Used 2022 Buick Encore

The 2022 Buick Encore is an almost-premium subcompact crossover. We say almost-premium because the Encore takes the mainstream Chevrolet Trax and makes it more luxurious, like refining the suspension and adding acoustic treatment for a quieter cabin. If someone liked the Trax’s size and overall shape but wished it was a little classier, the Encore does the trick while staying within the realms of affordability.

Buick is stretching out this first generation’s life for another model year. It launched for the 2013 model year and had a revamp for 2017. The expectation was that 2022 would see the introduction of a second generation of Encore, but that hasn’t happened.

What’s the difference between the Buick Encore and the Encore GX? The Encore is smaller and older than the GX, although the GX still comes in below the compact Buick Envision crossover. And the GX is available in a choice of trim levels.

The new 155-horsepower engine in the 2022 Encore goes some way to addressing complaints of sluggish performance in previous years. This engine uses a little more fuel than its predecessor, but it’s worth the trade-off to gain some much-needed muscle. Yet it still has to motivate a vehicle weighing about 3,500 pounds, and the suspension is set quite high, so this is hardly a car to take squealing around canyon roads.

For everyday duties in residential and commercial areas, though, the job gets done. And in a comfortable way, since the suspension is forgiving and the cabin is hushed. The elevated driving position and generally good outward vision are also positives when negotiating all the potential hazards of city streets.

We would have preferred forward-collision warning to be standard, at least. It’s available with an options package, as is blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control, however, is not available at all.

Buick’s approach of sliding into that vague area between mainstream and luxury has given the Encore a mostly upscale cabin, marred only by a few cheaper plastics in the lower reaches. A pleasant if unremarkable dashboard and center console complement a raised driving position.

The vehicle’s narrowness does impact shoulder room, however. And rear legroom is similarly scant.

The rear seats split and fold in the customary 60/40 manner. When they’re in place, there’s a luggage area behind them of 18.8 cubic feet. Fold them down and that increases to 48.4 cubic feet. Not class-leading, but still respectable. Under the cargo area is a storage tray. And beneath the flat-folding front passenger seat is another stowage space.

At 14 feet long, the Buick Encore takes up less space than most of its rivals. As a result, drivers can grab those parking spaces that aren’t feasible for bigger vehicles.

What the Encore lacks on the horizontal, it somewhat makes up for on the vertical. It’s quite tall, making it easy for entries and exits. There are plastic skid plates at each end, imparting a touch of SUV-ness, but the Encore seems mostly like a high-riding hatchback.

Some paint choices cost extra, typically $495. The most expensive is White Frost Tricoat at $1,095.

ACTIVE NOISE CANCELING
As well as acoustic insulation, the Encore’s cabin benefits from standard-issue active noise cancellation that “listens” for certain frequencies and creates an aural environment where those sounds are nullified.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
It’s an option, but a reasonably priced one at $620. When the roads become treacherous, it’s always good to have all-wheel drive for a bit of extra confidence. This system is intelligent — it stays in fuel-saving front-drive mode until more grip is required.

With only one trim level this year, Preferred, the 2022 Encore has a fairly generous level of standard equipment — with the glaring exception of driver assistance features. This includes 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, keyless entry/ignition, single-zone air conditioning, active noise canceling, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth/simulated leather upholstery, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The infotainment system is based around a 7-inch touchscreen and includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, plus a 6-speaker sound system.

The main option is all-wheel drive. We recommend (after griping with the Buick salesperson) going for the two safety packages. Buyers may also choose a powered moonroof, remote start, roof rack cross rails, a different set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and things like all-weather mats.

Replacing last year’s 138-horsepower engine is a new turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder unit developing 155 horsepower. Maximum torque is also raised from 148 to 177 lb-ft.

This goes through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup, or an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) arrangement.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
155 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (FWD), 23/30 mpg (AWD)