The 2022 Buick Encore makes a splash in the market with several new improvements for the model year, on top of housing a collection of must-have features that many car shoppers are known to swoon over when it comes to subcompact SUVs. The Encore has carved out its place in the highly competitive market by being a price-conscious alternative to some of the more expensive crossovers out there. This has enabled it to be a go-to solution for those who want a feature-rich cabin without worrying about all the pricey accouterments that come along with the nameplate.
In particular, the 2022 model year Encore has given shoppers a reason to eye it over its slightly larger sibling, the Encore GX. With the engineers boosting the overall horsepower thanks to the refitted turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, shoppers have every reason to consider a 2022 model year Encore more than ever before. The subcompact SUV makes a strong case for being a worthy contender on any SUV shopper's list.
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The 2022 Buick Encore is powered by a 1.4-liter EcoTec turbocharged engine. This gives the little subcompact a hardy 155 horsepower accompanied by 177 pound-feet of torque. The updated powertrain enables the Encore to have a nice pep in its step on the road, keeping in line with offering drivers something both manageable and sporty.
The ECOTEC 4-cylinder comes with variable valve timing with spark ignition direct injection. What that complex series of words mean is that the Encore is finely tuned to maximize the fuel injection so that the valves open and close based on intricate timing, ensuring that the engine isn't consuming more resources than it needs. In turn, this allows the Encore to utilize a highly efficient fuel economy, which is why it's capable of 24 miles per gallon in the city and up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon for the front-wheel drive configuration.
For those who prefer an all-wheel drive setup, the Encore has the option, enabling you to take advantage of traveling with more security by having traction control across all four wheels. Even with the all-wheel drive, you still have access to great gains on the fuel economy front, netting you 23 miles per gallon in the city, up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 26 miles per gallon. This means that no matter if you go with an all-wheel or front-wheel drive Encore, you're still safe with a comfortable balance between traveling in the city or highway with great fuel economy.
The 1.4-liter turbocharged ECOTEC is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, making travel smooth and convenient for drivers. And since there is only one trim, the Preferred, you don't have to worry about some features or performance-related packages not being available for any iteration of the 2022 Encore. This also means that both the front and all-wheel drive Encore come equipped with the standard inclusion of StabiliTrak, which is the electronic stability and traction control system.
StabiliTrak ensures that no matter where you're driving or what road surface you're driving on, the Encore will behave as stable as possible on the road. Electronic sensors monitor the traction of each wheel and re-purpose power and braking to compensate whenever a wheel loses traction or begins to show signs of slippage. This preemptively prevents sliding, spin-outs, or hydroplaning. StabiliTrak helps accentuate the Encore's performance while also keeping the ride as comfortable as possible.
Part of the appeal of the Encore isn't just its diminutive size and easy handling but also the technology that comes with the Encore. This permeates throughout the Encore's features both inside and out, from the remote keyless open and start, allowing drivers to enter and turn on the Encore without dealing with the cumbersome nature of keys, to the electric power steering to keep the vehicle well adjusted on the road. The Encore comes with a number of impressive technological features to keep drivers both safe and entertained.
One example of the Encore's technology making the ride more convenient is the engine block heater, which helps the vehicle start more easily during freezing cold days. The engine block heater keeps the block fluids and engine warm enough to start without any problems. Even if there are engine problems due to weather, the OnStar and Buick Connected Services integration means that you're never too far away from emergency services support.
With the standard inclusion of the lower anchors and tether system for children (known as LATCH), along with available active and passive driver assists, from Forward Collision Alert and Park Assist to Lane Departure Warning, you have an entire suite of safety features to keep you and passengers secure. The added bonus of a rear vision camera for a high-definition visual of what's behind the vehicle, as well as vehicle monitoring systems, gives you complete control over the Encore and how it behaves on the road. The added bonus of a theft-deterrent alarm system and vehicle immobilizer also means the Encore is secure from would-be carjackers.
On the infotainment front, the technology is quite expansive, from the Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities to the SiriusXM Satellite Radio support. You have a litany of amazing technologies to make use of while riding inside the Encore. The SiriusXM all-access subscription comes with an app making it compatible with online and smart devices, allowing you to access all sorts of media, podcasts, and radio stations across the SiriusXM digital ecosystem.
With the ability to make use of highly popular features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the Buick Infotainment System, you can seamlessly access apps, media, and playlists either by the press of a button or via voice activation. Listen to your favorite tunes or stream your favorite media through the Bluetooth connectivity. All of the infotainment features can be easily accessed through the 7-inch HD color touchscreen or just as easily configured via the in-cabin software using the steering-wheel-mounted controls.
An additional 4.2-inch diagonal driver information center is also included in the driver-side information cluster, making it easy to keep track of vehicle telematics. You can receive warning messages and vehicle health displays through the information center without having to take your eyes far from the road. This makes the 2022 Buick Encore a great choice for those who love SUVs that stay on the cutting edge of technology.
Inside the 2022 Buick Encore, there's more to the vehicle than just fancy technology, infotainment, and safety. The vehicle is also designed to carry up to 5 passengers, offering a maximum passenger volume of 92.80 cubic feet. This makes it an exceptionally roomy subcompact SUV, with plenty of shoulder and legroom, so it doesn't feel cramped or crowded.
Even if you do plan on using the SUV more for cargo rather than passenger purposes, the Encore delivers a quality 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Alternatively, you can make use of the space behind the second row for storage, which tops out at 18.80 cubic feet of space; plenty of room for storing books, groceries, files, folders, class materials, or other work or school-related items.
The Encore comes standard with a 6-way power driver seat and a 2-way power passenger seat. Available all-weather floor mats and cargo area tray help increase the comfort and cargo capacity. There are also a number of cargo storage areas where you can store small trinkets and items, such as the map pockets on the back of the driver and passenger seats. Additionally, a 6-speaker audio system allows you to enjoy your audio entertainment, thanks in part to the QuietTuning technology, which reduces outside noise and keeps all of the noise in the cabin inside.
A dual glove box is also standard on the Encore, while the available footwell and cup holder lighting kits help keep storage areas illuminated. A standard front passenger underseat storage compartment also allows you to safely store items under the seat. And, if you absolutely needed it, an available rear cargo net can easily secure whatever items you have in the rear of the vehicle, making the Encore a very convenient subcompact SUV for all manner of cargo.