2016 Buick Encore Review and Road Test - DETAILED in 4K UHD

The smallest Buick isn't a sedan, it's the Encore crossover. Despite being one of the older entries in the sub-compact crossover segment, the Buick is one of my favorites. That may sound odd since I didn't much care for the Chevy Trax, but the Encore hits "value" right on the head while the Trax frankly misses it. With a substantial refresh already announced for 2017, there will probably some good deals on the 2016 soon...
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[@hustle2632]

This is the most understandable and logical car review that i've ever watched.

[@tazmool7704]

Another excellent video, Bravo! This guy has probably one of the most comprehensive, and consistent auto reviews I've seen online. Well worth the 20+ minutes it takes to watch. I appreciate the thoroughness, the comparisons and references to other similar and dissimilar vehicles in the market, the simple score card system, the fact that I can count on Alex's reviews to contain a consistent and complete overview of a vehicle, including mechanical design features, driving dynamics, fuel economy, optional features, pricing, comfort etc, unlike so many other online "reviews" which are little more than a quick rundown of what buttons a car has. This particular review has been a great supplement to the test drive I've done in one of these Buick Encores, and Alex was able to shed some light on the infotainment interface which I've found un-intuitive (I had no idea that the ring was also the "select" button, I kept on pushing the joystick in the centre of the ring trying to use it as the select, and of course that did nothing, I gave up on it and focused on the rest of the vehicle which turned out to be excellent) The model I drove had the base 138hp engine, but I must admit, I thought it was much more powerful as it felt very competent and torquey, only to be very surprised later while doing more research and finding that its got "only" 138hp (the Encore felt more sporty than my V6 small pickup) At any rate, keep up the good work Alex!

[@Orion2773]

Great job presenting, Alex! No Ahm, no so, no and-uh. Knowledgeable presentation. Thank you!

[@annaclayton1408]

I know this is an older video but I just purchased a certified pre-owned 2016 Buick Encore and this was by far the BEST explanation of this vehicle than the freakin salesman did. Thank you VERY MUCH! 👌🏾

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

You must have missed all the videos saying how the 1.4 turbo is the worst engine ever. I've avoided these like the plague, a friend had a Cruze with the same motor that blew at 60k miles. Hopefully you're one of the lucky ones.

[@yellowveedub]

I just picked up a 2016 lease return 1owner encore in silver. 21k miles in immaculate condition for $14.5k. I didn't think that was a bad deal at all.

[@timjohnson1199]

I bought a brand new 2016 Encore in March of 2017 for $14.3k. I was looking for a 2017 but this one was on the lot. I grabbed it. Very happy with it.

[@4vickiekaye]

Really like this video and it was a big help in deciding on getting one of these. I actually chose a 2016 over the 2017 based on the deal I got and the features in the 2016 vs the 2017. I also prefer the 2016 styling over the 2017. Both are very attractive but I feel the 2016 has a more unique look and the 2017 looks a bit more like other cars on the road now. Be careful when exiting the front seats because of where the door pivots in relationship to the seats, it is easy to scuff the inside of the door with your shoes.

[@gene978]

Hey Alex, Can't wait for your 2017 Encore review! At the end of your review when you do the compare I was drooling over your view thinking to myself no wonders you're never stressed out. What a view!

[@jonmclean8707]

I have a feeling the start/stop feature is going to create a series of issues when the cars get older such as needing starters & alternators more often. Bought a brand new one Thursday, so far I love it! Turbo makes it quite peppy and getting on the highway is not an issue for me!

[@bandgeeks2005]

I'm watching this in 2021 and considering buying a 2015 Buick Encore. Have you had any issues with your purchase. I'm specifically looking at the stop/start.

[@JMotorCity]

How can anyone give this video a thumbs down when it has only been posted seconds and the video is almost 24 minutes long?

