The 2022 Buick Encore, a petite power player in the crossover market, cleverly crams the opulence of a Buick into a compact but chic package. Despite its size, it surprises with the roomy interior, making it a veritable clown car of comfort. The standard touchscreen infotainment is the cherry on top, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensuring that you're just a voice command away from your favorite playlist. However, if you're looking for the latest in driver-assistance features, the Encore plays a bit coy. But don't let that trick you into thinking it's behind the times. The Encore may not offer everything on the modern driver's wish list, but in many ways, it's like finding a cozy cafe in a bustling city - small, but with plenty to offer.
Read on to learn more about the 2022 Buick Encore.
The 2022 Buick Encore's interior design exudes a nearly premium feel despite a few shortcomings. The door panels and lower center console might feature hard plastics and mismatched glossy trim, but the soft-touch sections on the armrests and dash pad elevate the atmosphere. The infotainment touchscreen is flush-mounted, surrounded by jewel-colored background accents that lend a touch of sophistication. The front-seat layout merits praise for its straightforward controls and redundant knobs on the dash for climate controls. The high seating and comfortable driving position enhance the overall driving experience, although larger drivers may find the seat bottom somewhat narrow.
As for cargo, the Encore's utility capabilities shine in our carry-on test, comfortably accommodating 20 suitcases with the rear seats folded. However, the interior measurements, slightly tricky-to-fold rear seat, and class-average storage space for small items might not be particularly impressive. Technologically, the Encore is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system. The standard touchscreen boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring your favorite music and essential apps are always within a voice command's reach.
With its compact and sleek design, complete with a distinctive waterfall grille and winged LED headlights, it's sure to turn heads. The beautifully sculpted body, highlighted by a high beltline and sweeping contour lines, not only improves aerodynamics but also adds to its visual appeal. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can opt for the classy 18-inch alloy wheels that give it an extra touch of elegance on the road. The Encore's versatile nature is reflected in its roof rails, which not only enrich the vehicle's profile but also provide a practical solution for additional cargo. The body-color door handles with chrome strips and heated outside mirrors seamlessly blend with the overall exterior design, offering both aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, the Encore's generous approach and departure angles indicate its ability to tackle a variety of terrains.
The 2022 Buick Encore comes equipped with a 155-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate power for your daily driving needs. Paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the Encore delivers a smooth and responsive ride, ensuring all your travels are comfortable and seamless. While the Encore might not be the most thrilling ride on the road, its performance is reliable and consistent. An optional all-wheel-drive system can enhance the vehicle's stability and traction in various weather and road conditions. Despite its somewhat top-heavy disposition, the Encore maintains a sturdy grip on the road, leaning a little more in corners than lower-set rivals. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, catering perfectly to those who prefer a more comfort-oriented driving experience. The Encore's suspension performs admirably, soaking up road imperfections and providing a cushioned ride over harsh surfaces. With the 2022 Buick Encore, you are guaranteed a dependable and comfortable driving experience.
Evaluating the fuel efficiency of the 2022 Buick Encore, it's clear that this compact SUV is designed with economy in mind. The front-wheel drive version boasts an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Opting for the all-wheel-drive model incurs a slight drop in these figures, with EPA estimates of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. While these figures may trail behind competitors like the Hyundai Kona, the Mazda CX-30, and the Nissan Kicks, the Encore still delivers a respectable fuel economy for its class. More information about the Encore's fuel economy can be found on the EPA's website.
Although the car comes equipped with essential safety features, it has garnered a mixed response from major crash-test agencies. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have their own evaluation criteria, and their results offer different perspectives. Additionally, potential buyers focusing on safety might find Encore's lack of advanced driver-assistance technology disappointing. The back seats also pose a challenge for small families, as fitting children into safety seats may not be as comfortable as expected. For a detailed review of Encore's crash-test results, visiting the NHTSA and IIHS websites is recommended.
The 2022 Buick Encore accomplishes an admirable balancing act, gracefully teetering between the realms of the premium and the practical. It woos with its nearly upscale interior, functional front-seat layout, and sleek exterior design. But don't be fooled, this Buick isn't all about the razzle-dazzle. It's got substance too, scoring well in our carry-on test (20 suitcases? No problem!). The ride? Smooth as butter, thanks to a well-tuned suspension and a competent 155-hp turbocharged engine. And then there's the fuel efficiency, quite respectable for its class.
But the Encore is a lot like that chocolate sundae that forgot the cherry on top. It falls short in a few areas, disappointing with hard plastics in the interior, a lack of advanced safety features, and a fuel economy that's slightly behind rivals. So, would we recommend it? Well, for those who value sophistication, practicality, and a comfortable drive over sportiness and cutting-edge tech, the Encore could hit the right notes. Just remember, as with any symphony, it's essential to appreciate the entire composition and not just the high notes.
