2017 Buick Encore Preview

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Introduction

Now the most popular of Buick’s models, the Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV with a tall ride height and luxury touches. It receives a freshening for the 2017 model year and will be offered in standard specification with the ability to upgrade with Sport Touring, Convenience, Leather, and Premium equipment groups.

Exterior Features

Styling updates include a new winged grille design with Buick’s updated tri-color insignia, new headlights with LED running lights, and LED taillights. A set of LED headlights is optional, and the new Encore is equipped with heated exterior mirrors and a redesigned standard 18-in. aluminum wheel. Black Cherry, Ebony Twilight, and White Frost paint colors are new for 2017.

Interior Features

Step into the 2017 Encore and you’re greeted by a revised dashboard design with new instrumentation that includes a 4.2-in. driver information center. New accent trim and contrast stitching aim to provide a more upscale ambience.

Continuing from last year, the Encore’s cabin is hushed thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning sound insulation and Bose active noise-cancellation technology. New standard equipment includes keyless access with push-button engine starting.

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Optional Features

Cargo space measures 18.8 cu. ft. behind the Encore’s rear seat. Fold the rear seat down for 48.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity. This Buick also has a fold-flat front passenger’s seat, enabling the crossover to carry longer items with the rear liftgate closed.Buick has announced that the new 2017 Encore will be available with a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, leather seats, rear park-assist sensors, and a navigation system.

Under the Hood

Buick carries over the Encore’s turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It powers the crossover SUV’s front wheels, and an all-wheel-drive system is optional. Buick did not confirm specifications, but in 2016 this engine made 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque.

Some trim levels get a direct-injected version of the engine, one that is more powerful and has automatic engine start/stop technology in order to improve fuel economy. In 2016, this engine made 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Encore includes 10 air bags, reversing camera, and a trial subscription to OnStar services including automatic collision notification. Options include a forward-collision warning system, blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-departure warning system. The 2017 Encore is not available with an automatic emergency braking system.

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TechnologyFor 2017, the Encore receives a next-generation version of Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, complete with a frameless 8-in. touch-screen display. The system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-projection technology, Siri Eyes Free, access to Internet radio, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, and more.

An OnStar RemoteLink App for the owner’s smartphone provides remote access to the Encore’s door locks, facilitates remote engine starting, allows the owner to remotely check the vehicle’s fuel level, and more.