Flash Drive

2017 Buick Encore

Model Tested: 2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring

The restyled 2017 Buick Encore features a traditional Buick grille and handsome 18-inch alloy wheels.

Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 153 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/30-mpg combined

Base Price: $25,565

As Tested: $29,720

Performance:

Pretty peppy for such small displacement

Good fuel economy—our best was 32.7-mpg

Pleasant highway ride

The 2017 Buick Encore has a tall rear hatch and a flat cargo floor for easy loading.

AWD model good in snowy conditions

Stability control

Sharp 18-inch alloy wheels

Blind zone alert

Comfort:

Abe Lincoln top hat headroom

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Minimal rear seat legroom unless fronts are forward

Fold-down inboard armrest just for driver

Driver power lumbar support

The 2017 Buick Encore has quality interior materials and excellent front row legroom.

Quality interior materials

Quiet interior

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Great rear seat shoe room

Minimal rear floor hump

Adult can fit in middle position

Soft, wide rear armrest with cupholders

Utility:

High opening rear hatch

Medium, non-locking glovebox

The thick, contoured steering wheel is great. The info screens are controlled by the turn signal stalk.

Long, shallow front door bins

Shallow rear door bins

Sun visors have great sliding range

Small console storage bin

8-inch touch screen

Digital and analog speedometers

Folding rear seats negatively affects front seat travel

Front passenger seat folds flat for long items

Folded seats not quite flat

Flat cargo floor

No lift-over

Extra storage on both side of rear cargo area

A straight side shot of the Encore shows its squished styling.

WOW Factors:

Can carry long cargo for a relatively short vehicle

Tall doors make easy ingress/egress

Great city errand car; easy to park

Quiet, well-insulated interior

Whines:

Squished styling

Annoying design for folding rear seats

Info screen control on turn signal stalk

Bottom Line:

The restyled 2017 Buick Encore is the junior member of the three Buick SUVs. That makes it a great

When equipped with all-wheel-drive the Encore is a fine snow vehicle. This is a 2016 Encore.

city/errand car, but limits cargo capacity. The tiny 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is actually quite responsive and gets excellent fuel economy. Interior materials and quietness are all up to expected Buick standards.