![]() ![]() Steering is well-weighted if not particularly engaging, but it's accurate and will be agreeable for buyers seeking a comfort-oriented small crossover. With the passengers sitting high atop a short wheelbase, the Encore has a more top-heavy feel than lower-set rivals such as the Mazda CX-30, and as a result, the Encore leans more heavily in corners. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is front-wheel drive all-wheel drive is a $620 option. The Encore's 155-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder will deliver adequate pep, but buyers shouldn't expect any excitement. Looking for more features? Consider moving up the Buick ladder to the Encore GX (reviewed separately). Buyers looking to add driver-assistance features will want to add the Safety and Safety II packages, but otherwise the Preferred trim includes most of the Encore's available features as-is. Since the base model is no longer available, the Encore comes only in Preferred trim-in front-drive or all-wheel drive form. A new electric heater is now standard, as are driver- and front-passenger seatback map pockets. The base trim has been discontinued leaving only the Preferred trim available this year. What's New for 2022?īuick's littlest SUV gets a few notable upgrades for 2022, starting with its engine, which now makes 155 horsepower, an increase of 17-hp over last year's model. The similarly named Encore GX is a more modern Buick, but its higher price puts it into contention with the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX the regular Encore reviewed here carries a similar starting price to the Kia Seltos and the Honda HR-V-but those SUVs offer more value. Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, but if you're seeking more modern items such as driver-assistance features, the Encore's offerings are slim. ![]() Despite its diminutive size, the Encore's cabin is spacious enough for four adults, and with the rear seat folded, it can hold a decent amount of cargo. The current compact crossover champ, the Mazda CX-5, manages just a little better than the Encore, 24/30.It has the upscale appearance and curvaceous sheetmetal that's characteristic of Buick's larger SUVs but the 2022 Encore is one of the smallest crossovers you can buy. Consequently, its EPA ratings are a dismal (for a compact, 176-horsepower vehicle) 20/27. The Tucson is among the oldest designs in Hyundai's line, and doesn't have the firm's latest engine technology. Which is still better than the EPA rating. Drive with little care for fuel economy, and 25 will happen. Put the pedal down hard, and the small four-cylinder engine's turbo will enable it to gulp air-and fuel-like a much larger one. To average over 30, though, you can't have too many stops or too heavy a foot. In suburban driving the trip computer regularly reported averages in the low 30s, even 35. At a steady 70 on the highway I averaged over 31. ![]() I had a much easier time meeting and exceeding the Buick's EPA ratings. The BMW X1, with another 102 horsepower, somehow manages 22/33 on the EPA test cycle. Given the Encore's small size and marginal power output, better might be expected. Add all-wheel-drive (as on the tested car) and these figures drop to 23/30. With front-wheel-drive, the Encore earns EPA ratings of 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |