Buick Encore Industry’s Top-Selling Small Crossover

Breaking its own records, the 2014 Buick Encore remained the top seller among small crossovers. This luxury vehicle has been outselling expectations for six months now. Wanting to ensure that supply matches demand, GM has increased Encore deliveries to dealers by 20 percent.

What is driving Encore sales? As some reviewers, such as the Car Connection, have suggested, it may be Buick’s ability to connect with younger car owners. Certainly the vehicle’s stellar fuel economy is a factor. The Encore gets 25 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway, making it one of the most fuel efficient SUVs today. Another factor may be the reviews which have been extremely positive.

The Buick Encore has earned JD Power’s Quality Award. In fact, the Encore rated five out of five in both Overall Quality and Overall Performance and Design. When consumers hear that they are getting a high value product, they are more likely to test drive. Clearly the Encore has garnered many test drivers to achieve its high sales figures.

Another key to the Encore’s success may be its smart pricing. Despite its low price, Buick packs its base model with many must-haves. This includes the rearview camera, the driver’s power seat, 18-inch wheels, and an IntelliLink 7-inch color touchscreen. Then Buick adds advanced crash avoidance technologies as standard on all other models. The Convenience model adds dual zone climate control and a remote starter. The Leather model enhances the seating with leather upholstery, front heated seats and memory functions for the driver’s seat. The Premium adds rain sensing wipers, front/rear parking assistance, and even more crash avoidance features.

The AWD Encore received a five star federal rating. All Encores boast 10 airbags, which is four more than average. Most Encores come with blind spot detection, which helps drivers avoid side-swiping another vehicle. This includes a rear cross path alert which watches for oncoming drivers as the Encore moves in reverse. Lane departure alert and forward collision avoidance technology are standards on the Premium.

Of course, the cabin in a luxury car has to live up to expectations. In this regard, the Encore seems to hit all of the right marks. AutoTrader says the cabin is ‘handsome’ with ‘high quality materials.’ Kelley Blue Book calls it ‘upscale ambience’. Edmunds calls the cabin ‘serene’ due to its advanced soundproofing. Edmunds also praises it for its ‘high-tech, user-friendly features’. This year IntelliLink added such favorites as Siri and eyes-free texting features.

Even as the Encore continues to surpass its own sales records, reviewers continue to praise it. US News and World Reports, which compiles all reviews to decide its rankings, has placed the Encore in the top two among compact crossovers. Will the trend continue? It certainly hasn’t slowed down in six months.