When the 2013 Buick Encore hits dealerships early next year, front-wheel-drive versions will start at $24,950, including a $750 destination charge. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, a backup camera, a power driver’s seat and a 7-inch dashboard screen with Buick’s IntelliLink system, which Buick announced last year will become standard across the lineup. Various equipment groups add more features:
The Convenience Group ($25,760) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a household power outlet, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and fog lights.
The Leather Group ($27,460) adds everything above plus a power passenger seat, a memory driver’s seat and heated leather upholstery.
The Premium Group ($28,940) adds everything above plus front and rear park assist, forward collision and lane-departure warning systems, rain-sensing wipers, Bose audio and some cargo accessories.
All-wheel drive is an extra $1,500, and standalone options include an IntelliLink-integrated navigation system ($795), chrome wheels ($995), a moonroof ($800) and Bose audio ($595 below the Premium group). A loaded Encore Premium should top out around $33,000. Buick’s pricing positions the Encore closer to non-luxury compact SUVs like the Ford Escape ($22,470 to around $38,000 with all factory options) than entry-level luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX ($33,780 to around $39,000) or BMW X1 ($31,545 to more than $50,000).
The Encore’s sole drivetrain is a 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission. Those are modest numbers in a crowd that boasts larger turbocharged four-cylinders or even V-6s, but the front-drive Encore’s EPA-estimated 25/33 mpg city/highway rating should bolster its attraction. The EPA has yet to rate the all-wheel-drive Encore.