New for 2015

The Encore was all-new for 2014, so the only major change for 2015 is the addition of the OnStar 4G LTE system that’s proliferating across the General Motors lineup.

Defying Convention

Small hatchbacks and SUVs seem to be at opposite ends of the vehicular spectrum, but what if you could combine the best attributes of both? That’s what Buick did with the 2015 Encore, a new small crossover that bends the traditional definition of the segment.

The Encore has the footprint and fuel-sipping engine of a compact car, but it’s also got a tall roof, high driving position, and available all-wheel drive like a traditional crossover. It’s a novel type of vehicle that could be ideal for buyers who want it all, but don’t want to compromise.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2015 Buick Encore is only available with one powertrain option, but it covers all of the bases. No one said a pint-sized fuel-sipping crossover can’t be fun as well as thrifty. Well, maybe the bean counters in accounting, but who cares what they think!

Under the hood lives a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission option is a six-speed automatic, but there is a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

With front-wheel drive, the Encore will achieve EPA-rated fuel economy of 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway),* while the all-wheel drive model gets 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*

The Encore also features Buick’s QuietTuning suite of features for a luxurious driving experience one wouldn’t expect of a small crossover. That include Bose® Active Noise Cancellation tech, and a suspension designed around a “one tire philosophy,” with everything optimized for the Encore’s 18-inch wheel-and-tire combination to provide the smoothest, quietest ride possible.

Features and Trims

The 2015 Buick Encore is a five-door, five-seat crossover offered in four trim levels, starting at $24,065.**

The base Encore comes standard with a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a rear 60/40-split bench seat, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® controls, and OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

The following trim levels progressively add more standard equipment, building on (or replacing, where applicable) what’s offered on the base model. The Convenience model adds remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and fog lights, among other features.

Next up is the Encore Leather which, yes, adds leather seating, along with a heated steering wheel and front seats, power passenger’s seat, and driver’s seat memory. On top of that, the Premium model adds a Bose seven-speaker audio system, cargo net and mat, and several electronic driver aids (see below).

In addition, available options include a navigation system, Buick’s Intellilink infotainment system, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and a moonroof.

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Buick Encore is a segment-skewing model, and that’s apparent from its exterior styling. The silhouette says small hatchback, but the Encore also has a tall roof and high ride height like a traditional SUV or crossover. Styling cues—like the waterfall grille—pulled from other Buick models look surprisingly good here, and tie the Encore to the rest of the lineup.

Why make a crossover this small? In addition to the obvious fuel-economy benefits, the Encore mixes the high driving position many drivers are looking for with the good visibility and neat packaging of a compact car.

And while the Encore is small, its interior isn’t economy-grade spartan. Like any other Buick, the materials are of high quality, and the brand’s concentration on eliminating noise makes for a serene environment. The optional seven-inch infotainment screen adds a tech touch, as does the OnStar 4G LTE system, which can support up to seven devices on WiFi (with the purchase of a data plan).

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Buick Encore includes anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrack stability control, traction control, and 10 airbags. Rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, and lane-departure warning are also available as options.

In addition, the standard rearview camera can be augmented with optional front and rear park assist features.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Buick Encore combines the utility of a crossover, the small footprint and impressive fuel efficiency of a small hatchback, and the luxuries of, well, a Buick. It really has all of the bases covered.

So if your premium-vehicle needs fall somewhere between car and SUV territory, consider the Encore, it really is unlike anything else out there.

For more information, or to test drive the versatile Buck Encore, be sure to visit or contact 3Birds Template.

*EPA estimates. Mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Image: Buick