2019 Buick Encore Review

Name: 2019 Buick Encore Review
Brand: Buick

Price Range: $12,800 - $23,998

2019 Buick Encore Essence 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Hushed cabin at highway speeds
Generous standard tech and safety features
Maneuverable size

Cons

Base engine delivers tepid performance
Small cargo area

What's new

Streamlined trim-level structure
More powerful engine is now optional
Part of the first Encore generation introduced for 2013

The 2019 Buick Encore is a bit more upscale than other subcompact crossovers thanks to its long list of features and the signature silence of Buick interiors. Even a base-level Encore comes nicely equipped with features such as 18-inch wheels, roof rails, a handy fold-flat front passenger seat, Bluetooth, an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moving up to a fully loaded Encore brings amenities such as remote start, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Moss Point, MS

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2019 Buick Encore
Sport Touring 4dr SUV
$18,998
fair price
$207 below market
- 24,305 miles
- No accidents, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Dulles (864 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL4CJ2SB2KB844384
Stock: 27171362
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2019 Buick Encore
Preferred 4dr SUV
$13,993
fair price
$608 below market
- 80,838 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (870 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Waukesha, WI
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Keyless Start,Satellite Radio,Sunroof / Moonroof...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL4CJESB5KB898568
Stock: CXKB898568
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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And that trademark Buick cabin solitude? It's real. Every Encore receives Buick's QuietTuning treatment, which includes acoustic-laminated windshield and side glass, layers of sound-deadening material under thick carpet, and an assortment of smaller details (hydraulic bushings, quiet tires) to help keep the road and outside world at bay.

The Encore's refinement, however, is disappointing. Certain rivals, such as the Mazda CX-3, are just as nice without the Encore's premium price. But for a quiet and refined subcompact SUV that's easy to drive and maneuver in tight spots, the 2019 Buick Encore is well worth a look.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.9 / 10

The 2019 Buick Encore is a bit more upscale than other subcompact crossovers thanks to its long list of features and quiet interior. You also get easy maneuverability and decent fuel economy. The only significant downside is the Encore's lackluster power.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Buick Encore Essence (turbo 1.4L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.9 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

Driving

7.5

The Encore surprises here with an uprated version of the spunky little 1.4-liter engine, surprisingly sporty steering and a well-sorted six-speed transmission. The brakes and handling mannerisms aren't as quite up to task, but this little Buick performs better than many other subcompact SUVs.

Acceleration

7.5

The Encore's turbo 1.4-liter engine feels peppier than its size would indicate. There's a decent amount of low-end torque and enough midrange power to get you up to highway speeds respectably quick. In Edmunds testing, our test Encore did 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is semi-athletic for a subcompact crossover SUV.

Braking

6.5

The brake pedal requires very low effort. It's almost soft to a fault. It works well if you're simply tooling around town, but the pedal doesn't inspire driver confidence under heavy braking. Braking hard results in a significant amount of nosedive. Despite the nosedive, the Encore managed to stop in 126 feet, which is an average showing for the class.

Steering

8.5

The Encore's steering feels precise and responsive and provides good on-center feel. The effort feels right, too, and is well-matched for the size of this vehicle. The steering is quite well done.

Handling

7.0

The Encore feels a bit tall and top-heavy at times, but it manages to stay composed when going around turns. We wouldn't call it sporty, but it's easy to wheel around and have a bit of fun on curvy roads. Just mind the nosedive if you have to stop suddenly.

Drivability

7.5

The Encore's six-speed transmission shifts promptly and at the right times. There is a bit of lag when you floor the accelerator, but that's a common trait of these small turbocharged engines. Like other Buick models, the Encore has a non-defeatable stop-start feature. It functions better than other systems but may still be a nuisance in slow-moving traffic.

Off-road

6.0

All-wheel drive is available, but the Encore has just 6.2 inches of ground clearance. Explorations should be limited to soft surfaces or mildly inclement weather. The front airdam is especially low for a crossover. Our test vehicle's airdam even touched a few driveway ramps during our evaluation.

Comfort

7.0

Buick is known for its quiet cabins, and the Encore's doesn't disappoint. The climate control system works great, but Buick should've applied more attention to the seats and suspension tuning.