[@JMotorCity]

Actually two thumbs down in seconds.... Makes no sense!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Amen

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I think some people thumbs down a review because they dislike the car, not because they dislike the review. Who knows...

[@WHO9119]

+Alex on Autos I think some even dis-like a video just to be the first one, also just to offset like video's.

[@thorlax]

Here, I'll go ahead and "like" this before I finish watching it just to make things more fair.

[@robmoto2846]

Great review. Thorough, to the point and professionally presented without any fluff. Appreciate the wealth of info and comparisons to other brands in its class. 👍

[@JakeDrives1]

I've been waiting on a real review of the sport touring for what seems like forever !! I can't wait to watch this one. Thanks Alex !!

[@MrSTOUT73]

About 3 months ago we bought a 2016 Encore Sport Touring AWD. Metallic black. So far both my wife and I love it. She's the main driver and we traded a 2006 Lucerne in on this and she likes this better. Likes the higher seating position and the ease of parking. The auto/stop feature takes a little getting used to but now we don't even notice it. When you take your foot off the brake the motor starts instantly. If the AC is running the motor does not shut off. Pickup and response is better than I anticipated and is probably peppier than my Equinox. They always concentrate on 0-60 times but really, when do we ever have to go from 0 to 60 as fast as we possibly can? lol As far as getting on the freeway, not problem. Step on it and it goes. Very happy with the car so far.

[@teedee6614]

Thanks for this information. This review was very thorough. I was totally torn between buying the 2016 Buick Encore and the Honda HR-V EX. This explained why my mind just automatically made the choice of Buick. But then I started second guessing myself due to the money. After listening to this video, I'm glad I made the right decision. I haven't driven my Encore much, but I did take it on the expressway on the way home from the dealership. I didn't notice the 10 second 0-60 mph issue when getting on the expressway. I only wish the Encore had a better display of the speedometer because I found myself unintentionally speeding a bit. The numbers inside are kind of small compared to other automobiles.

[@patfleck1195]

What a fantastic review. Very good, Alex. Thank you!

[@alialabbas1982]

nice car. I like your reviews. you show us every thing about the car.

[@Aelisha_Cade]

Very well done review. Gave me great insight into every detail of the vehicle.

[@stewartstarling2309]

I love this car we have it in River Rock Copper, and it's just nice to drive love the tech and how it drives. We love our Lil' Encore! 💗

[@jeffreymcwhorter9360]

Is this 2016 Android auto compatible

[@mjmiller1026]

own a 2015 with 14000 on it no problems yet. the only down fall on this car is when you load them up you can tell the difference in how it drives

[@truthbetold6322]

Michael Miller how’s the car now

[@normt5463]

Crazy $10,000 off 2016's in December. expect it again next Xmas time. we already had a 2013 and loved it! Just need something a little bigger like the new Envision 2.0T.

[@chocolatemilk912]

I'm eagerly awaiting the 2017 Encode review

[@borndiy5490]

Was looking today at a 2016 and really want it but owe a balance on present car. Just don't want to be under water but after Hyundai's & Kia's burning UP, I feel best buying this Encore. Good video and information giving better thought of buying an Encore.

[@normt5463]

That is what is nice about the Buick brand is the discounts on the new ones are great and you wont be upside down when trade-in time comes.

[@MasterJim2020]

I think it’s interesting how most Twin Cars of yester years looked only exactly the same as the other in terms of everything in the cars until recent years now. For example, even though the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trax are the same vehicle, they have many differences between 1 another inside and out. That’s also true for today’s Chevrolet Tahoe,Suburban/GMC Yukon,Yukon XL, Ford Expedition,Expedition EL,Expedition Max/Lincoln Navigator,Navigator L, Ford Explorer/Lincoln MKT, Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX80, etc. Back in the 90’s, the 1991-95 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country/Grand Voyager looked essentially the same but with only 1 difference being the front grill, the Dodge version having the traditional old Dodge cross design and the Chrysler version having the old waterfall design that is sort of similar to Buick’s waterfall design. Then in the early 2000’s, the 2000-05 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, they did the same type of thing Chrysler did on their minivans; which was making the Chevy and the GMC look the same in most places, except for the grill.

