Fine little SUV offers attractive pricing
Encore wrapped in mechanical and creature comfort craftsmanship Buick is noted for
Tweek we’re reviewing the 2018 Buick Encore, a compact SUV dressed in Sport Touring trim with all-wheel-drive mechanicals. Notable is more horsepower on all models and a recent cosmetic upgrade that features a new grille, hood, headlights, fenders, rear taillights and the noted Buick emblem front and center.
The 2018 Encore lineup includes the entry Encore ($22,990), Preferred ($26,355), Sport Touring ($25,600), Preferred II ($26,900), Essence ($30,095) and Premium ($31,595). For AWD models, add approximately $1,500 to the above prices as our AWD Sport Touring started at $27,100.
Keep in mind Encore is not an “off-road-bully” vehicle, although it’s a fun car to take on light duty trails for camping or a day fishing at your favorite stream. As for towing duties, leave that to sibling Enclave, a seven-passenger SUV that is completely redesigned for 2018.
An important mechanical upgrade the last few years is Encore’s standard across the board, 11-percent more powerful (153 horses) 20 percent more torque (177 poundfeet) turbo inline four-cylinder that used to be an option. It replaces the less powerful 1.4 turbo from last year that delivered just 138 horses and 148 pound-feet of torque. This is a good move as the Encore’s Achilles heel has always been a lack of horsepower and torque. Power is delivered to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts well.
Encore’s AWD is fully automatic and when combined with GM’S Stabilitrak traction controls, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic brakeforce and solid Five Star government safety ratings, you can be assured of secure motoring in all types of weather. Overall, all Encores — be it front drive or AWD — are fun to drive, handle decent and are easy to park.
Now, a bit of Buick history.
For all you trivia enthusiasts out there, it was the Buick and not Cadillac or Chevrolet that holds the coveted position of being the very first General Motors brand back in 1903. Through the years, Buick has been one of the few American brands that have consistently received high reliability and customer appreciation honors, most recently a Kelly Blue Book “Five-year cost to own” citation and a “recommended” checkmark in this year’s Consumer Reports 2018 Buying Guide.
Considering Buick’s “firstborn” significance, it’s no surprise the brand survived GM’S streamlining that found both Oldsmobile and Pontiac eliminated from the company lineup. The main reason Buick survived (in addition to legacy) is its tremendous popularity in China.
Further, it was the China consumer demand that led GM to construct
a state of the art assembly plant in Bupyeong Gu, South Korea, where the Encore is built. This new factory also impacts transportation costs, as China is just a short trip north of the factory.
Back to the 2018 Encore.
Encore’s cabin is well appointed, regardless of trim selected. You’ll be pleased that every Encore, from base trim to Premium, arrives with standard power driver seat, rear view safety camera, Android/apple compatibility, keyless entry, Onstar, Sirius/xm, air conditioning, all the powers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
You also receive at no extra cost