Buick Encore Best Years: The Smartest Models to Buy Used

The Buick Encore has always occupied an interesting corner of the used-SUV market. It is small enough to slip into a tight parking space, comfortable enough for a long commute, and upscale enough to feel more special than a basic economy crossover. Think of it as a compact city apartment with leather furniture: modest in size, but surprisingly pleasant once we settle inside.

However, not every model year delivers the same ownership experience.

Some Buick Encore years combine sensible pricing, improved technology, respectable reliability, and manageable maintenance costs. Others may expose us to turbocharger trouble, cooling-system leaks, electrical glitches, transmission concerns, or repair bills that arrive like uninvited dinner guests.

So, what are the Buick Encore best years?

For most used-car shoppers, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 deserve the strongest consideration. Among them, the 2019 Buick Encore is arguably the best all-around choice, while the 2020 model provides excellent value and the 2022 Encore appeals to buyers who want the newest version of the original design.

That does not mean every vehicle from these years will be trouble-free. Maintenance history, mileage, climate, previous ownership, and accident damage can matter more than the number printed on the registration. Still, choosing a stronger model year gives us a much better starting point.

Let’s explore which Buick Encore years rise above the crowd, which ones require extra caution, and how we can find a used example that will not turn our driveway into a mechanic’s waiting room.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Buick Encore Years?

The best Buick Encore years are generally:

1. 2019 Buick Encore — Best overall
2. 2020 Buick Encore — Best value
3. 2018 Buick Encore — Best affordable choice
4. 2017 Buick Encore — Best updated early model
5. 2022 Buick Encore — Best final-year model

The 2019 Buick Encore earns our top recommendation because it sits near the mature end of the original model’s production cycle. It benefits from the styling and interior updates introduced for 2017 while avoiding the premium often attached to the final model year.

The 2020 Encore is another strong candidate, although we must be careful not to confuse it with the completely different 2020 Encore GX. The original Encore and the Encore GX were sold alongside one another, but they use different platforms, engines, transmissions, and body designs.

Buick Encore Best Years at a Glance

Model year	Overall recommendation	Main advantage	Main concern
2017	Good	Updated cabin and styling	Aging turbo and cooling components
2018	Very good	Balanced price and equipment	Maintenance history remains essential
2019	Excellent	Best overall balance	Modest engine performance
2020	Excellent	Strong used-market value	Easily confused with Encore GX
2021	Fair to good	Newer age	Simplified lineup and limited availability
2022	Very good	Final and newest original Encore	Higher price and older safety design
2013–2015	Mixed	Low purchase price	Greater age-related repair risk
2016	Mixed to good	Available stronger engine	More complicated model-year variations

These rankings should guide our search rather than replace a proper inspection. A beautifully maintained 2017 Encore can be a smarter purchase than a neglected 2020 model with missing service records and four mismatched tires.

Understanding the Original Buick Encore

Before ranking individual years, we need to understand what the Buick Encore actually is.

The original North American Encore arrived for the 2013 model year as a subcompact crossover. It shared much of its engineering with the Chevrolet Trax and the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. Its formula was simple: combine a tall seating position, compact dimensions, available all-wheel drive, a quiet cabin, and Buick-style comfort.

The original Encore remained on sale through the 2022 model year, after which Buick continued with the larger Encore GX as its entry-level SUV.

That long production run worked in the Encore’s favour. Automakers often correct early manufacturing problems, revise software, improve replacement components, and simplify production as a vehicle matures. Consequently, later Encore years tend to be easier to recommend than the earliest examples.

Original Encore Versus Encore GX

The Encore GX is not simply a trim level of the Encore.

Despite the similar name, it is a separate vehicle. The Encore GX is:

• Longer and roomier
• Built on a different platform
• Powered by three-cylinder turbo engines
• Equipped with newer technology
• Available with different transmission configurations
• Designed with more modern driver-assistance features

When searching online listings, we should study the photographs and model description carefully. A seller may shorten “Encore GX” to “Encore,” creating confusion.

Why This Distinction Matters

Reliability advice for a 2019 original Encore does not automatically apply to a 2021 Encore GX. Parts, common problems, engine designs, and repair procedures differ.

For this guide, our main rankings concern the original Buick Encore sold from 2013 through 2022.

Why the 2019 Buick Encore Is the Best Overall Year

The 2019 Buick Encore lands in the sweet spot of the model’s history.

By 2019, Buick had already introduced the substantial 2017 refresh. The exterior looked more modern, the dashboard felt cleaner, and the infotainment system was better integrated. At the same time, the Encore had not yet entered the confusing period when the original model and Encore GX shared showroom space.

In practical terms, the 2019 model offers the right combination of:

• Modern-enough cabin technology
• Mature mechanical design
• Comfortable ride quality
• Manageable exterior dimensions
• Available all-wheel drive
• Broad used-market availability
• Lower pricing than final-year examples

The 2019 Encore also received generally strong conventional crashworthiness results for its era, although its active-safety technology was limited compared with newer SUVs. IIHS rated several core crashworthiness categories positively, while noting that advanced pedestrian-detection technology was unavailable and the optional vehicle-to-vehicle prevention system offered only basic performance.

What Makes the 2019 Model Feel Modern?

The 2019 interior is not futuristic, but it remains easy to live with. That matters.

Some modern vehicles hide basic functions inside complicated touch-screen menus. The Encore still gives us a straightforward layout, physical controls, a sensible driving position, and an infotainment system that does not require a university degree to operate.

Depending on trim and equipment, shoppers may find:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats
• A heated steering wheel
• Remote start
• Leather-appointed seating
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• A Bose audio system

Not every feature came standard, so we should verify equipment by VIN or by inspecting the vehicle rather than trusting a copied dealership description.

Who Should Buy a 2019 Encore?

The 2019 model suits:

• Urban commuters
• Retired drivers
• Couples without large cargo requirements
• First-time SUV buyers
• Drivers moving up from a small hatchback
• Shoppers who value comfort over acceleration
• Buyers who want an affordable premium-brand vehicle

Its engine will not pin us to the seat. That is not the Encore’s mission. It is designed to move calmly through traffic, absorb broken pavement, and fit into spaces larger SUVs treat like a puzzle.

Why the 2020 Buick Encore Is the Best Value

The 2020 Buick Encore can offer remarkable value because it is often overshadowed by the Encore GX launched around the same period.

That market confusion can work in our favour.

Many buyers focus on the newer-looking GX, leaving the original 2020 Encore as a less fashionable but potentially more affordable alternative. Mechanically, it follows the well-established formula of the later original Encore years. It is familiar, compact, comfortable, and widely serviceable.

Advantages of the 2020 Encore

The strongest reasons to consider one include:

• A mature platform
• Lower depreciation than when new
• Easier parking than the Encore GX
• A comfortable and relatively quiet cabin
• Straightforward controls
• Available all-wheel drive
• Good feature availability on higher trims
• Usually lower prices than many newer subcompact SUVs

A clean 2020 model with moderate mileage may represent the best intersection between age and price. It is new enough to feel current but old enough to have absorbed a significant portion of its depreciation.

The 2020 Model’s Biggest Shopping Trap

We cannot overstate the naming issue.

Search results for “2020 Buick Encore” may mix together:

• 2020 Buick Encore
• 2020 Buick Encore GX
• Front-wheel-drive versions
• All-wheel-drive versions
• Different engines and transmissions

The GX has a wider, more contemporary body and a different interior. We should confirm the exact model before comparing prices, reading reliability reports, or ordering parts.

A Note About Recalls

Certain Buick vehicles from the period were included in safety campaigns, so a VIN-specific recall check is essential. One GM recall covering certain vehicles, including some 2019–2020 Buick models, involved missing bolts that could contribute to a transmission-fluid leak.

A recall does not automatically make a vehicle unreliable. It means we need to verify that the manufacturer’s repair has been completed.

Why the 2018 Buick Encore Is a Strong Affordable Choice

The 2018 Buick Encore often costs less than a comparable 2019 or 2020 model while retaining nearly all the qualities that make those vehicles attractive.

It benefits from the refreshed styling and interior introduced one year earlier. In other words, it looks and feels much newer than the earliest Encores without demanding the price of a late-production example.

Reasons to Consider a 2018 Model

A 2018 Encore may be ideal when we want:

• A lower purchase price
• Updated interior styling
• Smartphone integration
• A comfortable city-oriented suspension
• Available luxury equipment
• A compact turning circle
• Better value than a newer crossover

This model year is old enough that maintenance condition becomes especially important. Rubber hoses, seals, suspension bushings, batteries, wheel bearings, turbo-related components, and cooling-system parts do not care whether a vehicle has a good reputation. Time still takes its toll.