[@andreboily2805]

Excellente présentation ! Bravo et merci ! Je saisis mieux les avantages de ce véhicule dans la catégorie des multi-segments. Je pense que vous vous situez parmi les meilleurs analystes automobiles sur KZbin. C'est bien fait et professionnel comme approche. Je vais sérieusement considérer le Buick Encore pour mon prochain véhicule en 2017. Et entre temps je vais visionner vos autres présentations tellement celle-ci est bien faite.

[@screenplayhouse4932]

Alex's previous review of this Encore not only made me LOOK at Buick for the first time since my first car purchase in 1984 -- but inspired a test drive of it, the new Trax, and my wife and I bought it. This was before the HRV and 500X arrived in America and so I was holding my breath for months after the purchase of the base Encore. Did I screw up? After watching this updated video -- sigh of relief. I was amazingly unimpressed by the HRV. Looked cheap, took away a lot of headroom, and the console between driver and passenger further added to cramped feeling. The 500X was beautiful and Italian -- but consistently rated everywhere as repair garage bait. To me an adorbs interior vs. overall reliability ain't worth the tradeoff. Speaking of reliability -- Alex didn't mention that Buick's reliability numbers of climbed in Consumer Reports. So much so Buick is considered more reliable than Honda. YES. HONDA. That's what closed the deal for me. I completely agreed with Alex regarding purchase options. If you're a smartphone fan at all WAIT WAIT WAIT for the 2017 Encore. It's only around the bend. And if you're RAH RAH American you'll even get he Buick shields back in the classic red, white, and blue. I think the 2017 regrettably will date my car years back instead of one year. Otherwise find a dealer sitting on a ton of the 2016s and talk them down. And use the online price sites to find out how low you can go. If you can spare the extra bucks get all the electronic warning system stuff. I now wish I had.

[@kufan121]

I'm sorry you bought a Buick. It's too late though. I dare you to look up what trade-in value is worth. It's sad you passed on a Honda because of its looks, or for any other reason really. Why wouldn't you consider something that has good ratings and low cost of ownership. Had you done that, you would most likely be driving a Toyota or Honda. Your loss

[@screenplayhouse4932]

First of all I can tell how brokenhearted you are. It's really touching. Secondly -- I don't do trade ins. I get WAY more money selling independent after ten years. Third -- Consumer Reports rates the Buick brand ABOVE Honda. In general and reliability. www.consumerreports.org/cars/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/

[@kufan121]

+SCREENPLAYHOUSE LLC have fun with your trash Buick. Anyone in their right mind doesn't buy used buicks

[@screenplayhouse4932]

Please... if you must fellate yourself... do so in private.

[@kufan121]

+SCREENPLAYHOUSE LLC you're so clever. Not clever enough to stop buying piles of steaming shit. There is a reason they don't sell many

[@raydavies3278]

Great,the very best full review offered,and the new format puts you further ahead of the pack !! .Have you ever done a M.B 2014 bluetec GLK review ??

[@WNicolay]

My wife liked this vehicle. Alex you missed something in your review that was VERY important to me on our long 5 1/2 drives up north to the sons home. There is NO inboard armrest for me the passenger. For this reason alone we passed on this Buick.

[@lasennui]

Did you veto your wife's car choice because you wanted an armrest? Or, was it a shared car?

[@mgrella63]

I have a 2015 Encore I think its Beautiful ! I Love mine.

[@swtsatir7211]

How's it holding up for you? My wife and I just picked up a 2017 encore with 27k miles on it. Hope we made the right choice.

