Best & Worst Buick Encore Years

I've taken a closer look at every Buick Encore from 2013 until the latest model and categorized the best & worst years in this guide.

Ready to uncover the finest and worst years of the Buick Encore?

We’ve analyzed data from trusted sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds to give you the most accurate insights.

From reliability and safety to owner satisfaction and resale values, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll know which Encore years are worth your money and which to avoid.

Let’s plunge in!

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Table of ContentsShow

Buick Encore Generations

The Buick Encore burst onto the scene in 2013, marking Buick’s bold entry into the compact crossover SUV market. This little dynamo quickly turned heads with its upscale interior, velvety ride, and city-friendly dimensions.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the Buick Encore’s evolution from 2013 to 2022:

GenerationYears
1st generation2013-2022

Understanding these generational shifts is crucial for potential buyers. Why? Because significant changes in tech, design, and performance can make or break your driving experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on a game-changing feature just because you didn’t do your homework!

Buick Encore Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

When it comes to picking the cream of the crop (or avoiding the lemons) in Buick Encore years, we don’t mess around. Our examination takes into account a whole smorgasbord of elements, including:

  • Owner-reported reliability (because who knows a car better than the people driving it?)
  • Annual maintenance costs (your wallet will thank you for this one)
  • Safety ratings (because, well, safety first!)
  • Consumer Reports reliability scores
  • Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
  • NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
  • Edmunds owner ratings
  • JD Power owner ratings
  • Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
  • VehicleHistory owner ratings
  • Cars.com owner ratings

We’ve crunched all these numbers and compiled them into one handy graph. It’s like a report card for each Buick Encore year – no need to thank us, we’re just doing our job!

Buick Encore Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

Now, feast your eyes on this table that categorizes all Buick Encore model years into the best, neutral, and worst years. We’ve done this based on our thorough research and analysis, so you don’t have to.

GenerationBest YearsNeutral YearsWorst Years
1st generation2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2013
2014
2016
2017
2015

A swift note on our “Neutral Years” – these are the middle-of-the-road performers. They didn’t set the world on fire, but they also didn’t crash and burn. Think of them as the “mediocre” years.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: we take NHTSA recalls pretty seriously in our rankings. The more complaints and recalls a vehicle has, the lower its reliability tends to be. It’s just common sense, right?

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the finest, neutral, and worst years of the Buick Encore. Buckle up, folks!

Best & Worst Years for Buick Encore 1st Generation (2013-2022)

Buick Encore 1st generation 2013model
The 2013 Buick Encore

The Buick Encore hit the streets in 2013, kicking off its first generation with a bang. This small luxury compact aimed to blend the best of both worlds – the upscale feel of a high-end ride with the practicality of a city-friendly SUV.

After crunching the numbers, we’ve found that 2015 is the year to steer clear of. On the flip side, if you’re hunting for the cream of the crop, focus your search on the Encore models from 2018 to 2022.

The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

If you’re after the finest of the best in the first-gen Buick Encore, look no further than the 2018-2022 models. These years saw some significant upgrades in both reliability and features.

Under the hood, you’ll find a peppy 1.4L turbocharged I4 engine. It might not win any drag races with its 138 hp, but it’ll give you a smooth ride and decent fuel economy – we’re talking about 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. Not too shabby, right?

The 6-speed automatic transmission in these models is like butter – silky and responsive. No jerky gear changes here!

But the real magic happens inside the cabin. These years saw some excellent upgrades to the infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Safety features got a boost too, with additions like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

If you’re feeling fancy, the higher trims (like the Essence) offer some substantial luxury. We’re talking leather seats that’ll make you feel like royalty, and heated seats that’ll make winter mornings a lot more bearable.

The cherry on top? These models have outstanding reliability ratings and fewer mechanical issues. It’s no wonder owners are singing their praises!

The Neutral Years: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017

Now, let’s talk about the typical years: 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. These Encore models are neither standouts nor total duds.

You’ll still find that trusty 1.4L turbocharged engine under the hood, offering similar power and fuel efficiency as the best years. The ride is comfortable, and you get some nice standard features like a touchscreen infotainment system and decent safety tech.

But here’s the catch: the 2013 and 2014 models had some engine-related issues, particularly with the turbocharger. It wasn’t as terrible as the worst year, but still something to keep in mind.

The 2016 and 2017 models? They ironed out some of those kinks but still had minor engine issues pop up now and then. Think of these as the “almost there” years – better than the early models, but not quite as refined as the later ones.

The Worst Years: 2015

Alright, steel yourself. The 2015 Buick Encore is the black sheep of the family. Here’s why you might want to think twice before bringing this one home:

Owners reported a lengthy list of issues, including:

  • PVC valve cover leaks (nobody likes an oily engine bay)
  • Excessive oil consumption (hope you like frequent top-ups!)
  • Loss of power steering assist (arm day, every day!)
  • Brake system failures (yikes!)

These aren’t just minor irritations – we’re talking about substantial problems that affect the car’s reliability and safety. Not exactly what you want in your daily driver, right?

To add insult to injury, the 2015 Encore was hit with recalls for power steering and frontal airbag issues. Talk about a double whammy!

All these problems put a substantial dent in the 2015 Encore’s reputation. If you’re looking for that legendary Buick reliability and luxury, you might want to look elsewhere.

Want to see the full list of headaches?

Check out the NHTSA 2015 Buick Encore recalls and grievances. Fair warning: it’s not attractive.

Buick Encore Resale Values

Inquisitive about how well the Buick Encore holds its value over time? Take a look at this graph showing the typical resale values across various model years.

Buick Encore Average List Price

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on the Buick Encore? If you’re looking for the finest of the line, set your sights on the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models. These years offer the best blend of reliability, features, and overall value.

On the flip side, if you see a 2015 Buick Encore, you might want to keep on walking. It’s got more problems than a gossip magazine.

Now, here’s where you come in. We’ve laid out the facts, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you value most in a car. Maybe you’re all about that comfortable ride, or perhaps fuel economy is your top priority. Whatever it is, we want to hear from you!

So, what features of the Buick Encore are you most excited about?

Drop a remark below and let us know!

Your insights could help fellow car shoppers make the right choice.

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.