Buick Encore 2013-2022: what to know before you buy?

For many years, the Buick Encore was the brand's most popular vehicle in Canada. That's part of the reason why its first generation (2013-2022) lasted so long. Now replaced in Buick's lineup by the all-new Envista 2024, it finds itself in the used market, hoping to attract consumers who may be struggling to stomach recent price hikes on new subcompact SUVs.

Here's what you need to know before buying a used Buick Encore...

A non-identical twin to the Chevrolet Trax, with which it shares its platform and many components, this small, curvaceous SUV stands out with a slightly more luxurious cachet, including, among other things, a better finish and more careful soundproofing using a noise neutralization system. This helps muffle the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.

We're talking about a rather modest 138 horsepower, fortunately backed up by superior torque (148 lb-ft) that helps during acceleration and acceleration. Having said that, it's important to understand that the Encore isn't a bomb, and that you still need to plan your overtaking maneuvers. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while average fuel consumption hovers around 8.5 L/100 km for front-wheel drive models and 9 L/100 km for those with all-wheel drive. We've seen better.

Many pre-owned Buick Encore models include leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. A Sport Touring version was added from 2016 to 2019, with a 153-hp engine and exclusive aesthetic touches.

There have been some significant changes for the 2017 model year, not least in terms of design, both exterior and interior. The control interface and displays have been modernized quite a bit, including an eight-inch touchscreen as shown above. Finally, for its swan song (2022), GM has modified the engine to generate 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, figures that are frankly more convincing and not just on paper.

On the practical side, the Buick Encore has a small trunk of 532 liters, which still places it in the middle of the class. Folding down the rear seats gives a load volume of 1,371 liters. Speaking of space, it's fairly limited in the rear seats, which are more suited to children than adults, despite the appreciable headroom.

Secondly, you should know that the list of safety recalls concerning this vehicle is rather short, with nothing major and no recalls as of 2018. The Encore has proved relatively reliable over the years, especially in the second half of its generation, as attested by various studies by J.D. Power, which ranked it first in its class in this respect. However, rigorous maintenance of the turbocharged engine is recommended.

Happy shopping!