The Honda HR-V has been refreshed for the 2019 model year. When this happens, we like to compare vehicles to their rivals to see if they’ve gotten a leg up on the competition or still retain their standing. In this comparison guide, we take a look at the 2019 Buick Encore next to the refreshed 2019 HR-V. Which one is better? Read on.
Reliability: 2019 Buick Encore
Reliability is a measurement of two things: initial quality and dependability. In other words, JD Power and Associates polls car owners in the first and third years of their ownership. High scores represent satisfaction with their purchase and continued quality down the road with few mechanical problems or other issues. It’s a good estimate of how well your car will do after driving it off the dealership lot.
That said, the 2019 Buick Encore netted a near-perfect rating: 4.5 out of 5. In a rating system where a three is the industry average, the Encore received an amazing score! The 2019 HR-V did not fare nearly as well, getting just 3 out of 5. In other words, the HR-V received a completely average score. Not bad, but nothing to brag about.
Warranty: 2019 Buick Encore
To top it off, the 2019 Buick Encore also has a longer-lasting warranty, which is another sign of quality and brand reputation. Buick offers a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty and a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Meanwhile, Honda guarantees the HR-V for just three years or 36,000 miles and its powertrain for only five years or 60,000 miles. Just looking at these numbers, we know which one we’d choose.
Standard Features: 2019 Buick Encore
At first glance, the 2019 Honda HR-V seems to offer a more affordable SUV. After all, the HR-V starts at just $20,520 compared to the Encore’s $23,200. But once we compare the standard features, you’ll see how the Encore is more like a mid-tier HR-V and offers plenty for its slightly increased price tag. If you don’t care about features, the base trim level of the HR-V makes sense. For anyone else, the Encore offers more for less.
The 2019 Encore’s standard features include alloy wheels, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, flat-folding front passenger seat, push-button start, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hot spot, rearview camera, satellite radio, two USB ports, Buick IntelliLink infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also OnStar, Buick Connected Services, QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation.
What do you get standard on the base 2019 HR-V? Just Bluetooth, USB port, four-speaker stereo, 5-inch display screen, and rearview camera. You can opt to add front and rear parking sensors and remote start, but that’s already another $1,000. As you can see, the HR-V can afford to offer a lower starting price because there’s less quality there.