Model Tested: 2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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