Mileage Versus Maintenance

Would we rather buy an Encore with 65,000 miles and no records, or one with 90,000 miles supported by invoices, regular oil changes, cooling-system maintenance, and documented repairs?

In many cases, the higher-mileage vehicle is the safer bet.

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Turbocharged engines depend heavily on proper lubrication. Long oil-change intervals, low oil levels, incorrect oil, and repeated short journeys can encourage sludge, wear, and turbocharger trouble. A thick folder of service records can be worth more than shiny paint.

Why the 2017 Buick Encore Was an Important Improvement

The 2017 Buick Encore marked a turning point.

Buick refreshed the exterior and revised the cabin, giving the Encore a cleaner grille, more contemporary lighting, a redesigned dashboard, and a more modern infotainment layout. The update did not transform the vehicle into an entirely new generation, but it made it feel considerably less dated.

This is why 2017 is usually the earliest year we recommend enthusiastically.

What Changed for 2017?

The refresh brought improvements such as:

• Revised front-end styling
• A cleaner centre dashboard
• Updated gauges
• Better infotainment integration
• A more modern visual identity
• Expanded connectivity features

The driving experience remained familiar. The Encore continued to prioritize comfort, visibility, and compact dimensions rather than speed or aggressive handling.

Is a 2017 Encore Too Old?

Not necessarily.

Age is only one piece of the puzzle. A garaged 2017 model driven gently and serviced regularly can still be an excellent urban vehicle. However, we must budget for age-related work.

Possible expenses may include:

• Battery replacement
• Cooling-system repairs
• Suspension links or bushings
• Wheel bearings
• Ignition coils or spark plugs
• Turbocharger-related components
• Air-conditioning repairs
• Oil leaks
• Engine or transmission mounts

A pre-purchase inspection becomes non-negotiable at this age.

Is the 2022 Buick Encore One of the Best Years?

The 2022 Encore was the final model year of the original North American version, making it attractive to shoppers who want the newest possible example.

Final-year vehicles often benefit from years of production experience. Parts suppliers, assembly plants, technicians, and dealers already understand the platform. There are fewer mysteries than we might encounter with an all-new first-year design.

Advantages of the 2022 Encore

The 2022 model gives us:

• The newest age within the original generation
• Fewer years of exposure to road salt and weather
• A familiar, proven mechanical layout
• Modern smartphone connectivity
• A comfortable driving position
• Potentially lower mileage
• Easier financing than much older examples

However, “newest” does not always mean “best value.”

Because the 2022 version was the final original Encore, sellers may ask a premium. At that point, we should compare it with newer Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Honda HR-V listings.

A Safety Perspective on the 2022 Model

The 2022 Encore retained respectable results in several traditional IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it performed poorly in the institute’s updated moderate-overlap evaluation and only acceptably in the updated side test.

That does not make it an unsafe vehicle in every context, but it reveals the limitations of an older structure facing newer, more demanding testing standards.

Buyers prioritizing the latest crash protection and driver-assistance systems may prefer a newer-generation competitor.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore a Good Year?

The 2021 Encore can be a reasonable purchase, but it is not always our first recommendation.

By this point, Buick’s attention had shifted toward the Encore GX. The original Encore continued in a more limited role, with a simplified lineup and less variety than before.

That does not make the 2021 model undesirable. It still offers the familiar virtues of the original Encore:

• Easy manoeuvrability
• Comfortable front seats
• Good outward visibility
• A quiet ride for its size
• Simple controls
• Available all-wheel drive in some configurations

The issue is value.

A 2021 Encore may sit uncomfortably close in price to a more modern Encore GX or another newer subcompact SUV. We should compare the total package rather than assuming the newer model year is automatically superior.

Which Buick Encore Years Should We Approach Carefully?

The earlier Encores are not guaranteed disasters, but they require more caution.

The 2013, 2014, 2015, and some 2016 models are now old enough for accumulated wear to become a major factor. Early-production vehicles may also be more vulnerable to complaints involving the turbocharged engine, cooling system, electrical equipment, and various leaks.

2013 Buick Encore

The 2013 model introduced the Encore to North America. First-year vehicles often carry the greatest uncertainty because manufacturing processes, software, and component designs have not yet benefited from years of field experience.

A 2013 Encore may be inexpensive, but the low price can hide:

• Deferred maintenance
• Turbocharger wear
• Cooling-system leaks
• Electrical faults
• Oil consumption
• Worn suspension parts
• Aging seals and hoses
• Rust underneath the vehicle

Buying one is not automatically a mistake, but we need a generous repair reserve.

