Used 2019 Buick Encore Preferred SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Buick Encore Preferred SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
LOVE MY ENCORE!!!
Buickman, Pigeon, MI, 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, … fuel efficient ride. We also test drove a Chevy Trax and while it was nice, there is no comparison to the Encore, much higher quality. While it is a very "techy" vehicle everything is easy to understand and operate. I have only owned it for 3 days but I think I can honestly say it is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it outright as I plan to keep it until it dies!! LOL I cannot say how effective the AWD is yet but from what I have heard I will be thankful I spent a little extra $ to get it come winter in Michigan. The 1.4L Turbo power plant is just fine for me and I love the gas mileage! Transmission shifts very smoothly and it handles like a champ!! Great job Buick!!
Went back to GM and Buick!
Baby Buick in PA, Erie, 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 … Encore to the HR-V at our local auto show, I remember thinking, "the Encore is a lot nicer inside." It also had more equipment that I wanted, like a power driver's seat. To get that feature on the HR-V, you had to spend substantially more $ on the top-line Touring model, which also included other things that I didn't want like leather seats. A $5K rebate on the Encore was also hard to walk away from, and no compelling financial incentives on the Honda. Comparing the two, the interior headroom also seemed a lot better in the Encore. I was also leery of the long-term durability of the CVT trans in the HR-V - the Encore has a proper 6-speed automatic which seems to work very well. I bought the Encore Sport Touring AWD model with the base engine - I find the power to be more than adequate, but I won't win any drag races with it. AWD is a plus for our snowy winters. Ride quality and quietness are very good for a vehicle of diminutive size. Fuel economy seems pretty good so far, about 28-29 with 75-80% being highway miles each week. Compared to the trunk space in my former mid-sized Ford, the cargo space is decent for a vehicle with a small footprint. A fault of this vehicle is the missing center armrest for the front passenger - why? My recommendation to anyone considering one of these is to read the reviews from people who actually bought one, and pay less attention to the so-called professional reviewers who have only driven one for a few hours, a few days or a week at most. And to all the "Buick bigots" out there who dwell upon the stereotype of Buicks being an old peoples' vehicle - you're missing out on a capable, premium-featured vehicle that offers a lot of features and value for the money. As for me, I'm very satisfied so far at over 3K miles. I would definitely make this purchase again.
Love this little SUV!
TJC, Avondale, AZ, 05/09/2019
2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
It fits me. Wife likes it as much as I do too. I had a Verano before this, and there is no comparison. The Verano was not easy for me to get in and out of, as it was just too low., but this Encore is so easy for me to get in and out of. There isn’t much to complain about, because it simply has everything I want and need. We leased this one, and I am already thinking of keeping it in the … end!
Awesome for a grandma
Evonne Kochara, Tenino, WA, 05/08/2019
2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I am a young grandma and empty nester. I wanted something fun and yet safe, but not too sporty for grandma. I saw this at the sales lot and my husband and I both said WOW, this was me. I love my little suv, it gives me luxury and fun, I can haul my groceries, my dog or we can go on a weekender in this sporty little suv. I would never thought I would drive a Buick, when I tell everyone I … bought a Buick there first thought is a huge old person car, but when they see my cute, little SUV they are shocked that it’s a Buick. I love the look on their faces. I got everyone wanted.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Buick Encore Preferred SUV
What’s new
- Streamlined trim-level structure
- More powerful engine is now optional
- Part of the first Encore generation introduced for 2013
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Hushed cabin at highway speeds
- Pro:Generous standard tech and safety features
- Pro:Maneuverable size
- Con:Base engine delivers tepid performance
- Con:Small cargo area
Which Encore does Edmunds recommend?
A generous list of standard features makes the Encore base level appealing, but we suggest going to the top with the Essence trim level. It offers heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, and a few extra safety items. You can also order the more powerful 153-horsepower engine. When you want to get this subcompact moving in a hurry, the increased power is a must.
Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Buick Encore SUV
Driving
7.5The 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.
Comfort
7.0Buick 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.
Interior
7.5The 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.
Utility
7.0With 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.
Technology
7.0There'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.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Buick Encore in Ohio is:
$53.00 per month*Legal