Best Buick Encore Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
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The 10 best best buick encore model years (ranked) are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. 2022 Buick Encore GX Essence

The 2022 Encore GX in Essence trim ranks first because it is the most complete and refined Encore ever sold, pairing the optional 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft with a nine-speed automatic. It returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined in front-drive form and offers available all-wheel drive. The Essence trim adds leatherette, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a larger touchscreen.
This is for buyers who want the most polished Encore with the best balance of power, features, and maturity. It trades away the lower used price of earlier GX models, as 2022 examples still command a premium. Compared to the 2021 GX Select directly below, the Essence adds more standard luxury touches and the most up-to-date software. It is the sweet spot of the entire lineup for those prioritizing a complete package over saving a few thousand dollars.
2. 2021 Buick Encore GX Select

The 2021 Encore GX Select ranks second because it delivers nearly everything the 2022 does for a lower used price, with the same 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, and available all-wheel drive adds confidence in poor weather. The Select trim hits the value-and-features balance well, and a year of extra depreciation makes it a smart buy.
This is for shoppers who want the modern GX experience without paying top dollar for the newest model year. It trades away a few standard luxury touches found on the Essence trim, such as leatherette and heated seats. Compared to the 2022 Essence above, it offers the same core drivetrain and safety suite but with slightly fewer amenities. Early-build infotainment can lag, but the fundamentals are sound, making it a strong value pick.
3. 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Encore GX ranks third as the debut year of the larger, more modern second crossover wearing the Encore name, riding on GM's newer platform. It offers more rear-seat and cargo room than the original Encore and brings the optional 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. As the first GX year, it carries the deepest depreciation, making it the cheapest way into the modern body.
This is for value-focused buyers who want the newest body style at the lowest GX price. It trades away the polish and refinements of later model years, including potential infotainment lag. Compared to the 2021 Select above, it is essentially the same vehicle but with a higher risk of first-year quirks. The base 1.2-liter engine is slow, so shoppers should seek out the 1.3-liter turbo for a satisfying drive.
4. 2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring

The 2019 Encore Sport Touring ranks fourth as the best value pick in the entire Encore family, often found used for well under $15,000. It uses the proven 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, which in upper trims makes 153 hp and 177 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed automatic. As a late first-generation model, it benefits from years of refinement and a genuinely quiet cabin.
This is for budget-conscious buyers who want Buick's signature isolation without the GX's higher price tag. It trades away the modern platform, more rear-seat room, and newer safety features of the GX models above. Compared to the 2020 GX, it is smaller and older inside but significantly cheaper to buy. The tight rear seat and cargo area are its main drawbacks, but the dollars-to-quietness ratio is unbeatable.
5. 2018 Buick Encore Essence

The 2018 Encore Essence ranks fifth because it received the mid-cycle refresh that updated the front end, dashboard, and infotainment, making it the original Encore at its most modern inside. The Essence trim adds leather and heated seats, and the 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp standard or 153 hp in higher tune. It returns around 28 mpg combined and remains a comfortable, easy-to-own small SUV.
This is for buyers who want a refreshed first-generation Encore with a more contemporary cabin than earlier years. It trades away the newer platform and extra space of the GX models ranked above. Compared to the 2019 Sport Touring, it offers a similar driving experience but with a more modern interior and infotainment. The base 138-hp tune is slow, so seeking out the 153-hp version is recommended for better around-town response.
6. 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Encore GX ranks sixth because it continued the GX with updated standard technology and an available larger touchscreen on some trims. The 1.3-liter turbo three remains the engine to get, with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, and front- or all-wheel drive is available. It is among the newest examples here, so prices are higher, but it brings the most current safety and infotainment of the pre-redesign GX years.
This is for buyers who want the most current GX before the redesign and are willing to pay up for low miles. It trades away the value proposition of earlier GX years, as 2023 models command the highest used prices in the lineup. Compared to the 2022 Essence ranked first, it offers similar performance but with slightly newer tech and potentially lower mileage.
7. 2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 Encore ranks seventh as the last year before the refresh, offering the well-sorted 1.4-liter turbo four in either 138 hp or 153 hp form. Mechanically it matches the refreshed 2018 cars, just with the older dashboard and infotainment. Used prices are low, and the proven drivetrain keeps ownership costs reasonable. It is a sensible budget pick for buyers who do not need the latest screen.
This is for budget-minded buyers who want a dependable, quiet small SUV without paying for modern tech. It trades away the refreshed interior and updated infotainment of the 2018 model ranked above. Compared to the 2018 Essence, it offers the same mechanicals but with a dated cabin and fewer standard features. The modest power and acceleration are its main drawbacks, but the simple, durable mechanicals make it a low-cost ownership proposition.
8. 2016 Buick Encore