2014 Buick Encore

The 2014 model may improve on certain first-year details, yet it still belongs to the earliest phase of production.

At this age, condition matters much more than trim level. A luxurious interior cannot compensate for overheating history, low oil pressure, coolant loss, or neglected turbocharger maintenance.

2015 Buick Encore

The 2015 model can appear tempting because it often sits at an attractive price point. Nevertheless, we should inspect it carefully for evidence of cooling-system problems, rough running, warning lights, oil leaks, and delayed maintenance.

A bargain-priced premium crossover can become expensive surprisingly quickly. It is like buying a discounted boat: the purchase price may be the cheapest part of the experience.

2016 Buick Encore

The 2016 model is more complicated to rank because some versions offered a stronger turbocharged engine.

Extra power improves the Encore’s relaxed performance, especially during highway merging. However, greater complexity and differences between engine options mean we must identify exactly what is under the hood.

The 2016 year can be worthwhile when well maintained, but the 2017 refresh makes the newer model easier to recommend for most shoppers.

Common Buick Encore Problems to Check Before Buying

Even the best Buick Encore years can develop faults. Used vehicles do not read rankings.

The following areas deserve close attention during a test drive and inspection.

Turbocharger Problems

The Encore’s small turbocharged engine relies on the turbo to produce usable low-speed torque. When the system is healthy, acceleration feels smooth and predictable. When problems develop, we may notice:

• Reduced engine power
• Hesitation
• Whining or siren-like noises
• Blue or grey exhaust smoke
• Check-engine warnings
• Oil leaks
• Underboost fault codes
• Poor acceleration

Turbocharger failure can result from wear, oil starvation, contaminated oil, failed oil-feed components, or issues elsewhere in the intake and boost-control system.

How to Protect the Turbo

We should look for documented oil changes using the correct specification and sensible intervals. After starting a cold engine, listen for unusual rattling. During the test drive, accelerate gradually and then more firmly, checking for smooth boost without smoke or warning messages.

Cooling-System Leaks

Cooling-system trouble is particularly important because overheating can turn a manageable repair into serious engine damage.

Inspect for:

• Low coolant level
• Sweet coolant smell
• Dampness around hoses
• Deposits near coolant connections
• Temperature fluctuations
• Cooling fans running excessively
• Heater performance that changes unexpectedly
• Previous overheating warnings

Never open a hot cooling system. A qualified technician should pressure-test it when there is any doubt.

Check-Engine Light and Reduced-Power Messages

A check-engine light can represent anything from a loose connection to a major boost, ignition, emissions, or engine-control problem.

Do not accept a seller’s claim that it is “probably just a sensor.”

We should request a diagnostic scan, record the codes, and investigate the cause. Recently cleared codes can also be suspicious. When readiness monitors are incomplete, someone may have erased the warning shortly before our arrival.

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Ignition and Rough-Running Problems

Spark plugs and ignition coils can cause:

• Rough idle
• Misfires
• Shaking under acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Difficult starting
• Flashing check-engine light

A flashing check-engine light can indicate a damaging misfire. We should stop the test drive and avoid continuing to operate the vehicle aggressively.

Transmission Behaviour

Most original Encores use a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. During the test drive, it should shift smoothly when cold and fully warmed.

Watch for:

• Delayed engagement
• Harsh shifts
• Shuddering
• Slipping
• Fluid leaks
• Unusual humming
• Transmission warning messages
• Engine speed rising without matching acceleration

A single firm shift does not prove a transmission is failing, but repeated abnormal behaviour deserves professional diagnosis.

Electrical and Infotainment Glitches

Used Encores may experience problems involving:

• Touchscreen response
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Backup camera
• Power locks
• Keyless entry
• Window switches
• Battery drain
• Warning lights
• USB ports
• Climate-control electronics

Test every button. This may feel tedious, but five minutes spent checking switches can save hours of frustration later.

All-Wheel-Drive System Concerns

AWD can be useful in snow and slippery weather, but it adds components, weight, and maintenance considerations.

Check that all four tires:

• Match in brand and model
• Have similar tread depth
• Use the correct size
• Show even wear
• Are properly inflated

Substantial tire differences can place unnecessary stress on an all-wheel-drive system.

How Long Can a Buick Encore Last?

A properly maintained Buick Encore can potentially exceed 150,000 miles, and some examples may travel considerably farther. However, longevity depends on maintenance, driving conditions, oil-change habits, climate, and how quickly emerging problems are repaired.

