With the ability to seat up to five passengers while retaining an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, the Buick Encore is an impressive vehicle. Our team at Bob Weaver Auto located in Pottsville, PA has put together a used buying guide for those looking into this remarkable compact crossover. Our team is always standing by to help with any of your new or used car-buying needs.
First Generation (2013 – 2019)
In the year 2012, Buick announced its first compact crossover would be released in January of 2013. The Encore was one step smaller in size compared to its big brother the Envision and two steps below the Enclave, creating the perfect niche for those looking for a small, versatile commuter and family vehicle. It can easily fit up to four adults, or a family of five comfortably with just enough cargo room for the necessities. The Encore came in both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive options, both with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Front-Wheel Drive option got up to 25 mpg City / 33 mpg Highway whereas the All-Wheel Drive option got up to 23 mpg City / 29 mpg Highway. The Encore was sometimes referred to as “a near-luxury crossover” with its impressive interior comfort level and elevated driving experience. Equipped with standard features such as a full-color 7-inch display, USB port, and Bluetooth, connectivity was not a problem for even the first model year of the Encore.
Buick continued with the trend of upgraded tech features for the 2014 model year adding an available rear-cross traffic alert and side blind zone alert safety features. The IntelliLink system was also upgraded in this manufacturing year to include text message support.
The OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was added in the 2015 model year and was the only major change for this year’s model.
In 2016, a new Sport Touring model was added which included upgraded 18” aluminum alloy wheels, rear spoiler, remote start, and an upgraded EcoTec inline four-cylinder direct fuel injection engine which amped its power up by about 15 horsepower compared to the base models.
The Encore received a major cosmetic facelift for 2017. With an overhaul on the exterior styling elements and the interior comfort level, additional technological upgrades were made as well. The touchscreen gained an inch in size becoming 8-inches and now had the ability to support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ along with the previously available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. The EcoTec engine package also improved fuel economy with its newly added Stop/Start technology.
The year 2018 didn’t bring with it many updates, however the ones it did bring with it are notably impactful. The Encore stepped up its overall safety features by adding an available Forward Collision Warning. The upgraded HD radio, standard capless fuel filler, and available ionizing interior air cleaner were also popular updated features in this manufacturing year.
Along with two additional exterior color options, the 2019 Encore models were simplified into a lineup with only four trim options. The most equipped model, the Essence, also came with the option to add the new active safety package which included features such as blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, forward collision alert, rain-sensing wipers, and a lane departure warning.
That brings us to the current production year for the Encore, which starts us out into a brand-new generation.
If you are in need of any additional help in your search for the perfect vehicle, our doors are always open and our team is available to provide any assistance you may be looking for.
Bob Weaver Auto
Pottsville, PA
Pottsville, Pennsylvania