As we approach the 2016 New York Auto Show, where we’re expected to witness the official debut of a refreshed 2017 Buick Encore, we need to take pause. You may have missed it, but Buick introduced an updated version of the popular Encore small crossover already. Dubbed the Encore Sport Touring, it relieves the dog-tired LUV 1.4L turbo engine for an all-new LE2 1.4L engine. Largely, this was the big change.
The graphite-colored wheels are cool, and the different interior hues are swell, but mechanically, the new engine really gives the 2016 Encore Sport Touring a positive boost. Yet that’s also going to be what’s most overlooked. Because we doubt that the multitude of buyers are going to give any notice. Because let’s face it, this isn’t a Corvette. Or a CTS-V. People are going to lease the hell out of this little thing, and not think twice about what’s under the hood compared to last year’s model. They probably won’t notice the 11 percent horsepower increase (now 153 hp, up from 138 hp) or the 20 percent increase in torque (now 177 lb-ft, up from 140 lb-ft), to help with city scooting. Or that the NVH levels feel significantly reduced. But they *might* notice the combined EPA fuel economy rating increase of 3 miles per gallon for the AWD models, and 2 mpg for the FWD models. If you need to know, it’s 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive 2016 Encore Sport Touring, and 28 city, 34 highway for the front-wheel-drive model.
Besides the mechanical improvements, however, the 2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring grabbed my attention in another way. It just felt better built than the earlier model years of Encore that I had the opportunity to wheel around. The interior just felt tighter, less tinny, and more appropriate to what a Buick should be. And if you can’t wait for a 2017 Encore, the 2016 Encore Sport Touring, starting at $29,775, should be able to satisfy your palate for a premium pint-sized people mover.
Comments
Good review.
I think Buick hit a home run when they introduced this Encore and by doing that created the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Buick needs a few more wins like that.
The Encore is a good vehicle indeed. But to be fair, it’s BMW that created the subcompact luxury crossover segment with the X1 long before the Encore/Mokka. The X1 is now in its second generation and is also a wonderful vehicle, albeit much more pricy than the “premium” Encore.
Yes, they need a few more home runs like this. I think the 2017 model will continue with this success. I’m anxious to see what looks to be an apparent instrument panel redo as well by what the spy photos show. 🙂
I don’t understand why the upgraded engine isn’t available in the highest trim. That doesn’t seem to make much sense to me.
From the looks of it, the new 1.4T LE2 seems to be constrained from a production standpoint. It’s a temporary circumstance, as the rollout will be gradual.
I agree with Alex, it may be production ramp up or even a “test” to see take rate. Either way, I think it’s a nice update and hopefully will see more proliferation through the Encore lineup.
Buick’s Encore is a cute little guy.. but it’s a bit on the chubby side with a curb weight of 3,300 lbs and most buyers would probably love to opt for the standard 1.5L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo used in Chevy’s Malibu that is rated at 163 hp @ 5300 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at a flat 2,000 rpm; this is something Buick has seriously need to consider.. although most people who buy the Buick Encore know that it’s not a Grand National in disguise.
While they may have not created this segment they took a major risk in Buick selling this here. I would wager most on this forum would have said not to bother as it would not sell only to be proven wrong. This is something that is very UN GM like and has proven to bring new people in.
This vehicle has surpassed my expectations and as of now a small CUV Cadillac appears that it may find similar success if done right.
Price and size here is something that appeals to many and the fact you can convert it to actually hall something adds to that appeal.
In this day and age most cars even with larger trunks are limited on what will fit in the opening. People miss that and many just do not own a truck and have to fine ways to get things home.
Even the built in Korea part has not harmed this in anyway.
Holly shit that looks so fat, stubby and slab sided…..that’s the weirdest looking car I’ve ever seen