The 2017 Buick Encore specs suggest that irrespective of the trim level, all the Encore SUVs are equipped with a Turbocharged EcoTec 1.4 liter inline-4 engine capable of generating a decent 138-horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. There is an optional engine, a turbocharged inline-4 making 153hp and it offers a considerable bump in the overall performance of the vehicle. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which will direct all the power to the front wheels or all the wheels depending on the drivetrain you select.
The refinement levels of the motor are more than just decent and the turbo-lag is almost negligible. Even when the SUV is fully loaded, the performance remains mostly intact. Under hard acceleration, the motor gets slightly vocal but quickly settles down once the vehicle has picked up the pace. The motor packs in enough grunt to move around the city effortlessly and cruise along the freeways without any hassle.
Model
|
Buick Encore
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Fiat 500X (Pop)
|
MSRP
|
$22,990
|
$19,960
|
$21,000
|
$19,995
|
Engine
|
1.4 liter inline 4
|
2.0 liter inline-4
|
1.4 liter inline 4
|
1.4 liter inline-4
|
Transmission
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed manual
|
Horsepower
|
138 hp
|
146 hp
|
138 hp
|
160 hp
|
Torque
|
148 lb-ft
|
146 lb-ft
|
148 lb-ft
|
184 lb-ft
|
Coming to the competitors, the most powerful one is the Fiat 500X making 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Then comes the Mazda CX-3 making 146 hp, followed by the two GM brand’s similar offerings, the Buick Encore and the Chevrolet Trax, both making 138 hp. When it comes to torque comparison, again Fiat takes the lead with 184 lb-ft. It is safe to say that the Encore is at par with its segment rivals.
Acceleration
Considering the fact that the 2017 Buick Encore generates a humble 138 horsepower from its 1.4-liter motor, we do not expect something extraordinary but the SUV is not entirely a slouch considering its price and specs.
The SUV does the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.5 seconds, the standing quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds, and will achieve a top speed of 120 mph. The numbers are decent enough for a daily driver but making those quick overtakes will take longer than expected.
Model
|
Buick Encore
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Fiat 500X (Pop)
|
0-60 MPH
|
8.5
|
8.3
|
9.3
|
8.5
|
Quarter-mile
|
16.6
|
16.4
|
16.9
|
16.6
|
Engine
|
1.4L
|
2.0L
|
1.4L
|
1.4L
|
Top Speed
|
120
|
125
|
120
|
130
|
The quickest 0-60 time is from the Mazda CX-3 with a time of 8.3 seconds. This is closely followed by the Buick Encore and the Fiat 500X, both setting a time of 8.5 seconds, and then comes the Chevrolet Trax with a time of 9.3 seconds. In quarter-mile timings, again Mazda takes the crown for being the quickest one by completing it in 16.4 seconds.
Ride and Handling
As expected from a Buick car, the Encore is very much in line with the other models of the brand. The 2017 Buick Encore offers one of the most silent cabins in the segment that have been loaded with extensive sound-absorbing materials and active noise-cancellation technology. The suspension is well-tuned and absorbs almost every imperfection on the road. The slightly softer suspension setup however results in lethargic handling and a bit of pronounced body roll while taking sharp corners at higher speeds. Overall, the ride and handling aspect of the SUV is at par with its rivals.
Braking
The 2017 Buick Encore is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes measuring 11.8 inch-rotors on the front and 10.6-inch rotors in the rear. The brakes are capable of bringing the SUV from 60 mph to a halt in 119 feet. The brakes also have the feature of ABS, which does help the driver to feel a bit more confident under hard and panic braking situations.
Model
|
Buick Encore
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Fiat 500X (Pop)
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
11.8
|
11.0
|
11.8
|
12.0
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
10.6
|
11.1
|
11.8
|
11.0
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3237
|
2809
|
2805
|
2967
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
119
|
117
|
119
|
123
|
The best 60 mph to 0 stopping distance is set by the Mazda CX-3 of 117 feet. Then comes the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore as both set a distance of 119 feet. Following this is the Fiat 500X pop with a distance of 123 feet. Compared to the segment rivals, the braking performance of the Encore SUV is quite impressive since it is the heaviest among the rivals on the list.
Also read:
- Learn more about the 2021 Encore GX's performance here->>
- Have a first look at the new and enticing 2022 Buick Encore SUV!!