Buick->ke17 is giving its smallest crossover->ke288 a mid-cycle refresh only four years after its initial debut. The 2017 Buick Encore now sports a new face, an updated interior, and some new in-dash technology. The changes aren’t drastic, but should help keep the compact crossover in the spotlight for shoppers.

The Encore->ke4147 has been a big hit for General Motors,->ke1024 selling 67,500 examples in 2015. That’s up from 48,900 units in 2014 and 32,000 units in 2013. Buick says the Encore accounts for a third of its total vehicle sales, so the 2016 model year will likely be another record-breaking year, as well.

“The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV->ke145 segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “In a rapidly evolving segment, the Encore continues to lead with smart, purposeful updates and a new level of technology-infused elegance and refinement.

While it’s highly debatable if the Encore created the premium small crossover segment, the Encore offers consumers the high-riding feel of larger crossovers and SUVs without the bulky size. Still, the Encore offers room for five and with a decent amount of cargo room. Folding the rear seats down results in even more room.

Like its Chevrolet Trax counterpart, the Encore’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and available AWD offer the right amount of power for the 3,300-pound vehicle. These mechanicals aren’t changing for the 2017 refresh, but there’s plenty to talk about. Keep reading for the full run-down of Buick’s updates.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Buick Encore.

2017 Buick Encore

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Buick Encore
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 138
  • Torque: 148
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The majority of changes for the 2017 Encore are found up front. The new grille features Buick’s winged grille design with the new tri-color Buick emblem. New front headlights and restyled fog lights give the crossover a more upscale look. Higher trimmed Encore models even get full LED headlights.

The LED treatment continues out back, with full LED taillights on every trim. There’s also a new exhaust tip, body-color exterior mirrors with heated glass, new 18-inch wheels, and three new exterior color options. They include Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, and White Frost Metallic.

Interior

The Encore’s interior digs are also refreshed with a new dashboard design and more premium material usage. The driver now has an updated gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch color information screen. The center stack is better blended into the horizontal dashboard for a more upscale look. There’s also a new eight-inch infotainment screen with a frameless screen design. Buick then loaded the latest version of its IntelliLink infotainment software into the system, giving the Encore Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like other IntelliLink-equipped vehicles, the system offers OnStar’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

The second row and cargo area carry over unchanged for the 2017 model year, though most Buick fans won’t complain. The Encore offers up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the second row folded flat. The 60/40 split bench offers room for three across, though most will be more happy only loading two passenger in back.

Buick’s “QuietTuning” with the Bose Active Noise Cancellation system carries over as well, making the interior quieter than its Chevy, Opel, or Vauxhall cousins.

Drivetrain

The Encore’s sole engine option is the familiar 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The transversely mounted engine offers 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque on lower level trims. Opting for the Sport Touring Edition, Leather, or Premium trim levels boosts power to 153 horses and 177 pound-feet thanks to direct injection and other upgrades. The high-tune version also comes with an automatic engine start/stop system.

Regardless of tune, the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that powers the front wheels. Those in northern climates might find the available AWD system handy, as the system automatically transfers power to the rear axle when traction becomes an issue.

The EPA rates the 2016 Encore at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the base-tuned 1.4-liter with FWD. Adding AWD decreased fuel economy to 23 and 30 mpg respectively. The Encore proves adding power doesn’t always hurt efficiency, as the 153-horsepower version is EPA-rated for 28 and 34 mpg on the city and highway loops with FWD and 26 and 32 mpg with the AWD. These numbers aren’t expected to change for 2017.

Prices

Pricing for the updated Buick Encore shouldn’t change all that much from the current model, which is priced starting at $24,065. We'll bring you updated pricing info once Buick released it.

Competition

Volkswagen TIguan

Buick->ke17 lists the Tiguan->ke1817 as the main rival to the Encore. The Tiguan does cost a little more, starting at $26,255, but it is also a slightly larger vehicle with a more powerful engine. Power comes VW’s->ke94 proven 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower.

Read our full review of the Volkswagen TIguan here.

Mini Countryman

Starting at $22,750, the Mini Countryman->ke3615 is another vehicle that the Encore is positioned against. The Countryman has less of a premium look and feel than the Encore or Tiguan, but it does offer a trio of engine options, ranging from the base 121-horsepower model to the John Cooper Works model with its 208-horsepower output. Along with the Nissan Juke,->ke3600 the Mini Countryman has a sportier attitude than most other subcompact crossovers.

Read our full review of the Mini Counryman here.

Conclusion

The upgrades on the 2017 Encore should help it gain an even larger following. The little crossover has proved a very valuable asset for Buick, as the brand has suffered from relatively slow sales over the past decade.

Though the front looks much more handsome, most will remember the changes to the interior. The upgrades are far more than we expected with a Cadillac-like dash that looks far more premium than before. The new gauge cluster and infotainment system are far better looking and should help sell Encores to more discerning buyer, likely boosting its sales figures to yet another record-setting year.

Spy Shots