2017 Buick Encore: World Debut from New York [Video]

2017 Buick Encore NYC debut
Photo by Steve Fecht for Buick

The Buick Encore was the company’s best-selling vehicle for 2015 in North America, accounting for nearly one-third of overall sales. Combine that with the fact that SUVs make up approximately 60 percent of all Buick sales, and the newly revealed 2017 Encore carries some weight on its shoulders. To maintain the momentum of its biggest seller, Buick has given the Encore a refresh inside and out. New front headlamps and winged-grille with a new tri-color emblem give the vehicle the equivalent of a facelift and makeover while new LED tail lamps and chrome exhaust outlet round out the rear updates.

Also fresh are the body-color exterior mirrors, 18-inch wheel design, and three new color options: Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, and White Frost Metallic. For the new Encore, Buick has seemingly adopted the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t tweak it too much.”

“The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service, and Marketing. “In a rapidly evolving segment, the Encore continues to lead with smart, purposeful updates and a new level of technology-infused elegance and refinement.”

Inside, every new Encore model has 48.4 cubic feet of storage space and seating for five with a 60/40 second row of seats. An updated instrument panel, new gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch display, and center stack with an 8-inch color touch screen also keep the Encore current. Users can interface with the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as connect to the vehicle’s Wi-Fi hotspot for 4G LTE.

Powering the Encore is the standard 1.4-liter turbo-four mated to a 6-speed auto, which together earn an EPA fuel economy rating of 25/33 mpg city/highway for FWD models. A more powerful and more torque-y direct-injected 1.4L turbo-four with start-stop capability is available on certain trims. This engine bests the standard engine’s fuel economy figures with a rating of 28/34 mpg city/highway on FWD models.

Andre was at the Buick Encore’s debut in NYC and brings us this “everything you ever wanted to know” video.