![]() ![]() At a basic level, you get Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, SiriusXM radio with a 3-month trial, steering wheel audio controls, OnStar with a 6-month trial and backup camera. So, what I really like about the Encore is the ability to build in as much or as little as you want. On the Encore, if you go top of the line and add every possible random accessory and option, you won't top $33K. If you do want to look at a lux brands, I'll point to the Infiniti EX, which starts at $36,900 but has leather standard. And none of those brands are considered luxury. Nissan Rogue has a base price of $20,310, Ford Escape has a base price $22,700, and VW Tiguan has a base price of $22,995. Base price for the Encore is $24,950, which is pretty competitive for its size and packaging. The true compact utility segment is actually kind of small, and you see entries from the likes of Kia, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen, but luxury brands typically start a little bit bigger. In fact, once I stopped thinking of the Encore as a Buick and started looking at it on its own, I actually liked it a lot more. But at the end of the day, I almost think the Encore would have made a better Chevrolet than a Buick. Or, maybe, it was the engine power that was a little less than spirited. Or the ride and handling that was a bit rough. It could have been the plastic bits on the exterior. The biggest sticking point for me? It somehow just doesn't seem like a Buick. It was, quite simply, fine.ĭuring my weeklong test with the Encore, the needle moved off fine toward good, but it's still a long way from awesome. I didn't think the Encore was awful, but neither did I think it was awesome. And, I have to admit, my first impression was of extreme OK-ness. I first drove the Encore in a quick 10-minute loop at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. Power has given the compact SUV high marks in performance and initial quality. Especially considering the fact that Chicago is the second largest market for Encore and that J.D. When I posted a picture of Buick's newest entry in its lineup on social media, I was kind of surprised by the outpouring of dislike that I got from my followers on Facebook and Twitter. ![]()
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