We should not treat 150,000 miles as an expiration date. Nor should we assume every Encore will reach it without major expense.

A vehicle used mainly for short urban trips may show lower mileage but greater wear from:

• Frequent cold starts
• Stop-and-go driving
• Limited battery-charging time
• Moisture accumulation
• Repeated heat cycles
• Potholes and curb impacts

Meanwhile, a higher-mileage highway vehicle may have enjoyed steady operating temperatures and fewer transmission shifts.

How Much Mileage Is Too Much?

There is no universal number, but these ranges provide a practical framework:

Under 50,000 Miles

This is attractive mileage, particularly on a later-year Encore. Still, confirm that oil changes were performed based on time as well as distance. A low-mileage vehicle can be neglected.

50,000 to 90,000 Miles

This is often the used-market sweet spot. The vehicle has depreciated meaningfully, yet it may still have plenty of usable life.

At this stage, inspect brakes, tires, battery, suspension, spark plugs, fluids, cooling components, and service records.

90,000 to 130,000 Miles

A purchase can still make sense, but price and history become crucial. We should expect more wear-related repairs and budget accordingly.

Over 130,000 Miles

Buy mainly on condition, documentation, inspection results, and price. At this mileage, even a best-year Encore can require turbo, suspension, cooling, electrical, or drivetrain work.

Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive?

For most buyers, the front-wheel-drive Encore is the simpler choice.

FWD versions generally offer:

• Fewer drivetrain components
• Slightly lower weight
• Potentially better fuel economy
• Lower purchase prices
• Reduced mechanical complexity

AWD may be worthwhile for buyers who regularly face snow, steep roads, or loose surfaces. However, AWD does not improve braking on ice, and it does not replace winter tires.

Which Version Is More Reliable?

Front-wheel drive has fewer components that can wear or leak, so it carries a theoretical long-term simplicity advantage.

That said, a maintained AWD Encore can still be dependable. We should focus on service history and tire condition rather than rejecting AWD automatically.

Which Buick Encore Trim Is Best?

Trim names changed over the years, but Encore models commonly appeared in configurations such as:

• Base
• Preferred
• Sport Touring
• Essence
• Leather
• Premium

For most used shoppers, the Preferred or Sport Touring trim offers a sensible balance. Higher trims may add desirable comfort and safety equipment, but they can also introduce more electronics and features that require checking.

Why the Highest Trim Is Not Always Best

A fully equipped Encore may include leather upholstery, advanced lighting, parking aids, a premium stereo, heated features, and additional driver-assistance equipment.

That sounds appealing. Yet a simpler model may cost less to purchase and leave fewer expensive gadgets to repair.

The best trim is the one that includes features we will actually use.

How to Inspect a Used Buick Encore

A careful inspection should begin before we turn the key.

Exterior Checklist

Look for:

• Uneven panel gaps
• Paint overspray
• Mismatched paint shades
• Cracked lights
• Damaged wheels
• Uneven tire wear
• Rust underneath
• Fluid spots below the engine
• Windshield cracks
• Signs of previous collision repair

Interior Checklist

Check:

• Seat wear
• Water stains
• Musty smells
• Carpet dampness
• Touchscreen operation
• Air-conditioning performance
• Heater function
• Windows and locks
• Backup camera
• Steering-wheel controls
• Warning lights during startup

Every warning light should illuminate briefly when the ignition is switched on and then turn off after the engine starts. A warning lamp that never appears may have been disabled.

Cold-Start Checklist

Ask the seller not to start the car before our arrival.

A cold start can reveal:

• Timing or valvetrain noise
• Weak battery performance
• Exhaust smoke
• Rough idle
• Misfires
• Slow oil-pressure buildup
• Cooling-system behaviour

A warm engine can hide symptoms.

Test-Drive Checklist

During the drive:

1. Test gentle and firm acceleration.
2. Listen for turbo or wheel-bearing noise.
3. Observe transmission shifts.
4. Check steering alignment.
5. Brake from different speeds.
6. Drive over uneven pavement.
7. Test highway stability.
8. Watch the temperature gauge.
9. Check for warning messages.
10. Reinspect for leaks afterward.

Why a Pre-Purchase Inspection Matters

A pre-purchase inspection may be the most valuable money we spend during the buying process.

