Model Strengths:

• Quiet
• Refined
• Great Fuel Economy
• Spacious
• Lots of Standard Features
• Available All-wheel-drive.

Model Overview:

The Encore is a new premium small car with SUV styling. Buick hopes that a small car can be practical, fun and luxurious while getting excellent fuel economy.

The mileage starts with the engine, a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder. It makes 138hp and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic. This combination is good for up to 33mpg on the highway and 25mpg in the city. All-wheel-drive is also available.

While the outside of the Encore features modern swooshy styling, it's the interior that shines the brightest. A large, 7-inch full color display is set in the dashboard and houses the standard IntelliLink voice-activated infotainment system, while a touch of blue ambient lighting and a wood and chrome- trimmed dashboard lend the Buick an air of sophistication. The Buick's coolest trick however, may be its QuietTuning system which uses noise cancellation technology to give the Encore an exceptionally quiet interior, even at speed.

Buick has included a long list of standard features to go with its modern interior. Features that come standard with the base model include a 6-way power-adustable driver's seat, power windows and doors, a leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, QuietTuning noise cancellation system and a 6-speaker AM/FM/Satellite stereo with a CD player, auxiliary input jack and USB port. The stereo is also Bluetooth-compatible for selected phones.

There are three levels of Encore above the base trim. Convenience trim adds an electronically auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, fog lamps and dual zone automatic climate control. Leather adds leather seating surfaces, a power passenger seat, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a memory feature for the driver's seat. Premium includes rain sensing wipers, a premium Bose sound system, front and rear park assist, forward collision alert, a lane departure warning system and a cargo net. Options include navigation, a sunroof, 18-inch chrome wheels and all-wheel-drive.

Safety is handled by front and side impact airbags, knee airbags, thorax airbags and side curtain airbags. There are ten airbags total in the smallish SUV. A rearview camera is standard and several radar based safety features are available on the lower models, but come standard with the Premium trim.

Model Changes:

The Buick Encore is all new for 2013. It is a genre bending small crossover with great fuel economy and lots of premium features. It features modern, attractive styling and plenty of interior amenities. Buick is trying something new with the Encore, combining a set of attributes not normally associated with one vehicle. It's premium, but small and efficient.

Model Value:

The Buick Encore competes with other small SUVs and crossovers as well as with some of the more premium small cars available on the market. It offers buyers a tantalizing blend of small size, luxury and SUV-like proportions. All-wheel-drive is available but the Buick is less about off-roading and more about cruising in comfort. It is an interesting blend, with luxurious touches found on cars costing much more but with similar economy and size to cars costing less. A base Encore can be had for under $25,000.