2017 Buick Encore: First Look
Competes with: BMW X1, Audi Q3
Looks like: Similar to the old Encore, with a sleeker face and mature styling
Drivetrain: 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder (base) or 153-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection (optional); six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
Hits dealerships: Fall 2016
CARS.COM — Buick unveiled the refreshed 2017 Encore just ahead of the 2016 New York International Auto Show; the subcompact SUV now offers more technology and updated styling that smooths out the front.
The Encore will be offered in five trim levels: base, Sport Touring, Convenience, Leather and Premium.
More 2016 New York Auto Show Coverage
Exterior
The Encore keeps its high-walled, short overhang proportions and adds a sleeker face. Up front now sits the latest version of Buick’s corporate grille with its updated tri-color logo. The cladding around the fog lights and lower front bumper has been reduced. Higher trim levels will get new all-LED headlights; the daytime running lights and fog lights will be LEDs as well. The 18-inch wheels feature a new design, and three new exterior colors are available.
Perhaps the most interesting change for 2017 is no more portholes on the Encore’s front fender or the hood. It’s a change for the better, in my opinion.
Interior
The dashboard has been redone with a new standard 8-inch touch-screen now sitting lower on the center console than last year’s screen, which was mounted almost on top of the dashboard. This makes it a bit easier to reach from the driver and front passenger seats. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also make an appearance for 2017 as a part of Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system.
With the backseat folded, the Encore offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The front passenger seat can fold flat when hauling longer cargo. Also standard is Buick’s QuietTuning system that uses Bose noise-canceling technology to reduce exterior noises in the cabin.
Under the Hood
The Encore’s engines carry over from the 2016 model: a 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 153-hp, turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. The optional turbocharged engine adds direct injection and stop-start technology; it is available on all trim levels except the base trim.
Updated EPA fuel-economy estimates will be released at a later date, Buick says.
Safety
The Encore offers several available active safety technologies, including blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and forward collision and lane departure warning systems. Ten airbags are standard.
Keep an eye out for the refreshed 2017 Encore to arrive at dealerships in fall 2016.
