A Look at the 2014 Buick Encore

Buick reinvented themselves when they debuted the Enclave in 2007. The full sized SUV had the trappings of a luxury car and attracted buyers that had never wandered into a Buick showroom before. Now the TriShield brand is introducing a new crossover vehicle that offers smaller SUV buyers the same levels of comfort and refinement.

The first thing that people notice about the 2014 Buick Encore is how compact it looks alongside the Enclave. At 168 inches it?s shorter than a BMW X1 or an Audi Q3, but once inside the interior feels surprisingly roomy with plenty of leg and head room. The Encore?s combination of luxury and value in a small package can?t be found anywhere else. Car and Driver noted that it has ?no direct competitor? and Automobile writes that the crossover ?effectively evades any competition?.

The two tone interior is beautifully appointed and accented by luxurious materials that give it an air of solidity and quality. The quiet ride provided by Buick?s active noise cancellation system adds to the feeling of luxury behind the wheel. The Encore is available in convenience, leather and premium trim packages with high equipment levels across the board. Even the $25,450 entry level model includes a seven inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and 18 inch wheels.

Under the hood a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine produces 138 horsepower and is mated to a six speed electronic transmission. The 148 lb-ft of torque combined with the Encore?s diminutive 3,200 pound curb weight equals plenty of pep, and class leading fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway in the front wheel drive model.

The all wheel drive system takes a unique approach to traction. Rather than waiting for the wheels to slip, the system engages automatically and gradually eases off when it senses that the footing is sure enough for the Encore to continue in front wheel drive. This helps it achieve gas mileage of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The notoriously hard to please automotive press have been impressed with the Encore. Motor Trend called it a ?blend of new tech with old philosophy?, which was a recipe to ?conquer the younger generation?. Car and Driver called the Encore a mix of ?compact size, luxury accommodations, and excellent versatility?, and said that the crossover was ?a step ahead of the movement?. Automobile complimented the Buick?s ?impressive driving manners? and Kelly Blue Book said that the crossover was ?smartly accoutered and serene?.