[@mgrella63]

Still running Great im at 98K miles! I only had to do basic maintenance for the car! I did replace the water pump at 96k all normal wear . Hopefully your Encore is running well@@swtsatir7211

[@islandgirl103]

Alex, is this Encore on your shopping list as well as the Kia Soul EV you reviewed earlier? Also, I noticed the Encore's turning circle is about two feet more than the similarly sized Kia Soul. Do you know if the 2017 refresh for the Encore will affect that spec as well as the interior?

[@Superstiteouz316]

I just bought one I love it. Supposedly turbo charged but can not really tell. Anybody else concerned?

[@Superstiteouz316]

All wheel drive though

[@markhenrydelatorre]

Nice review again. I hope you can also review the Subaru outback since you don't have one yet.

[@SkyCastlesJan22]

love this vehicle. I'm deciding between a Kia Soul 2020 and this... Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@lacybee30]

Camila K I recommend the soul

[@debbieworthy8394]

This is a great video I just recently bought an encore because I got such a great deal but I have been researching info on it and I’m getting concerned because I have been reading a lot of negative stuff about the car has anyone had any problems with there encore ?

[@daltonsheahan1202]

My mom had one on a two year lease we turned it in after 6 months and got a Dodge Journey we all hated the Buick "besides my mom" it couldn't fit a rear facing child seat unless you pushed the passenger seat all the way up to the point no one can use it. The Buick was front wheel drive and got stuck all the time in the snow one day she got stuck 4 times before she left our subdivision, our journey is front wheel drive and so is my Equinox and neither have gotten stuck yet.

[@annaclayton1408]

Hi..I javed watched your videos and they are very informative. I have been trying to research whether or not the 2016 Buick Encore would have any Intellilink updates? This is a "new" car for me that I just purchased. Thanks so much!

[@emrooker]

Will you please review the Buick Envision?

[@vvkutube]

Alex ..love your all reviews..very detail and useful. thanks...

[@marinoint]

Excellent review. Thank you~

[@unnamedny]

I think atari 2600 had better resolution than that middle multi function display which is one color only. No adaptive cruise control available. No big hand rest in between seats. Dated gauges, dated dashboard. More powerful turbo engine is not available in higher trims. Not sure why would anyone look into this car this year.

[@angelasecundino4907]

Should I purchase a 16 Buick encore that had water damage 4 years ago?

[@zelphiamartin7924]

I love it I had one finance with cRvana before it got totaled in a wreck It's air bags was awesome

[@jocelynchouinard]

very good work. It would be appreciated that you review first new models (2016 Prius, 2017 Pacifica, etc.) instead of reviewing existing models

[@MarcoAndrade00]

AMAZING REVIEW, thank you very much!!

[@Xcon00]

@Alex on Autos How does the AWD work is it always on or is there an activation button?

[@LEDANCETHERAPY]

Great efficient review.

[@damionmandy7978]

Great video as always. Hoping you get to review a Jeep Renegade and/or Fiat 500X soon.

[@alachabre]

Wow, that Mini Coooper must be really short! :D

[@baldheadlogic]

Good Review Alex. I definitely feel like this needs a redesign.

[@rameshs3830]

Can you please place the "click here for infotainment review" click button on top or on side... it is very annoying to click it with youtube slider popping up to make it frustrating to click it THanks

[@Trades46]

Alex I think you made a bit of a goof-up. The car's rear at 2:26 clearly marked "Encore AWD" on the right side of the rear liftback. I don't think you tested a FWD Encore, unless the car used in the exterior shots was different than the model you had as a tester.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You know, you may be right. After filming we went over the paperwork and the window sticker was for a FWD model, but this could have been the AWD version after all.

[@suzannestivason2933]

LOVE MY NEW 2016 ENCORE

[@Zraupp10]

I think the Buick Encore is a Joke for 40k. [you have to spend $40k to have the lumbar support :-/ ] you can get the Jeep Renegade with lumbar support cheaper ... but its smaller :-/ Mazda CX-3 i think is a better chose, what u think ?

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

$27.5 discounted to $19.5 at our dealer. Better than Kia.