An independent technician can evaluate:

• Engine condition
• Turbocharger operation
• Cooling-system pressure
• Transmission behaviour
• Stored diagnostic codes
• Suspension wear
• Brake condition
• Tire age
• Fluid leaks
• Collision repairs
• Rust and underbody damage
• Outstanding maintenance

Skipping an inspection to save a small amount is like refusing to buy an umbrella because the clouds look friendly.

Check the VIN for Outstanding Recalls

Recall information applies to specific vehicles, not simply every Encore from a model year.

Before buying, use the VIN to check official recall databases. NHTSA explains that recalls are issued when a manufacturer or the agency identifies an unreasonable safety risk or a failure to meet applicable safety standards.

In Canada, buyers should also verify recall status through Transport Canada and a Buick or GM dealership.

Recall repairs are generally performed without charge, but we should confirm completion in writing.

Are Buick Encore Parts Expensive?

The Encore wears a premium badge, but it shares engineering and components with other General Motors products. This can make many mechanical parts more accessible than parts for a European luxury SUV.

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Routine items such as:

• Filters
• Brake pads
• Spark plugs
• Batteries
• Wiper blades
• Common suspension components

are usually manageable.

Costs rise when we face turbocharger repairs, internal engine damage, transmission work, major electrical diagnosis, air-conditioning faults, or difficult-to-access components.

Labour rates also vary dramatically. A trusted independent GM specialist may charge less than a dealership while still understanding the vehicle well.

Is the Buick Encore Fuel Efficient?

The Encore can deliver reasonable fuel economy for a small gasoline-powered crossover, although real-world results depend on drivetrain, weather, traffic, tire pressure, and driving style.

Its compact turbocharged engine performs best when we accelerate smoothly and allow the transmission to shift early. Heavy throttle, frequent short trips, winter idling, roof-mounted cargo, and underinflated tires can quickly reduce efficiency.

We should not expect hybrid-like economy. The Encore’s tall body, automatic transmission, and available AWD create compromises.

Is the Buick Encore Good in Snow?

With appropriate winter tires, the Encore can be a capable winter commuter.

Its advantages include:

• A relatively tall seating position
• Compact dimensions
• Available AWD
• Predictable controls
• Easy manoeuvrability
• Manageable power output

However, ground clearance is limited compared with a rugged SUV. Deep snow can overwhelm it, and its short wheelbase may feel lively on slippery roads.

Winter tires matter more than the badge on the tailgate.

Is the Buick Encore a Good First Car?

The Encore can make a good first vehicle for a driver who wants SUV-like visibility without managing a large body.

It is easy to park, modestly powered, comfortable, and practical for everyday errands. The rear camera and available parking sensors further reduce stress in tight spaces.

The main concern is repair affordability. A cheap early Encore with unknown history may not be ideal for a buyer without an emergency repair fund.

For a first-time owner, we would favour a documented 2018, 2019, or 2020 front-wheel-drive model over a heavily worn early example.

Is the Buick Encore Good for Families?

The Encore works for a small household, but space has limits.

It can handle:

• Two adults and one or two children
• Grocery runs
• School trips
• Small strollers
• Weekend luggage
• Daily commuting

Rear-seat space and cargo capacity may feel tight with bulky child seats, large strollers, sports equipment, or family road-trip luggage.

Before buying, bring the equipment we regularly carry. A specification sheet cannot tell us whether our stroller shape will cooperate with the cargo opening.

Buick Encore Best Year by Buyer Type

Best Overall: 2019 Buick Encore

Choose the 2019 model for the strongest balance of age, features, design maturity, price, and availability.

Best Value: 2020 Buick Encore

Choose 2020 when we want a newer vehicle without paying final-year prices. Confirm that the listing is for the original Encore rather than the Encore GX.

Best Budget Option: 2018 Buick Encore

Choose 2018 for refreshed styling and technology at a potentially lower price.

Best Low-Cost Updated Model: 2017 Buick Encore

Choose 2017 when budget matters but we still want the redesigned dashboard and exterior.

Best Newest Original Model: 2022 Buick Encore

Choose 2022 when low mileage and newer age matter more than getting the lowest possible price.

Best Version for Simplicity: Front-Wheel Drive

Choose FWD unless we genuinely need all-wheel-drive traction.

Should We Buy an Extended Warranty?

An extended warranty can make sense, but the contract matters more than the sales pitch.

Read the exclusions carefully. Some plans sound comprehensive but exclude:

• Diagnostic charges
• Seals and gaskets
• Turbocharger-related hoses
• