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We admit it. We have no earthly idea how this whole thing is going to shake out.
Typically, after driving a new car or truck, we come away prepared to hazard a guess as to whether said model has a good chance of being a sales success. We've amassed enough time watching the industry, scrutinizing the competitors, and so on, to make a reasonably educated bet. Yet here we are, days removed from driving the new 2013 Buick Encore, and we still have no bloody idea.
To be fair, we're in good company. Buick's perfectly capable public relations and marketing teams don't appear to entirely know what to expect from the Encore, either. They've had to strain to even find remote competitors to match their new baby against. BMW X1? Volkswagen Tiguan? Mini Countryman? All kinda-sorta-maybe rivals from our vantage point. Yet we can't necessarily provide better ones for this tiny semi-premium crossover, either. Fiscal cliff-discount Land Rover Range Rover Evoque? Uppity Hyundai Tucson? Nissan Juke ravished by Vilner? It's really rather hard to say what plays here. The above panoply of would-be rivals only hints at just how small the Encore is. At 168.5 inches long, it's the shortest Buick in memory – stubbier, remarkably, than such past Trishield outliers as the Skyhawk, Somerset and Reatta.
Yet none of this size discussion or the lack of a clearly defined competitive set is to say that the Encore won't be a resounding success. Early signs from dealers – whose initial orders have been 6 times company estimates – are more than positive, and certainly Buick could do with another crossover underneath its much larger Enclave.
Back to the size thing for a moment. Seeing the Encore away from the bright lights of its 2012 Detroit Auto Show reveal and on the street improved our initial impressions. When seen in its proper element, the city, the Encore's scale and proportions start to make a lot more sense, and standard 18-inch alloys do wonders for its presence. Even so, there's no doubt that traditional Buick hallmarks like the Encore's waterfall grille and hood-mounted Ventiports simply look better on larger-scale canvases. There's a faint whiff of children's dress-up here – the baby of the family wearing mom or dad's jewelry, trying to act all grown up. Making a form this small look upscale is no easy task, however, and Buick's stylists have done an admirable job overall.
The same goes for the interior, which, at least in full-house spec with optional niceties like leather and navigation, certainly looks the part. Oh, we could debate the merits of the glassy faux wood trim, the occasionally hokey-looking iconography on the 7-inch Intellilink infotainment screen and Buick's continued obsession with a carpet of center stack buttons, but overall, it's a comfortable, upscale place to be, particularly in our tester's saddle motif. In fact, allow us to take a moment to underline "comfortable" – the packaging here is pretty impressive. Despite being sandwiched in between a 100.5-inch wheelbase, we found plenty of space up front, with the power height-adjustable seats affording dining-chair like height and a surprisingly commanding view without grazing the headliner. The back seat is a bit narrow, but more accommodating than 1 might think – we even had an occasion where we had 4 full-size adults riding in relative comfort for a while.
Buick still has the market cornered on quiet – it has stuffed a ton of sound deadening in the Encore's nether reaches, added an acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker-than-normal side glass, along with a sound-absorbing headliner and whispering low-rolling resistance Continental rubber to keep things tranquil. Going 1 step beyond, the Encore also receives standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation, essentially a white noise generator that relies on 3 headliner-mounted microphones to detect and counter interior din. This is Buick's1st application of the technology, but General Motors has employed ANC previously on the Chevrolet Equinox. Make no mistake, this isn't an indulgently scaled luxury sedan or SUV, but it's still a very civilized place in which to weather one's morning commute.
Forward visibility is good, and the aforementioned seat height helps the driver to see eye-to-eye with larger crossovers, furthering the illusion that the Encore is larger than it is. Rear visibility is less convincing, with thick C-pillars and a smallish rear window crimping one's view. At least there's a standard rearview camera, along with 10 airbags if you still fail to see something.
It's at this point in the program where the driving enthusiasts among you will probably want to tap out. Said plainly, while competent, this is not an entertaining vehicle to drive. Buick should offer no apologies for this reality, however – it's not the Encore's raison d'être. This cute ute's sole powertrain is the same 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged 4 cylinder found in the Chevrolet Sonic economy car. In truth, the 2 vehicles are only tangentially related, with the budget Bowtie riding atop GM's Gamma architecture and the Encore relying on the Gamma II underpinnings it shares with its twins the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka and Chevrolet Trax. The Sonic and the Encore don't actually share much underskin material, notes James Danahy, chief engineer on the Encore program. In fact, Danahy was quick to clarify that this Buick shares little beyond powertrain and seat frames with the Chevy, though "learnings" on things like crash energy dissipation have informed this crossover's development.
Like it is in the 2,700-pound Sonic, the 1.4 turbo is tuned to deliver 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at 1,850 rpm. While that's enough to make the humble Sonic a fun car, it's not exactly a groundswell of muscle for the heavier Encore, which starts at 3,190 pounds for a front-drive model like our tester. Informal acceleration runs on our part generated a best 0-60 time of 10.0 seconds with 2 aboard – we're guessing the official time will end up being somewhere in the high nines. More ominously, colleagues from other outlets reported 12-second times with 3 people and a bit of gear aboard an all-wheel-drive example. In either case, that means you'll be staring at the taillights of every other vehicle we've mentioned to this point – if indeed you're lucky enough to even see the taillights of the far costlier X1 at all; BMW says a base sDrive28i will do the job in 6.2 seconds (and it's usually conservative with its numbers). For further reference, the cheaper Hyundai Tucson will do the deed in about 8 seconds. You're as likely as not to be in a dead heat with that hipster driving a Nissan Cube in the next lane. The Encore is not quick, friends.
Thank goodness it's smooth, then. The 6-speed Hydramatic is an agreeable partner, and there's even a bit of innovation happening in the $1,500 optional Active-On-Demand AWD system. Unlike most such systems that funnel torque to the wheels when slippage is detected, AOD uses a magnetically actuated clutch to pre-load the rear wheels with torque at every stop, automatically disengaging if no loss of traction is detected. The Borg Warner-developed system is said to be lighter and quicker acting than traditional AWD setups. With 6.2 inches of ground clearance front and rear, the Encore won't be up for much more than the occasional muddy field or curb hopping, but that's probably all that will ever be asked of it.
We disembarked from the Encore's seemingly native habitat, Atlanta's posh Centennial Park outdoor mall, negotiated area traffic and headed out on the highway, intent on sampling Georgia's network of beautiful rolling country roads. Once up to speed on the superslab, the Encore was again pleasingly hushed in the Grand Buick Tradition, but merging onto the freeway and passing with any measure of authority required dropping down a cog or 2, bringing with it the unmistakable auditory intrusion of 4-cylinder strain. We weren't really put off by the Encore's highway comportment (in all honesty, it rides very well considering its short wheelbase), but we were less thrilled when it came to those bucolic 2 lanes. There are lots of hills in north central Georgia, and burdened by the Encore's luxury lashings, the Ecotec just ain't country strong. Combine a lack of power with this CUV's stubby dimensions, high center of gravity and precise-but-unengaging electric power steering, and there wasn't much incentive to press on.
The Encore is just plain happier in urban settings, where its tight turning circle (just 36.7 feet) and tidy footprint make it a standout in the parking wars and dicing it up in traffic. The front MacPherson strut / rear torsion beam suspension is adept at smothering manhole covers and potholes, and at 18.8 cubic feet, the cargo hold is surprisingly generous for holding the day's shoppings (and that's before folding the rear seats for a total of 48.4 cubes). As a leather-lined metropolitan runabout, the South Korean-built Encore makes a lot of sense – its power deficit isn't as apparent in a stop-and-go world, and the upside of its smallish powertrain is thrift – EPA estimates for the front-drive model sit at 25 miles per gallon city and 33 highway, for a combined rating of 28 mpg. AWD models fall to 23/30/26.
At the end of the day, we're left with a smartly accoutered and serene little shoe of a crossover that offers good daily manners for urban living. Buick may not have the clearest idea of what vehicles the Encore lines up against, but it does seem to have target customers in mind – buyers on both ends of life's timeline who are mutually unencumbered by kids and their associated detritus. Young, childless professionals on 1 end and empty nesters on the other. This sounds just about right to us. With a starting price of $24,950 (including destination), the Encore stickers far below its (supposed) rival from BMW, priced more in line with larger but less premium-minded offerings from Volkswagen and Hyundai. Whether Buick's white space approach turns out to be this model's masterstroke or its undoing will be interesting to watch, but after spending a day's drive getting to know the Encore, we wouldn't bet against it.
Man, people harp on Honda/Acura for their center consoles having too many buttons after seeing that?!
I'm actually really interested in how this works out for Buick, if it carves out a new market I could easily see the other luxury manufacturers doing the same.
That being said, I expect this to sell about as well as the ZDX.
Looks comical on the outside.
Looks like a Chevrolet on the inside.
...and the dash has a case of the old Acura button madness!
No thanks!
It looked good in person at the autoshow. But it is small. And sadly underpowered. I had told my mom to look at them when they come out...her lease will be up on her RX in June and she is debating about buying it out or buying a less expensive vehicle.
Personally, I think she should just buyout the RX.
If this car has a 200hp turbo4 it would be a much more attractive vehicle overall.
One of the last surviving fruits of the Opel era in General Motors is about to be retired very soon. The Buick Encore — a subcompact crossover known in different markets as the Opel Mokka and Chevrolet Trax — will reportedly be discontinued after the 2022 model year. With just about 20,000 deliveries in the United States last year, the first-gen Encore is no longer needed by the American automaker.
According to a report from GM Authority, General Motors has decided to end the production of the 2022 Encore in the third quarter of this year. The model is currently assembled in South Korea at the GM Bupyeong factory. Sales of the crossover fell by more than 50 percent last year and this was probably enough for the executives to make the decision for the end of its production.
Apparently, this move was part of GM’s plan all along, according to the online publication. With sales going down, plus the available Encore GX as a more modern and competent alternative, the days of the Encore were numbered. Back in 2018, a total of six trim levels were offered, down to four for the 2019 and 2020 model years, two for the 2021 model year, and just a single trim level for its final year on the market.