Seat comfort

6.5

The seats have zero lateral support, leaving the driver to depend on the folding inboard armrest as a brace when going around left turns. The front passenger isn't as lucky. The seats otherwise have firm cushions and generous adjustable lumbar support. But the headrests are set at a slightly weird angle. The rear seats have somewhat flat cushions.

Ride comfort

6.0

The Encore's ride comfort feels decent when you're driving solo, but it begins to degrade once you begin loading passengers aboard. The increased weight overwhelms the damping, and the ride feels much less controlled. Granted these small cars aren't meant to carry huge loads, but they should be able to handle a family of four.

Noise & vibration

8.0

One of the highlights of the Encore is its sound-insulating cabin, which adds a more premium feel. There's still a small amount of ambient noise but far less than you would expect in a car this small. The engine moans a bit at full throttle, and the air conditioning sounds like a hurricane blowing on its max setting.

Climate control

8.5

The climate control system in this car feels like it was repurposed from a much larger vehicle, like a Chevy Suburban even. The maximum fan speed is insane. The manual dual-zone temp dials don't have a sync function, which is odd, so you have to adjust them individually. All the other buttons are straightforward and easy to use.

Interior

7.5

The Encore offers easy entry and exit, great visibility, and a wide range of seat adjustments to suit all types of drivers. Other subcompacts offer better control organization and more rear legroom, but this little Buick isn't bad.

Ease of use

7.0

The features in the Encore are fairly basic, so the controls aren't difficult to figure out. We're not big fans of the stalk control for the gauge cluster menu. But the touchscreen is pretty straightforward, and there are a handful of hard shortcut buttons. The driver aid buttons are oddly arranged around the climate controls.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

There's a little bit of a step-over, but the door openings are tall and the seat is at a very comfortable height. Most people should be able to slide right in. The rear door openings are equally easy to enter and exit through.

Driving position

8.0

There's a huge amount of height adjustability in the driver's seat. There's a lot of fore-and-aft adjustment for legs and a fair amount of steering wheel tilt and reach. Drivers of any size should be able to find a comfortable position.

Roominess

7.5

Because of the tall roof and stretched-out dashboard, there's a good perception of space in the front cabin. The back half of the cabin is much more average in every dimension. The small center floor bump helps provide decent middle-seat foot clearance, but the backseat is optimal for two rear passengers.

Visibility

8.0

The front pillars are located far forward, and the door-mounted mirrors aren't intrusive. Combined, they provide a nice panoramic view out front. If you don't collapse the rear headrests, or have passengers in the back, then your view directly behind will suffer. Otherwise, that view is quite good, too.

Quality

7.0

Buick uses pretty nice materials throughout the cabin, and the low levels of noise promote a peaceful environment. But the overall interior styling fails to reflect real quality. The switches and knobs look like they've been picked from a standard GM parts bin. That's a shame because the cabin is otherwise solidly put together.

Utility

7.0

With the exception of a weird folding rear-seat configuration, the Encore does OK when it comes to cabin storage. The rear cargo space still pales in comparison to many others in the segment, but it isn't the smallest in class.

Small-item storage

7.5

There are some decent options for small-item storage, including a small center bin with a retractable cover and a space in front of the shifter where the USB plugs are. The tandem front cupholders have anti-tip tabs, and the front door pockets will each accommodate a large 40-ounce water bottle. There are rear cupholders in the folding armrest.

Cargo space

7.0

The cargo area is relatively flat and offers a low load height, but there's not much space behind the rear seats. Laying the rear seats flat involves folding them up and forward, and that limits how far back the front seats can go. This function is preferable to not having any at all, but taller drivers may feel the squeeze. There's a deep well underneath the load floor where the temporary spare lives.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

The large rear door openings are helpful, but rear-seat legroom may be a limiting factor. The Encore is far from the tightest in this diminutive class, but infant seats will take a big bite out of front legroom. The LATCH anchors are hidden deeply in the cushions, but the way the rear seat bottoms fold up makes them pretty easy to access if you have enough slack.

Technology

7.0

There's enough tech available in the Encore to get you by but nothing that's going to impress. The Bose sound system is solid, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fill in for many of your infotainment needs. There is a distinct lack of advanced driver aids that come standard on some less expensive competitors.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The Bose audio system has some good power and delivers decent sound. The average buyer should not have any complaints with its performance. An in-car nav system is available but otherwise is smartphone-based (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). OnStar turn-by-turn directions are also included if you need them.

