The new 2017 Buick Encore is worth a look thanks to its quiet interior, long list of safety and tech features, good fuel economy ratings, and top crash-test scores. Even so, its limited interior space, and modest performance curtail its appeal. Its release date should be expected in the middle of 2017.
Looking a little closer will make you realize that the 2017 Buick Encore is still a Buick to its core, but still sports a radical departure from Buick’s luxury sedan’s design. In fact, some of the elements it has retained include the long list of available upscale features, such as a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a heated steering wheel. And, near luxury trappings and a hushed cabin return as well.
The Sport Touring model returns for 2017 and still makes use of the 1.4L turbocharged engine it came with a previous year ago. But now generates additional output thanks to the additional tweaks that Buck has offered the Encore. We are also impressed by the impressive maneuverability the Encore provides when it comes time to fit it into a compact parking space or negotiating in a crowded street. Its acceleration has also been made livelier thanks in part to the suspension upgrades.
Several eccentricities can be expected, though. The list includes tepid performance, a modest cargo and interior space, and mediocre driving dynamics and style. It is for this reason that we think you should check what its competition offers before you purchase the Encore.
Alternatives to check out include the 2017 Mazda CX-5, the 2017 Fiat 500X, the 2017 Honda HR-V, and the 2017 Ford Escape. In all fairness, we think the above models are way much superior to the 2017 Buick Encore, but its inherent Buick-ness nonetheless may appeal those looking for an elevated driving position with a dollop of quietness and comfort.
Offered Trims – Buick Encore
Five trims – Base, Sport Touring, Convenience, Premium, and Leather trims – are offered for the 2017 Buick Encore.
Exterior Changes & 2017 Buick Encore Interior Reviews
Standard accessories and features offered for the base Encore include a rear folding 60/40-split seat, smartphone app integration, a 7” touchscreen display, a simulated leather and cloth upholstery, heated mirrors, 18” alloy wheels, a rearview camera, a telescopic-and-tilt steering wheel, a USB port, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, a manual fold-flat front passenger seat, a six-way power driver seat, a rear privacy glass, roof rails, OnStar emergency communications, air-conditioning, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, and a CD player.
The Convenience package steps up with remote ignition, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, automatic dual-zone climate control, foglights, a 120-V power outlet, remote ignition, and a rearview auto-dimming mirror.
The Sport Touring model gains everything above plus unique exterior styling cues, and a more powerful four-cylinder engine.
Next up is the Leather trim model which obviously starts its offer with leather upholstery. Others include driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.
Lastly, but certainly not the least, is the Premium model that, in addition to what the Leather trim offers, adds Bose sound system, a lane-departure mitigation and warning system, rear and front parking sensors, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, forward collision warning and mitigation, and automatic wipers.
More packages and options should be expected on its release date.
2017 Buick Encore Engine Specs
Inspiration for the 2017 Buick Encore is offered by two engines fitted beneath its skin. The 1.4 inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine is one of the two mills offered and generates 138 horsepower and 148 pounds-ft. of torque.
The Encore Sport Touring sets itself apart with a beefed-up version of the same engine which produces 153 hp and 177 pounds-ft. of torque. Regardless of the power output, a six-cylinder engine is standard across all models. Buyers have an option of either a FWD or an AWD.
FWD’s EPA rating stands at 33/25/28 mpg on the highway/city/combined, and 30/23/26 mpg for the AWD versions.
Zooming from 0-60 mph with the FWD-equipped Encore requires about 9.8 seconds – an apparently slow acceleration relative to its competition.
2017 Buick Encore Release Date & Price
Its release should be expected in the middle of 2017, probably in June or July. An MSRP starting from $24,065 shouldn’t come as a surprise once the 2017 Encore is offered for sale.
