What's New
With the Buick Encore struggling to stand out in the expanding subcompact class, the 2022 model arrives with a few upgrades. The most notable change is that the standard turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine now makes 155 horsepower. That’s an increase of 17 horsepower from last year. When it comes to the Encore’s lineup, the old base 1SV trim has been discontinued. Instead, the 2022 Encore will only be offered in the Preferred trim.
Unfortunately, these changes don’t do enough to make the Encore more competitive.
Choosing Your Buick Encore
The 2022 Encore is only available in the Preferred trim. Pricing starts at $25,795 with destination charges.
Engine Choices
Buick offers the Encore with one engine. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and routes power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $620.
The Encore is rated to get up to 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive brings lower fuel economy figures of 23 mpg city, 30 mpg hwy, and 26 mpg combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Every Encore offers seating for up to five, but the subcompact SUV is more comfortable for four people. On the cargo front, the Encore can hold up to 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. In total, the Encore offers up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features
Modern driver-assist safety features are all optional on the Encore. The Safety Package ($495) adds blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Package II ($695) requires the first safety package and includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and parking sensors.
Last year’s Encore earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The subcompact failed to earn an award from the IIHS because of its Marginal headlights and Acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Without any structural changes or changes to equipment, we think the 2021 model will share the same safety ratings.
Connectivity
Every Encore comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and satellite radio. Six audio speakers, Wi-Fi hot spot, and a USB port are also standard.
Encore Preferred – MSRP From $25,795
Standard features on the only Encore trim available include cloth and leatherette upholstery, a six-way power driver’s seat, a 4.2-inch driver information center, keyless entry, 18-inch wheels, and heated exterior mirrors.
Beyond dealer-installed features, Buick doesn’t offer any optional extras on the Encore.
Compare Encore Trims Side-By-Side
The 2022 Buick Encore doesn’t have what it takes to compete with newer, more powerful, and more high-tech competitors. Still, if your heart’s set on an Encore, Buick makes it really easy to get into one by only offering the Preferred trim. The two safety packages are a must and all-wheel drive is worth springing for, as it’s reasonably priced.