What Are The Best Years For The Buick Encore?

If you have been looking for an easy to maneuver, quiet cabin vehicle that offers great ride quality, you must have come across the Buick Encore. 

I enjoy trying out various vehicle models, and Buick Encore’s upscale appearance grabbed my attention. 

I decided to do some research on this vehicle, and this is all that I learned. 

What Are The Best Years For The Buick Encore?

Some of the best Buick Encore models that you can consider are the 2017 and 2019 generations. The 2020 and 2021 models have some improved features. You can also opt for the 2013, 2016, and 2018 models.

The Best Buick Encore Generations Models

Buick Encore is a subcompact and luxurious mid-priced SUV. If you love smaller but comfortable vehicles, this might be a great option. 

It’s, however, vital that you know some of the best models by year and their distinct features to help you make an informed choice. Continue reading to learn more.

2013 Buick Encore

The 2013 Buick Encore maintains the signature style of this car brand with a refined interior, versatility, and luxury amenities. 

This vehicle is still very efficient on the roads and provides high fuel economy. 

The price makes this vehicle an ideal option for starter families. Some of the features that stand out for this generation are a power-adjustable driver seat, cloth, or leather heated passenger seats. 

2016 Model

The 2016 Buick Encore appears relatively trendy and more compact than other vehicle brands of its size. 

You will love the high-quality interior material, and you can opt for the all-wheel-drive option. You can even flat-tow the AWD option.

This vehicle has safety features like parking sensors, collision, blind spots, and lane departure warnings. 

It also comes with heated front seats and steering wheels, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Despite the size, it offers adequate passenger and cargo space. 

2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 generation is one of the best Buick Encore that you can consider. This vehicle provides considerable passenger and cargo space and can comfortably hold up to five passengers. 

Folding the rear seats will also create more room. The vehicle has a 4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 138 horsepower and 148-ft. Torque.

It also has a six-speed automatic transmission that powers the front wheels.

If you live in areas with traction issues, the AWD could be useful in transferring power to the rear wheels. 

The 2017 Buick Encore has an updated interior with easy-to-use features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The vehicle offers excellent fuel economy and a smooth ride, even on rough pavements. 

In terms of affordability, this vehicle ranks at the top list of the most affordable subcompact SUVs. 

2018 Model Buick Encore

2018 is an improvement of the Buick Encore 2017, and it’s quicker and more powerful. 

It’s one of the safest cars in this category, with about ten standard airbags and sturdy construction to keep you safe in case of a crash. 

The vehicle also has forward collision, lane departure, and side blind zones alerts. 

Other qualities of this option include:

• Classy interrupt with a great info-entertainment system
• Exceptionality smooth ride even on poor surfaces
• Impeccable noise insulation in highways

2019 Buick Encore

Buick Encore 2019 delivers a great combination of power and luxury. 

For the exterior, it has a smooth shell and acoustic laminated glass to keep off extraneous noises.

The tinted glass also promotes privacy. Buick Encore 2019 features a push-button start and keyless access. 

Another impeccable feature of this vehicle is that if you need to carry a large load, the front passenger seat can fold flat to accommodate eight feet long items. 

The interior also has convenience features like a touchscreen info-entertainment system, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Safety features included in this generation are the rear cross-traffic alert, front, side-impact airbags, and blind-spot monitoring system. 

The sport-touring model has more features like automatic dual-zone climate control and an interlink navigation system. 

Buick Encore 2019’s engine delivers a combination of reliable performance and fuel economy, so it’s one of the most economical SUVs that you can buy. 

2020 Buick Encore

The 2020 model has a close resemblance with 2019 though it offers a more powerful driving experience. 

This is a comfortable and affordable vehicle for city dwellers. The car has the standard 18 inches wheels and a power moonroof to deliver fresh air and breathtaking views. 

Its storage space is big enough to fit most essentials. 