The only available powertrain for the Encore is a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas unit with a peak output of 138 horsepower (103 kilowatts) and 148 pound-feet (201 Newton-meters). An all-wheel drive can be added as an option and the base price for the 2022 Encore is $24,600.
The 2022 Encore GX, in turn, is just slightly more expensive starting at $25,800 and there are three trim levels — Select, Preferred, and Essence. Two turbocharged engines, a 1.2-liter and a 1.3-liter, are available depending on the trim level with the more powerful one also sold with a nine-speed automatic in AWD setup.
Buick revealed the 2024 Encore GX, elevating the small SUV segment. The Encore GX is the first vehicle in North America to adopt the brand's new tri-shield logo, as well as the new face of Buick through its front-end styling. Sporting revitalized exterior design and a new tech-centric interior, the Encore GX is a modern, sophisticated and stylish take on the premium small SUV.
The updated Buick Encore GX will also offer the Avenir trim for the first time, representing the highest expression of Buick luxury. In addition, the reimagined Sport Touring (ST) trim will now be an option for Encore GX buyers, offering a uniquely chic and sporty appearance.
New look, same quality focus
Coming fresh off Buick's top ranking in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study, the 2024 Encore GX continues Buick's standard for high-quality engineering and craftsmanship, with an all-new look.
First seen on the Buick Wildcat EV concept, the new front fascia design language features a dynamic, forward-leaning front-end that comes to a crescendo at the brand's new body-mounted tri-shield logo. An updated modern grille pairs with new signature winged LED headlamps to create a distinctive visual presence. New 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options are also available.
"The new Encore GX delivers a sleek, sporty, sophisticated presence," said Bob Boniface, director, Global Buick Design. "It's inherently functional, yet the new exterior design creates a more stylish and modern persona that is unique in today's small SUV segment."
The Buick Encore GX's rear styling features the new Buick logo and typography prominently displayed in the center of the tailgate, while new LED taillamps come standard on ST and Avenir trims. The ST also comes standard with high gloss black front and rear bumpers and is offered with an optional Black Roof Package.
Driver centric and tech-forward interior
Inside the Buick Encore GX, form, function and intuitive tech await. The updated interior is centered around Buick's Virtual Cockpit System (VCS), with Encore GX the first Buick to adopt this technology. VCS features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system - the largest infotainment screen in its segment - and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver for intuitive control.
The latest version of Buick's infotainment provides a sleek new layout, customizable home screen and easily accessible vehicle categories. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, and wireless phone charging is also available.
"The Encore GX is the first Buick in North America to sport our revamped interior and new Virtual Cockpit System," said Boniface. "It's rare to get such an elevated, tech-forward interior in a vehicle at this starting price. We wanted to uplift every aspect of the Encore GX and put the entire small SUV segment on notice."
Soft-touch materials and unique stitching patterns flow throughout the updated interior. Avenir and ST logos are stitched into the head restraints on their respective trims, while the ST features a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, matching its athletic persona.
The premium cabin experience is enhanced with Buick's QuietTuning system, which helps prevent unwanted road noise from entering the cabin for a serene and premium driving experience.
The Avenir's encore
Buick's Avenir trim is coming off its most successful year yet, commanding approximately a 27 percent and 28 percent adoption rate on the Enclave and Envision, respectively, as customers continue to be drawn to the functional luxury Buick delivers.
Available for the first time on the Encore GX, the Avenir trim elevates the small SUV segment to a new level, offering customers exclusive design cues, cutting-edge features and premium materials that have all become synonymous with the Avenir badge.
On the exterior, the Buick Encore GX Avenir includes a unique Avenir grille, unique clear lens LED tail lamps, 19-inch Avenir-specific wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers accents and black carbon metallic body side molding.
The Avenir experience continues on the inside, as the new Encore GX Avenir brings an exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black color theme, leather seats, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, air ionizer, rearview auto dim mirror, embroidered Avenir head restraints and Avenir door sills.
Spirited efficiency
The 2024 Buick Encore GX comes standard with a 1.2L turbocharged engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. A 1.3L turbocharged engine is also available that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Each engine's turbocharger allows it to reach torque peak much faster and maintain that torque peak for a longer RPM band compared to a naturally-aspirated engine, providing greater responsiveness and a more engaging drive for customers.
"The Encore GX is spirited and fun-to-drive, while providing the driver with a hushed and innately comfortable driving experience on a range of different road conditions," said Seth Valentine, program engineering manager, Buick.
AWD is available across all trims, and those models are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD models come standard with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
A fun and engaging drive experience is complemented by impressive fuel economy. FWD models will offer a GM-estimated 30 mpg (combined), while AWD models will offer a GM-estimated 27 mpg (combined).
Safety, confidence and comfort
The 2024 Encore GX comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence package. This package includes six active safety and driver assistance technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams and more.
Additional available safety and tech packages include features such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Camera Mirror.
Arriving in dealerships soon
The Buick Encore GX Preferred trim starts at just $26,895, with Sport Touring starting at $28,095 and Avenir starting at $33,195. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX starting in May 2023.
12-10-2012, 02:15 PM
