After a decade in the market, Buick’s mini-SUV still shines
STRATFORD, Virginia — I’m a fan of minnows. Affordable, fun entry-level subcompacts. The versatile Honda Fit hatchback. The Mazda Miata sportscar. I still weep for the loss of the Ford Fiesta ST funbox.
Allow me to add another unsung candidate, the $25,795 Buick Encore.
On a recent road trip to Stratford, Virginia — marinated in U.S. history, from George Washington’s birthplace to the Lee family home — I rented a compact vehicle from Hertz. “Anything in Aisle Two” said the attendant. And there amongst the usual Corollas and Sentra sedans was Buick’s premium entry-level SUV.
I was quickly reminded just how good this wee SUV is.
With its fold-flat front seat — a cool, rare feature shared by the Fit and GM sibling Chevy Trax — the Encore and I bonded years ago. With a stiff leg after knee surgery, I sat in back and flattened the front seat for use as an ottoman.
A unique feature, but this SUV is best known for pioneering the small SUV category. In 2012, Encore led the way and other vehicle manufacturers followed in breaking
the sport utility mold of mid-size family carrier. The Buick introduced the idea that crossovers could populate every segment, including subcompacts.
At just 25 grand, my base Encore rental was not only ergonomically efficient — it was fun.
Its cute face and trim bod is irresistible. Like every subcompact I’ve ever driven, the short wheelbase is a hoot to drive.
Apple CarPlay artfully guided us to the best routes — and lunch along the way.
So successful is Encore that it has already inspired a bigger sibling — the aforementioned Encore GX. With push-button start, a sippy 155-horse 4-banger and leatheretteand-cloth seats, my standard Encore is an affordable chariot. So relentless is technology, however, that this premium SUV is already aging next to comparably priced mainstream vehicles.
Essential goo-gaws like blind-spot assist and adaptive cruise control are now standard on SUVs like the Mazda CX-30 or Kia Seltos. My Encore sported neither. To remain an icon in the segment it pioneered, Encore needs to get crackin’.
Virginia’s Northern Neck isn’t London streets — but its historic places are full of tight confines. The Encore — thanks to its rear-view camera-assist and short proportions — navigated tight spots and driveways easily.
The undulating roads are a similar challenge, and I volunteered more than once to fetch groceries over the weekend just so I could explore them.
The rare negative I’ve heard about Encore is from my son’s fiancée. She rented one recently and complained of a lack of power. Understandable. Her daily driver? A VW Beetle Turbo stuffed with the Golf GTI’s 200-horse turbo engine.
Now there’s another great minnow.