Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Buick Encore Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Buick Encore Model Years (Ranked)
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Buick Encore model year is the 2022 Encore GX (Essence trim), which paired the punchier 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, a refined nine-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, and the most mature version of Buick's compact-luxury crossover before the GX carried on largely unchanged.
The Best Value pick is the 2019 Encore (original, Sport Touring), a late-run example of the first-generation Encore that can be found used for well under $15,000 while still offering a quiet cabin, a peppy turbo, and Buick's signature isolation. This ranking separates the first-generation Encore (2013–2022) from the Encore GX (2020–present), because they are different vehicles sharing a name, and it ranks the years and trims most worth owning today.
Every pick uses real model-year specs, engine outputs, and pricing context drawn from manufacturer data and independent reviews.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each Encore and Encore GX model year against what real used-crossover shoppers care about, using data from Car and Driver, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Consumer Reports, the IIHS, the EPA, and General Motors publications. The 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%
- Tech and infotainment — 5%
A model year that fixed an earlier flaw, added standard safety gear, or simply aged well moves up; an early build with a rough engine or thin equipment drops.
1. 2022 Buick Encore GX (Essence) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Engine: 1.3L turbo I3, 155 hp / 174 lb-ft, 9-speed automatic | Best for: Buyers who want the most polished Encore GX
The 2022 Encore GX in Essence trim is the most complete Encore you can buy used. The optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder makes 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic on front-drive or all-wheel-drive models, returning an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined (FWD).
The Essence adds leatherette, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a larger touchscreen. By 2022 GM had ironed out early infotainment quirks, and the GX earned strong IIHS crash scores. It is the sweet spot of power, features, and maturity.
Pros:
- Strongest 1.3L turbo with 174 lb-ft of torque
- Up to 30 mpg combined and available AWD
- Mature infotainment and quiet, upscale cabin
- Good IIHS crash performance
Cons:
- Three-cylinder can sound coarse under load
- CVT on the base 1.2L engine is less satisfying
Verdict: The best balance of power, refinement, and equipment in the whole Encore line.
2. 2021 Buick Encore GX (Select)
Engine: 1.3L turbo I3, 155 hp / 174 lb-ft, 9-speed automatic | Best for: Near-2022 polish for less money
The 2021 Encore GX Select offers nearly everything the 2022 does for less. The same 1.3-liter turbo three delivers 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, and standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The Select trim hits the value-and-features balance, and a year of depreciation makes it a smart buy.
Available all-wheel drive adds confidence in poor weather, and the cabin keeps the hushed feel Buick is known for.
Pros:
- Same 174-lb-ft turbo as the 2022
- Standard active-safety suite
- Lower used price than 2022 models
- Available AWD and quiet cabin
Cons:
- Slightly fewer standard luxury touches than Essence
- Early-build infotainment can lag
Verdict: A near-2022 experience at a friendlier used price.
3. 2020 Buick Encore GX (first GX year)
Engine: 1.3L turbo I3, 155 hp / 174 lb-ft, 9-speed automatic | Best for: The newest body style at the lowest GX price
The 2020 Encore GX introduced the larger, more modern second crossover wearing the Encore name. It rides on GM's newer platform, offers more rear-seat and cargo room than the original Encore, and brings the 1.3-liter turbo option. As the debut year it carries the deepest depreciation of any GX, making it the cheapest way into the modern body.
Buyers should confirm software updates were applied, but the fundamentals are sound.
Pros:
- Cheapest entry to the modern GX body
- More space than the original Encore
- Available 174-lb-ft turbo three
- Modern safety features available
Cons:
- First-year software needed updates
- Base 1.2L engine is slow
Verdict: The value route into the newer, roomier GX body.
4. 2019 Buick Encore (Sport Touring) 💎 BEST VALUE
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, up to 153 hp / 177 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Maximum used value in a proven small SUV
The 2019 Encore Sport Touring is the smart-money pick. It uses the proven 1.4-liter turbo four, 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, a genuinely quiet cabin, and prices that now sit well under $15,000 used.
For shoppers who prize value and a calm ride over the latest tech, it is the standout bargain of the lineup.
Pros:
- Often under $15,000 used
- Proven 1.4L turbo with 177 lb-ft
- Very quiet cabin for the class
- Late-run refinement and reliability
Cons:
- Older infotainment and fewer driver aids
- Tight rear seat and cargo area
Verdict: The best dollars-to-quietness ratio in the entire Encore family.
5. 2018 Buick Encore (Essence)
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138–153 hp, 6-speed automatic | Best for: A refreshed first-gen cabin for less
The 2018 Encore received the mid-cycle refresh that updated the front end, dashboard, and infotainment. The Essence trim adds leather and heated seats. The 1.4-liter turbo four makes 138 hp standard or 153 hp in higher tune, returning around 28 mpg combined.
This is the original Encore at its most modern inside, just before the GX arrived, and it remains a comfortable, easy-to-own small SUV.
Pros:
- Refreshed interior and infotainment
- Available 153-hp turbo
- Comfortable, hushed ride
- Reasonable used pricing
Cons:
- Slow with the base 138-hp tune
- Cramped for taller passengers
Verdict: The refreshed first-gen Encore that feels newer than its age.