Smartphone integration

7.5

Smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the main feature of the infotainment system. There are two USB ports, an auxiliary input and a 12-volt power outlet up front. In back you get a single 12-volt outlet but no USB ports.

Driver aids

6.5

The availability of advanced driver safety aids is pretty thin. There's no adaptive cruise control, for instance. Worse yet, the forward collision and lane departure warning systems do not have the capability to intervene and mitigate the situation. The blind-spot monitoring works fairly well but no better than others like it. We'd consider this close to the bare minimum.

Voice control

7.0

Voice controls outside of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions are limited to just phone calls and audio tuning. Fairly basic but they worked when we used them.

Compare 2019 Buick Encore trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Buick Encore models

The 2018 Buick Encore is a compact crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: 1SV (or base), Preferred, Sport Touring and Essence. The base and Preferred trims come relatively well-equipped with features, but more desirable safety and convenience features come only on more expensive trim levels. Top trims can also be equipped with a more powerful engine.

All Encores come standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 hp, 148 pound-feet), a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. A more powerful version of this engine (153 hp, 177 lb-ft) is optional on Sport Touring and Essence trims. All but the base trim offer optional all-wheel drive.

Base 1SV and Preferred trim levels are equipped similarly. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, keyless ignition and entry, heated mirrors, roof rails, rear privacy glass, air conditioning, cruise control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

Technology features include an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot), and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

On the Preferred, you also get floor mats, a cargo cover and eligibility for additional options such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and remote start. Moving up to the Sport Touring trim adds foglights, a rear spoiler, and remote start to the base model's features.

The Essence tops out with LED headlights, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

An optional package for the Essence includes automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and an advanced cabin filter. A navigation system and premium seven-speaker Bose sound system are options for Sport Touring and Essence trims. A sunroof is optional on all but the base trim.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Buick Encore 1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.67 per gallon for regular unleaded in Mississippi.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Mississippi

$118/mo

$141/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#7 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Buick Encore from 2008-2022.}

$531/yr

vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.85x/yr

vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14%

vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Buick Encore Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

55 reviews

5(75%)

4(11%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(4%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

LOVE MY ENCORE!!!

Buickman, 07/11/2019

2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Just bought the 2019 Preferred Model Encore AWD and I absolutely love it!!. I was worried that my wife and I (larger than average people) would be crowded in the Encore but we were surprised by the amount of room in it. Even if we have people in the back seats there is more than ample room for us to not feel squashed. I love the quality of the Buick brand and it is a very nice, quiet, …

Never Thought I Would Own a Buick

Glen K, 01/03/2019

2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I am extremely impressed with the 2019 Buick Encore. This vehicle became a standout after I finished my research of the vehicles in this class. The Encore is very nimble and handles well in most driving situations. I previously owned a Jeep Renegade and a Kia Soul, but neither of these two vehicles had the smooth ride and luxury feel of the interior that the Buick Encore possesses. I …

GREAT SMALL SUV!!!

Ann Marie, 06/26/2019

2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

As a 3 time Honda owner, I was skeptical to even look at Buick?? SO GLAD I did! This SUV is AMAZING! Very underrated! Test drove it and didn't look back. Feels like a $40,000 vehicle. Wow!! Just Wow!!! Two thumbs up!

Went back to GM and Buick!

Baby Buick in PA, 05/28/2019

2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

After owning a Ford for several years (traded a 2000 Buick Regal on that), I decided to give the Encore a look when it was time to trade. Small, fuel-efficient SUVs were on my shopping list - and it came down to the Encore and the Honda HR-V after reading reviews online. I would have also considered the Hyundai Kona had it not been for our local Hyundai dealer's bad rep. Comparing the …

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2019 Encore Highlights

Trim:

1SV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$23,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$118/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Encore models:

OnStar: Provides emergency services such as roadside assistance, automatic crash notification and remote door unlocking.
Blind-Spot Warning System: Warns you if there's another vehicle in your blind spot. Standard on the Sport Touring trim level and above.
Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver if a front collision is imminent. Standard on the Encore's top-level Premium trim.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good