors, but fall far short of more popular compact crossovers like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The Encore's standard fold-flat front passenger seat does give it some added flexibility.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Buick Encore.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2017 Buick Encore video
BRYN MACKINNON: I'm Bryn MacKinnon from Edmunds, and this is an Edmunds expert rundown of the 2017 Buick Encore. For 2017, you'll notice that the Buick Encore gets a new look upfront, some improved cabin materials, and it gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of the new IntelliLink infotainment system. Carrying over from last year, the Encore still gets its power from a small four cylinder engine. That engine delivers decent fuel economy, but it doesn't have much power. And as a result, the Encore is one of the slowest cars in its segment. But there are definitely a few things to like about the Encore, like the quiet highway ride, the multiple available tech features, and its excellent crash test scores. Basically, this is a compact vehicle with a bit more of a luxury feel than we're used to in the segment. Unfortunately for the Encore, that compact size means it doesn't have a lot of space. It looks like a crossover, but the back seat is a bit cramped for adults. And cargo space in the trunk is subpar for this segment. The bottom line is the Encore is likeable, especially if you're looking for a small luxury adjacent crossover with a quiet ride. But there are better overall options out there for driving fun, cargo space, and value. We recommend taking a look at the Honda HR-V. The Mazda CX-3, and the Fiat 500X. For more Edmunds expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
2017 Buick Encore Expert Rundown
Looking for a crossover SUV with a quiet cabin, user-friendly technology and city-friendly compact size? The 2017 Buick Encore might be worth your consideration. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
Features & Specs
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See your car's valueSmall though it may be compared to Buicks past, the 2017 Buick Encore embodies many of the virtues that have sustained the brand over the decades. It's quiet, it's trimmed with nearly luxurious elegance and it's available with a wide array of features.
Change isn't readily apparent for the 2017 model year Encore. The front end has been tweaked with a new grille design framed by new headlights. In back, new taillights feature LED elements for better visibility, whether it's a clear day or a night shrouded in soupy fog. Inside, Buick has added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the available menu of entertainment systems. In fact, the entire personal technology interface has been significantly improved. Bring your phone for a proper tech test drive.
Because the Encore is small, it's also very maneuverable. The driving position is high, the chassis is nimble and the Encore can squirt through openings in traffic that would thwart larger, more powerful vehicles. True, it's not a sports car. But then again, it doesn't attract attention like a sports car.
If only it had more power. All 2017 Encores come with 1.4-liter turbocharged engines under their hoods. The standard version pokes out 138 horsepower and feeds a standard six-speed automatic transmission that in turn sends power to either the front wheels or all of them with the optional full-time all-wheel-drive system.
The optional 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available in the Sport Touring trim and isn't just another version of the standard engine, despite the same nominal displacement. It uses direct fuel injection and a slightly higher compression ratio to produce 153 horsepower. It feeds the same transmission and drivetrains.
In terms of fuel economy, a two-wheel drive Encore Sport Touring generates the best EPA ratings: 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). Add all-wheel drive to that vehicle and the ratings drop to 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway).
In addition to the entry-level Preferred model and the Sport Touring, the Encore is available in three other trims: Preferred II, Essence and Premium, all offering various combinations of comfort, tech and safety features.
Small crossovers are displacing small sedans and hatchbacks as the entry-level vehicles for buyers entering the new car market. Whether you're that first timer or a confirmed small-crossover convert, let Edmunds help you find just the right 2017 Buick Encore for you.
2017 Buick Encore Overview
The 2017 Buick Encore is offered in the following submodels: Encore SUV. Available styles include Preferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Essence 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Essence 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Preferred II 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Sport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and 1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 Buick Encore?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Buick Encore and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Encore 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Encore.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Buick Encore and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Encore featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Buick Encore?
2017 Buick Encore Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2017 Buick Encore Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,630. The average price paid for a new 2017 Buick Encore Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $4,943 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,943 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,687.
The average savings for the 2017 Buick Encore Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is16.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2017 Buick Encore Preferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2017 Buick Encores are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Buick Encore for sale near. There are currently 2 new 2017 Encores listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $30,385 and mileage as low as 7 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Buick Encore. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,943 on a used or CPO 2017 Encore available from a dealership near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Buick Encore?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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