[@samcarpenter9677]

Great information, excellent review!

[@debrahthacker3006]

I have 2 codes that came up. Check engine light, and V/C

[@da_committee]

Alex you really should really review the nx300h and nx200t

[@DimachkaS]

We love you Alex!

[@cdd7012]

I love this SUV

[@kufan121]

Can you imagine what depreciation is like on this thing!?

[@lasennui]

As a woman from the future who is poor but wants a decent crossover, yay. Give me your cheapness, 2016 Buick Encore. I wouldn't buy it new, though. As it's discontinued now, you weren't wrong.

[@normt5463]

Still the best selling Buick and best sales in the segment!

[@ast5515]

I don't see any reason to go for this.You keep saying it bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury, but in my opinion it doesn't. The old infotainment with the millions of buttons, the pixelated non color display between the dials, the exterior design all scream CHEAP!!! But it's not cheap. There are MANY changes for the 2017 model year, and that might be worth it. But this car, as tested is overpriced and out of place in my opinion.

[@edwardgrimenstein2164]

Alex, should we read into the relatively short amount of time you spend on the road with this vehicle during the review?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Not at all, I'm trying to be a bit more efficient to keep the videos as short as possible

[@edwardgrimenstein2164]

Outstanding. Your hard work in keeping the B&B informed is greatly appreciated.

[@Lily-gs9iv]

Is this good for short drivers?

[@Gooch1989]

This was helpful, thank you

[@normt5463]

For a discounted price on autotrader of about $18,000, not even a HR-V at $22-24K looks like a setter buy. No wonder Buick is pushing almost 100,000 units per year making the best seller.

[@joelbielecki3501]

Could you review the Dodge Dart? I feel that it is really overlooked and I want to see what you think.

[@kufan121]

The dart is "over-looked"!? Haha those things are garbage! Why don't people buy Toyota or Honda!? Especially when considering an econo-box! Let me guess...because it looks cool and has Beats audio. Lmao. Please treat your money better and not through it away on some domestic piece of shit. I work at a dealership and dodge darts are constantly bid under 10k with low-mileage

[@jaykae3952]

Beats has awful sound quality anyway

[@v.lynnrosehardin6617]

I have 2013 buick I love it. I think it is a very nice car.

[@runforit420]

I'd consider this to replace my Ford Focus, which has had a horrible reliability history. Thank goodness it has a conventional 6 speed automatic and not a dry dual clutch transmission. Ford's dry dual clutch transmission is great when it works great, which isn't often. Most of the time it shudders badly.

[@ScottPC]

The Valuxhall Mokka here in England!

[@rachelburton5488]

This helped me understand my car. The car is great. I watched this after I bought car. Didn't understand the M on the drive shift. thanks

[@chanchito2009]

Alex can you review Subaru Crosstrek limited with eyesight please! Thank you

[@MaxBorker]

Definitely ties with the Trax for the ugliest subcompact SUV. The proportions are so wonky.

[@robertforsey2275]

I bought one on Friday

[@jeffreymcwhorter9360]

Is it Android auto compatible

[@musicloveranthony]

Great shirt!!!

[@weirdshibainu]

good review as always, I think this thing is a joke though

[@phukyoo1479]

CAN U DO AUDI A7??!

[@waynerhea6649]

Idk if I needed to make this purchase it would be hard between this and the Kia soul! both really good small suvs.

[@planedudea380]

Might as well and wait for the refreshed 2017 model

[@kufan121]

Neither are good small suvs. Have you ever heard of this thing called cost of ownership? Probably not considering what you're look at in your next vehicle. Good luck!

[@waynerhea6649]

+Brett Garcia well I'm not looking at this as my next vehicle, and kia aren't that bad with reliability and if you truly like a car having a few things to fix down the road won't phase you. also the retail value on these cars are pretty good.

