New for 2016
The Encore Sport Touring model is new for 2016 and adds a more powerful 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
Defying History
Buick has long been a maker of large luxury sedans, so when the Encore debuted in 2013, it was a radical departure from the brand's usual offerings. Despite being the "new kid on the block," the Encore quickly established itself as one of the brand's most popular vehicles. Flash-foward and the 2016 Buick Encore continues to enjoy success among customers looking for a handsomely styled compact crossover SUV that delivers a quiet interior, excellent fuel economy, and long list of tech and safety features.
Powertrain and Performance
The Encore lineup undergoes a noteworthy change for the 2016 model year. Whereas all past models were powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, the 2016 Encore introduces a new Sport Touring model that gets a beefier version the same engine that ups power to 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of engine or trim type, all Enore models employ a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, wihile all-wheel drive is an available option that adds an extra degree of assurance and handling on slick surfaces.
With front-wheel drive, Encore's equipped with the base 1.4-liter engine will achieve an 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).* Despite their increased power output, Sport Touring Models earn an impressive 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway with FWD,* and 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) with AWD.*
The Encore also features Buick’s QuietTuning suite of features for a luxurious driving experience one wouldn’t expect of a small crossover. The 2016 Encore benefits from Bose® Active Noise Cancellation tech. The sound abating technology is particularly impressive. It pumps sound-canceling waves through the car's speakers to help counter unwanted noise. Additionally, the Encore features 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 2016 Buick Encore is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover SUV. It's offered in five trim levels and starts 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.
New for 2016 is the Sport Touring trim. It adds all the content from the Convenience package along with a more powerful version of the standard 1.4-liter engine. The Sport Touring also benefits from a number of sport styling cues that help distinguish it from the rest of the model line.
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.
Design
The 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Encore is a unique offering among luxury crossover SUVs. It has the footprint and fuel-sipping engine of a compact car, but it smartly incorporates the tall roof, elevated driving position, and available all-wheel drive of a traditional crossover. Throw in Buick's unwavering commitment to a serene and luxurious cabin and the 2016 Buick Encore may just be the luxury crossover SUV you were destined to drive.
For more information, or to test drive the versatile Buck Encore, be sure to contact or visit us at 3Birds Template today.
*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
