Now that the hustle of the 2016 New York Auto Show has come and gone, we’ve had plenty of time to sit back and digest it all. One of the most important debuts of the show may have been the 2017 Buick Encore, which arrived with a fresh look inside and out.
We say important because it is currently Buick’s best selling model, and the first-generation that started the love affair had grown a bit stale in every area. That was certainly addressed here with a facelift we’d call slightly more than modest.
In the front, the 2017 Encore wears Buick’s new corporate face, borrowing inspiration from the Avenir concept. A darkened waterfall grille and winged, chrome unit surrounding the colored tri-shield badge is prominent, with two sportier, angular headlamps flanking it. Most importantly, there’s less plastic cladding, which really lets the Encore’s new face come through. It also helps it look much more premium.
In the rear, changes aren’t as noticable, but careful eyes will notice LED taillights, and again, less plastic cladding. In all, the exterior looks grown up and mature, ditching its more playful face.
Inside, we can report things are much better, too. The clunky infotainment system has been replaced with the latest unit, housed in a sexy, frameless touchscreen. Materials have been beefed up, including premium, soft-touch swatches on the doors, dashboard and more. There’s even a new gauge face design, which features white moonlight coloring, as Buick begins to phase out the aqua blue.
So, is it hot, or not? We’d definitely say hot over the outgoing Encore. It’s not the prettiest thing, but it helps cement a more premium feel, and we think buyers will have no issues stepping into a 2017 Encore, or even trading their old one in for the new.
Vote in the poll below and let us know if you’re digging the 2017 Buick Encore’s new look.
Comments
Id be curious if there will be a wood ( well pl-ood) option instead of all the piano black….
Getting rid of the non-functional portholes on the hood of the prior generation makes this new Encore have a cleaner appearance.
My wife and I have a 2014 Encore and we love it. I think the upgrades in this vehicle are nice improvements and a good evolutionary step for the model. I like the new infotainment screen sitting in the dash instead of being on top. the refinements are clearly Buick.
Previously, this car seemed like a ladies car. I like the new grill and headlights. This is a competitive segment that was practically created by Buick in this country. Own it!
Buick used to have sporty options in the eighties and I’d like to see them offer premium alternatives to the baseline Chevrolets.
We like the new look … hopefully with the new look maybe a 1,000 pound tow capacity with a factory or dealer installed 1 1/4″ trailer hitch an flat four pin light connector. Now a’days having a vehicle with 1,000 pounds of tow capacity is needed for all the “Harvey Homeowners” like me who need to pull a small 4′ x 8′ trailer to haul the riding mower in for maintenance, or to pickup a piece of furniture. If you have a home, you need a small truck or a car that can tow small trailer.