The 2016 Encore ranks eighth because it offers the same fundamental package as nearby years—a quiet cabin, the turbo four, and front- or all-wheel drive—at one of the lowest used prices in the range. It lacks the refresh and newer driver aids, but for a buyer who simply wants an inexpensive, comfortable city crossover, it delivers. The 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp, which is adequate for around-town driving.
This is for budget city drivers who prioritize low cost and easy parking over features and performance. It trades away the refreshed interior and newer safety tech of the 2017 and 2018 models ranked above. Compared to the 2017, it is essentially the same vehicle but with an older model year and potentially higher mileage. The dated infotainment and modest power are its main drawbacks, but the quiet, comfortable ride remains a strong selling point.
9. 2015 Buick Encore

The 2015 Encore ranks ninth because it had shed the first-year wrinkles of the 2013 launch and runs the familiar 1.4-liter turbo four with 138 hp. It is a known quantity with widely available parts and service, making it an easy vehicle to maintain. As an older model, it should be bought on condition and maintenance records, but a well-kept example remains a comfortable, quiet small SUV for very little money.
This is for buyers who want a cheap, settled first-generation Encore and are willing to accept older tech and safety features. It trades away the refreshed interior of the 2018 model and the modern platform of the GX. Compared to the 2016 ranked above, it is nearly identical mechanically but with an older model year and potentially more wear.
10. 2013 Buick Encore

The 2013 Encore ranks tenth as the debut year that launched the small-premium-crossover idea for Buick and is the most affordable, most basic version here. The 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp, and the cabin was praised at launch for its quietness. As a first-model-year vehicle, it is the one to buy most cautiously, but it remains historically notable as the car that started the segment for the brand.
This is for collectors or budget buyers who want the original, segment-defining Encore and are willing to accept first-model-year risk. It trades away the refinement and updates of later years, including the 2015 model ranked above. Compared to the 2015, it has the least power and oldest tech, but it also has the lowest purchase price of all. Buy strictly on condition and maintenance records, as early examples may have had transmission issues and infotainment glitches.
How we ranked these
We ranked Buick Encore and Encore GX model years by weighting reliability and known-problem history (25%), drivetrain refinement and power (20%), safety equipment and ratings (20%), cabin quietness and comfort (15%), value and used pricing (15%), and tech and infotainment (5%). Data came from Car and Driver, Edmunds, KBB, Consumer Reports, IIHS, EPA, and GM. Years that fixed flaws or added standard safety gear ranked higher.
We deliberately ignored badge trim names and wheel size, as these matter less than maintenance history and mechanical condition. We also separated the first-generation Encore (2013–2022) from the Encore GX (2020–present) because they are different vehicles sharing a name. This avoids comparing apples to oranges and focuses on what actually affects ownership experience.
Related questions
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The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a top pick, featuring a redesigned platform, a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp, and a quiet, upscale cabin. It offers a smooth ride and strong value used, making it a standout full-size sedan for comfort-focused buyers.
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The 2018 Buick Enclave is a top choice, featuring a new platform, a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp, and a nine-speed automatic. It provides a spacious, quiet cabin and strong safety ratings, making it the best blend of comfort and capability in the Enclave lineup.
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The 2021 Kia Forte is recommended, offering a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp or a turbocharged 1.6-liter with 201 hp in the GT trim. It combines a long warranty, modern tech, and good value, making it a strong compact sedan choice.
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FAQ
What is the best Buick Encore model year overall?
The 2022 Encore GX in Essence trim is the best overall, pairing a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft) with a refined nine-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. It represents the most mature version of Buick’s compact-luxury crossover before the GX carried on largely unchanged.
Which Buick Encore gives the best value used?
The 2019 Encore (original, Sport Touring) offers the best value, often found used for well under $15,000. It provides a quiet cabin, a peppy turbo, and Buick’s signature isolation as a late-run example of the first-generation model.
Are the Encore and Encore GX the same car?
No, they are different vehicles sharing a name. The first-generation Encore ran from 2013–2022, while the Encore GX launched in 2020 and continues today, with distinct platforms, engines, and interior dimensions.
What are the worst years for the Buick Encore?
Early model years like 2013 and 2014 often had more reliability complaints, including transmission issues and infotainment glitches. Later years, especially after 2018, saw significant improvements in build quality and feature content.
How reliable is the Buick Encore compared to rivals?
Reliability varies by year, with later models (2019+) generally scoring average to above-average in owner surveys. It trails Japanese rivals like the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3 in long-term dependability but offers a quieter, more isolated ride.
Does the Buick Encore hold its value well?
The Encore depreciates faster than many compact crossovers, typically losing 40–50% of its value over five years. This makes used examples a strong value for buyers, but less ideal for those seeking high resale returns.
What engine should I get in a used Encore GX?
Get the optional 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder, which makes 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic. The base 1.2-liter engine with a CVT is slower and less satisfying, so it's worth confirming which engine a used GX has.
What safety features are standard on newer Encores?
Newer Encore GX models (2020+) come standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. These features are worth seeking out, as they improve safety and are often required for top IIHS ratings. Earlier first-generation models lack these as standard.
Sources
- https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/encore-gx-2022
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/buick/encore-gx/2021/
- https://www.buick.com/suvs/encore-gx
- https://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-buick-encore-photos-and-info-news
- https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/encore/specs/2016/buick_encore_buick-encore_2016
- https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/buick/encore-4-door-suv/2015
- https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/buick_encore_2013
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