6. 2023 Buick Encore GX
Engine: 1.3L turbo I3, 155 hp / 174 lb-ft, 9-speed automatic | Best for: Late GX buyers wanting more standard tech
The 2023 Encore GX 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. 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.
Pros:
- Newest pre-redesign GX tech
- Strong 174-lb-ft turbo three
- Available AWD and modern aids
- Low used mileage available
Cons:
- Highest used price of the GX years
- Three-cylinder still buzzy
Verdict: The most current GX before the redesign — pay up for low miles.
7. 2017 Buick Encore
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138–153 hp, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Pre-refresh value with proven mechanicals
The 2017 Encore is 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 cars, just with the older dashboard. 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.
Pros:
- Proven, low-cost 1.4L turbo
- Affordable used pricing
- Quiet ride for the segment
- Simple, durable mechanicals
Cons:
- Pre-refresh interior and tech
- Modest power and acceleration
Verdict: A dependable budget Encore for buyers who skip the latest tech.
8. 2016 Buick Encore
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp | Best for: Lowest-cost late-availability entry
The 2016 Encore 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 aids, but for a buyer who simply wants an inexpensive, comfortable city crossover, it delivers.
Check service history, as higher-mileage examples are common at this age.
Pros:
- Among the cheapest Encores to buy
- Quiet, comfortable around town
- Available all-wheel drive
- Compact, easy to park
Cons:
- Older tech and safety gear
- Higher-mileage examples common
Verdict: The bargain-basement Encore for budget city drivers.
9. 2015 Buick Encore
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp | Best for: Early but settled first-gen example
The 2015 Encore 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. 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.
Pros:
- Settled, post-launch first-gen build
- Very low used prices
- Quiet, isolated ride
- Widely available parts
Cons:
- Modest 138-hp output only
- Dated infotainment
Verdict: A cheap, settled first-gen Encore — buy the best-maintained one.
10. 2013 Buick Encore (debut year)
Engine: 1.4L turbo I4, 138 hp, 6-speed automatic | Best for: Collectors of the original small-luxury-SUV pioneer
The 2013 Encore 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.
Pros:
- The original, segment-defining Encore
- Lowest purchase price of all
- Surprisingly quiet for its size
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- First-model-year risk
- Least power and oldest tech
Verdict: The historic original — cheapest of all, but buy strictly on condition.
Which Encore Year Is Right for You?
How to Choose
- Decide GX versus original first. The Encore GX (2020+) is a larger, newer vehicle than the first-generation Encore (2013–2022). They share a name but not a platform.
- Get the 1.3L turbo on a GX. The optional 1.3-liter turbo three (155 hp / 174 lb-ft) is far better than the base 1.2L with its CVT. Confirm which engine a used GX has.
- On first-gen cars, the 1.4L turbo is standard. Upper trims tune it to 153 hp; base trims make 138 hp. The difference is noticeable around town.
- Prioritize safety equipment. Newer years add automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard — worth seeking out.
- Buy on maintenance records. With small turbo engines, oil-change history and timing maintenance matter more than the model year alone.
- Check infotainment software. Earliest GX builds needed updates; verify they were applied.
What matters less than it seems: badge trim names and wheel size. A well-maintained Sport Touring or Select will outlast a neglected top trim.
FAQ
What is the most reliable Buick Encore year? Late first-generation years like 2018–2019 and the settled 2021–2022 Encore GX tend to have the cleanest histories, with early flaws resolved and the better engines available.
What engine should I look for in a used Encore GX? The optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (155 hp / 174 lb-ft) with the nine-speed automatic. Avoid relying on the base 1.2-liter turbo with its CVT if you want stronger acceleration.
Is the Encore GX different from the regular Encore? Yes. The Encore GX (2020–present) is a larger, newer vehicle on a different platform, while the original Encore (2013–2022) is a smaller subcompact. They overlapped in showrooms but are distinct cars.
Which Encore is the best value used? The 2019 Encore Sport Touring, often found under $15,000, delivers a quiet cabin, the proven 1.4-liter turbo, and late-run refinement for the money.
Bottom Line
The Best Overall Buick Encore is the 2022 Encore GX Essence, combining the strong 1.3-liter turbo (155 hp / 174 lb-ft), available all-wheel drive, and the most mature features and software in the line. The Best Value is the 2019 Encore Sport Touring, a late first-generation model that delivers Buick quietness and a proven turbo for well under $15,000.
Choose the GX for space and modern tech, the original for bargain comfort, and always buy on maintenance records over headline trim names.
Sources
- Car and Driver — Buick Encore and Encore GX reviews and specifications
- Edmunds — used Buick Encore pricing and model-year reviews
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Encore and Encore GX values and ownership data
- Consumer Reports — Buick Encore reliability ratings by model year
- IIHS — Buick Encore and Encore GX crash-test ratings
- EPA — fuel economy estimates for the Encore and Encore GX
- General Motors / Buick — official Encore GX specifications and trim details
*Buick Encore review — Buick Encore reviews, rating, best Buick Encore model year, review 2027, and a review of the top Buick Encore years for used buyers.*