Which 2019 Buick Encore trim is best for you?
- 2019 Buick Encore - Buyers looking for basic creature comforts but not too concerned with high-tech driver-assist or luxury features. However, given that the Preferred trim costs about $1,400 more, we think its available all-wheel-drive and safety packages make it the better choice.
- 2019 Buick Encore Preferred - Appeals to budget-conscious buyers who want the option of more driver-assist features, available all-wheel drive, and a few more creature comfort options.
- 2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring - Buyers who enjoy a bit more power, a better audio system, and sportier styling.
- 2019 Buick Encore Essence - Appeals to luxury buyers and those who want advanced systems such as forward-collision and lane-departure warnings.
2019 Buick Encore Overview - As one of Buick’s best-selling SUVs, the 2019 Encore is in plentiful supply. Small on the outside, the Encore makes an ideal urban dweller. However, despite its diminutive size, the Encore is quite roomy. It offers a choice between two versions of the same 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The Encore also includes several desirable driver assists, with the best ones reserved for the most expensive trim. Buick likes to think of the Encore as a luxury model on par with the
Lexus NX. In reality, it’s more likely to get cross-shopped against the
Honda HR-V, which has better resale numbers, the
Subaru Crosstrek with standard AWD, and the
Hyundai Kona, which is better equipped and offers a more powerful turbocharged engine. Author:
Joe Tralongo.
What is the best 2019 Buick Encore trim? - The Sport Touring is probably the best trim. It offers a few more driver assists, a more powerful engine, and the Bose audio system. But, if safety is your top priority, the Essence with the Safety Package II option is the way to go.
How many MPGs does the 2019 Buick Encore get? - Front-wheel-drive models with the standard 1.4-liter engine earn 25-mpg city and 33-mpg highway. Adding all-wheel-drive drops fuel economy to 23-mpg city/30-mpg hwy. Move up to the more powerful version, and the mileage dips to 28-mpg city/34-mpg hwy with FWD and 26-mpg city/32-mpg hwy with AWD.
Which 2019 Buick Encore offers the most safety? - In government crash tests, the 2019 Buick Encore earns a 5-Star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also scores the Encore well, with a Good rating in all but the small overlap front passenger-side test, which earned an Acceptable.
2019 Buick Encore - While the entry-level Encore is priced higher than many rivals, it brings a higher level of interior quality and materials, not to mention a surprisingly quiet ride. Powering the 2019 Encore is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine good for 138 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, with no option for all-wheel drive at this level. The Encore features 18-inch alloy wheels, power heated side mirrors, automatic halogen headlights, rear privacy glass, and Buick’s Keyless Open and Start, including a proximity key fob and push-button start. The Encore features a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise control, Bluetooth, and audio buttons. Other interior amenities include a fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, air conditioning, and Buick’s Quiet Tuning technology with Active Noise Cancelation that uses the audio speakers to create noise-canceling sound waves. The Encore’s infotainment setup consists of an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (requires an OnStar subscription). The system connects to a 6-speaker stereo, a rear backup camera, and Buick Connected Services apps. The Encore includes ten airbags, plus electronic traction and stability control. However, there are no driver-assist systems at this level, prompting us to advise looking at the Preferred or higher trims. Key features of the 2019 Buick Encore include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allow easy integration of a smartphone’s apps for music, navigation, and messages.
- 6-way power driver’s seat – Lets the driver find the exact position for maximum comfort.
- Keyless Open and Start – Uses a proximity key fob to allow unlocking the doors by simply touching the door handle and starting the car by pushing a button.
- Cruise control – Lets you set and maintain a constant speed, a great feature on long trips.
2019 Buick Encore Preferred - The Preferred trim isn’t all that different from the base model. However, it does open the door to more features, such as all-wheel drive. Additional standard equipment includes a rear cargo cover and carpeted floor mats. Options for the Preferred include a power moonroof, remote start, and the Safety Package that adds a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 120-volt outlet. Key features of the 2019 Buick Encore Preferred include:
- Available blind-spot monitor – Monitors traffic in the vehicle’s blind spot and alerts the driver.
- Available rear cross-traffic detection – When backing up, this system monitors traffic about to cross behind the vehicle and warns the driver.
- Available power moonroof – An excellent way to let more air and light into the car without rolling down the windows.
2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring - The Sport Touring builds off the Preferred but offers the option of a more potent 153-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. Standard features include remote start, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch Midnight Silver alloy wheels. The Sport Touring offers the same Safety Package as the Preferred but goes even further with an available 7-speaker Bose audio system, GPS navigation, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Key features of the 2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring include:
- Fog lights – Help light the road in dense fog or heavy rain.
- More horsepower – The available enhanced 1.4-liter turbo puts out more horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel economy.
- Available Bose audio – The 7-speaker Bose audio system wakes up your favorite music, with deep bass and clear highs.
- Available navigation – Uses satellites, not cell phone towers, to help you navigate to your destination.
2019 Buick Encore Essence - The top-line Essence is the most luxurious of the four Encore trims and the one offering the most advanced driver-assist systems. Standard features include heated front seats, leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and the contents of the Safety Package. Optional equipment includes the Safety Package II that adds front and rear parking sensors, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and an in-cabin air ionizer. The Experience Buick Package adds a power moonroof, navigation, and 18-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels. The Bose audio system is also optional on the Essence. Key features of the 2019 Buick Encore Essence include:
- Leather upholstery – A luxurious upgrade offered in black or brandy (tan).
- Heated steering wheel – Quickly heats the leather-wrapped steering wheel, making it easier to grip after a night sitting in freezing weather.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Allows the driver and passenger to find a comfortable temperature setting.
- Heated front seats – Are an excellent way to keep warm without superheating the cabin.
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