Another incredible feature is the quieting technology. The 2020 Buick Encore has windshields, triple door seals that block out unwanted noise. 

The seating positions also offer excellent visibility, and it provides considerable headroom. 

2021 Buick Encore

If you are searching for a reliable vehicle in the subcompact SUVs category, the 2021 Buick Encore is an ideal option.

The car has sufficient cargo capacity for your necessities, and you can even fold the rear seats in case you need more space. 

The vehicle’s small dimension and turning radius make it easier to maneuver through small spaces in the city. 

This vehicle also offers enough seating space for each passenger row. 2021 Buick Encore has an appealing design both inside and out and offers a comfortable ride. 

Another thing that you will love about this vehicle is the standard driving assistance technology and the info-entertainment. 

What’s Wrong With the Buick Encore?

Although the Buick Encore offers super luxury at a lower price, users have reported some issues with some generations. 

Generally, this vehicle isn’t an ideal option for people who enjoy driving at high speed. 

Due to the engine capacity, Buick Encore struggles to accelerate. The most common issues with this vehicle model include engine and engine cooling, interior accessories problems, and defects in the electrical system. 

Most owners also complain about a dead battery. 

The 2014 and 2015 models have more problems, while the 2016, 2018, and 2019 generations have fewer issues. Note that at the early stages, most vehicles have more problems. 

The subsequent generations try to address most concerns in the previous car, so the most recent Buick Encore are less likely to have issues. 

Do Buick Encore Have Transmission Problems?

Yes, some Buick Encore models show signs of failing transmission. 

Notably, the 2019 models experience issues like slipping, grinding when accelerating, whistling noises, burning smell, and delayed shift. 

You, therefore, need to change the transmission fluid after the vehicle covers around 30,000 and 60,000 miles. 

Keep in mind that transmission issues can be very deadly. Delayed shifts can cause acceleration issues, and the gears may even become stuck. 

You should also have the transition system regularly inspected for wear when dealing with any model. 

Is the Buick Encore a Reliable Vehicle?

The Buick Encore is a reliable car, but the efficiency level varies from one generation to the other. 

Although the engine feels underpowered, Encore provides a smooth ride even on rough roads. 

Still, its small size will enable you to fit into tight parking spaces easily. Most Encore models have an above-average reliability rating. 

Users consider the 2021 model one of the most reliable vehicles in this category. 

There haven’t been any recalls yet for this option, and it even comes with three years 36000 miles and a five years 60,000 powertrain warranties. Encores also have an impeccable safety rating generally. 

The vehicle meets the crashworthiness standards and has an excellent roll-over test rating. 

Is it Worth Buying a Used Buick Encore?

The best way to own a luxurious Buick Encore at a lower price is by buying a used vehicle. 

Keep in mind that a used car depreciates much slower, and you will have access to some impeccable refinements at a fraction of a new vehicle’s cost. 

You can even shop around to get a style that is no longer in production. 

Buicks hold their value pretty well, so a second-hand option with lower miles and in good condition will serve you longer. 

Only ensure that you opt for the recent models, the 2017 to 2021 generations. When buying a second-hand Buick Encore, ensure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle. 

Test drive it to assess how comfortable the car feels and how the gears and other accessories work. 

Check the condition of the spare wheels, the jack, and other tools. Inspect the vehicle for physical damage and pay attention to issues like oil and coolant leaks. 

Also, have a professional mechanic inspect the tires, filters, breaks, and fluids before purchase. 

Remember to check the vehicle’s history reports to avoid getting into trouble. Confirm if the Buick Encore’s navigation system works as it should, check the displays, try out the remote keyfob functionality, and ensure that the steering and the start buttons also work. 

The Bottom Line

Generally, the Buick Encore is an ideal vehicle for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful subcompact SUV.

The car will comfortably and safely move you from place to place, especially in a city setup. 

This is also a fuel-efficient vehicle with technologically advanced features that offer a more luxurious driving experience.