This subcompact crossover tries to deliver Buick refinement in a budget-friendly package, and mostly succeeds, until you need to merge onto a highway. The turbocharged three-cylinder engines feel genuinely sluggish under load, turning acceleration into a patience exercise rather than a confidence boost. Families with three kids consistently report the cabin feels cramped, though the cargo area punches above its weight class. The current generation (2020+) uses different engines than the troubled original Encore, and early owners report solid reliability with regular oil changes, but there's not enough mileage out there yet to call it proven. Buy it if you want a quiet, comfortable commuter with nicer materials than the Chevy Trax, skip it if you need quick merging power or room for a growing family.
This crossover drives like a hot hatch with a premium interior that punches above its $26k-$30k price tag, but that 12.7-gallon fuel tank means you'll be filling up every 300 miles even with decent highway mileage. The rear seats are legitimately cramped, fine for errands or small kids, miserable for adults on road trips. Owners rave about the handling, the upscale cabin, and crash safety that's proven itself in real-world wrecks at highway speeds. The turbo is quick and fun but drinks premium fuel; the base engine is the smarter daily driver. If you're a single or couple who values driving enjoyment over cargo space, this is the most engaging small crossover you can buy. If you need family room or haul gear regularly, step up to the CX-5.