The 2016 Buick Encore features comfortable front seats and a high seating position that offers a commanding view of the road. We've found the standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to be rather anemic, even within its less-than-athletic segment, which makes the new, more powerful version found in the Sport Touring an appealing addition to the lineup. On the upside, the combination of this little SUV's small size and tight turning radius give it a nimble feel larger compact SUVs can't match (but that is nevertheless very much matched or bettered by its subcompact SUV rivals). On the handling front, the Encore feels confident if not particularly sporty, a setup we suspect will suit most buyers just fine. The short wheelbase does mean the ride can get choppy over freeway expansion joints, however. The suspension is also tuned to favor comfort over handling, and so not surprisingly it soaks up most bumps with little drama. The cabin is extremely quiet for the segment with extensive sound-deadening materials and active noise-cancelling technology. In Edmunds testing, a front-drive Encore stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is average for this class.ĭriving the 2016 Buick Encore is an experience very much in line with what you'd expect from Buick. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Encore the highest possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap front-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. In government crash tests the Encore received a perfect five-star rating for overall crash protection, frontal protection and side-impact protection. Also included is OnStar, which provides automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.Ī blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Convenience and higher trim levels, while forward collision and lane-departure warning systems are standard on the Encore Premium. Standard safety features for the 2016 Buick Encore include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. We think each of these is ultimately stronger than the Encore for more shoppers, but its inherent Buick-ness nevertheless maintains its appeal for those looking for a quiet and comfortable means of getting around with a dollop of luxury and an elevated driving position. Popular choices include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Fiat 500X. And if interior room isn't a problem, there's also an insurgence of new, similarly subcompact competitors for 2016 to consider, each of which can offer superior interior space, driving dynamics or style. Of course, many buyers may still be put off by the Encore's snug interior, including a noticeably cramped back seat and cargo room easily bested by larger crossovers such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 or Buick's own Envision. Other strengths include impressive fuel economy numbers and top crash-test scores. No matter the trim, though, the Encore's small size makes for impressive maneuverability when it comes time to negotiate crowded streets or fit into a tight parking space. Unfortunately, the regular turbo 1.4-liter engine is still used on the remaining Encore trim levels.
It's a welcome upgrade, which should make for livelier acceleration. New this year is the Sport Touring model with a version of the standard turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that puts out an additional 15 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque. Indeed, it manages to retain much of its essential Buick-ness by virtue of its hushed cabin with near-luxury trappings and a long list of available upscale features, including a heated steering wheel and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. While it's certainly a radical departure from Buick's long history of building large luxury sedans, look a little closer and you'll find the 2016 Buick Encore subcompact SUV still embodies many of the elements this brand is known for.
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