[@kufan121]

+Wayne Rhea retail but not trade or what they go for at auction which give a real world view of what they're selling for

[@waynerhea6649]

+Brett Garcia well if you sell it privately you can easily get most of the money you spent on it.

[@Jin04115]

I CANT GET TO THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN. IT KEEPS REWINDING.

[@BTC909]

Many changes on the 2017. Only consider leasing a 2016.

[@werbrown]

Great review

[@imataylor8538]

Love 2017buick encore

[@lexi4christ108]

This car has caused me soooo many issues. The dad part is that I don't have any more money to get a mechanic to fix it, or money to buy a new car :(

[@lasennui]

Could you tell some of the problems you've had specifically and when/why? As a potential buyer I'm curious

[@4bulldurham]

Makes it look espensive

[@pootloop7877]

Isn't Buick owned by GM? I keep hearing him saying European

[@Gooch1989]

It's definitely cute

[@musicellist]

I'm surprised that this isn't compared to a Lexus NX or an Acura RDX in this video.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

This is significantly smaller than the Lexus or Acura, the Buick Envision is NX sized and the RDX is really even larger and more Lexus RX sized.

[@ZachTheTechie97]

Great review as always, shit car though. Waiting for your 2017 Ford Escape Review!! :)

[@timjohnson1199]

It's a well thought out car. Opal has always done a good job.

[@namduong7509]

The new Encore looks so much better from behind! The back bumper has too much grey plastic!

[@dygardion9130]

the rear end looks terrible and cheap

[@anggitodwiandra278]

it's similar chevy trax

[@Jin04115]

Uhm, no. Not at all.

[@chriscapaccio4342]

2:14 Mini Cooooper? Lol

[@ZachTheTechie97]

At least it didn't say "Smart Fortwo" xD

[@kufan121]

Good luck keeping it running past 80k miles, this thing is an absolute piece of shit. May be nice new, but just wait to see how the interior pieces wear, electronics fail, and the power train to be noisy and problematic.

[@kufan121]

+GIDOC agreed. Match up any panel gap on the Buick vs Toyota or Honda and there will be a stark difference. There is no debating that, literally go to any domestic car lot and you will see uneven body panels everywhere.

[@truthbetold6322]

B Garcia my gf is looking to pick up this vehicle could you tell her your perspective on it

[@TheWarthogaa]

Would like to put this here, I picked up the 16 sport fwd model encore 2 months ago with almost 100k miles and it still looks great inside and runs like a dream and I'm the 2nd owner

[@tasneema2602]

Its cute 🥰

[@Agent77X]

Looks terrible from the back view! Too narrow!

[@4bulldurham]

Makes it look expensive ..........

[@nd318865]

Lexus' front end should be so attractive!!!!!

[@lcar4000]

Being old, I don't mind this Buick, but it does need more power.

[@MrSTOUT73]

Do you have one??

[@lcar4000]

No, I can't see paying several thousand over and above the chevy trax when they are essentially the same vehicles

[@genius2000]

The look is way outdated. And chrome vent? Barf.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Are u kidding me? The chrome vent is stylish.

[@shanelen]

too small

[@coltonphillips1]

I'd rather have a Kia Soul

[@AudiophileTubes]

The Soul is a much cheaper car, and it looks cheap too.

[@coltonphillips1]

+AudiophileTubes yeah it's a lot cheaper and won't be in the shop every week like a GM product.

[@djayt1215]

+colton phillips what are you smoking? Buick is has some the highest dependability ratings.

[@NOFATCHICK1]

+colton phillips he's right Buick & Chevrolet reliability has gone way up

[@billybeedamned2456]

Little funny... My wife was driving her Soul and got hit. Totaled the car, she was fine outside of a good bruise on her belly from the air bag. The other lady was fine, too ( Nissan Rogue) The Soul was a good and safe car. Anyway we replaced it with this Buick. She loved her Kia but she's not hating the Buick.

[@lisegauthier6617]

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