![]() Inside, the cockpits of our test cars were either trimmed in all-black materials or a multi-tone palette of cocoa-colored leather and two-tone brown trim that lend a jazzy buzz. That makes it far more useful as a small hatchback than you might expect from the premium trappings, adding some Honda Fit flexibility to the Buick Verano compact luxury overtones. Its real forte is the flexible interior configuration: The back seat flips and folds down, and even the front passenger seat can fold too. The Encore is a narrow vehicle, so front-seat passengers can touch elbows occasionally. The front end is steeply raked, it rides on huge 18-inch wheels, and some of the body sculpting can appear as if the designers were simply trying too hard.Īccommodations are good in certain dimensions-height, particularly-and tighter in others. Overall, the shape of the Encore tries to convey a tougher look to disguises its tall boxy shape. Its optional all-wheel drive isn't available on the Sonic either-though the system is tuned for bad-weather traction, rather than off-roading or rocky country tracks. The Buick Encore shares some components and underpinnings with the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic, but you'd never know it inside or out. While sales are nowhere near that of Buick's mainstay larger Enclave crossover or LaCrosse sedan, the little Encore takes the brand to a new and younger audience-and may prove to have pioneered a new market segment. Among tall wagons that aim for good gas mileage in a practical, city-friendly size, the Buick stands alone in its more traditional approach to luxury.īuyers who want a small but luxurious car that mixes elements of hatchback and crossover, and offers all-wheel drive may find the Encore one of the few options on the market. ![]() Among traditional luxury brands, only BMW offers an all-wheel-drive crossover even closer to the Encore in size-and we're skeptical that BMW X1 shoppers even know where their local Buick-GMC dealer is located. On the lower end, the MINI Countryman and Fiat 500L are smaller, quirkier, and have entirely different personalities than the littlest Buick. But it's hard to pinpoint exactly what the Encore competes with. In some respects, it's in a niche of one.įrom certain angles, the Encore has enough presence to justify its pricetag-which can reach past $30,000 with a heavy hand on the options list. The 2014 Buick Encore is one of just a few subcompact crossovers (or tall hatchbacks, depending on which way you see it) and it's one of the smallest crossover on the market that's positioned as a premium entry.
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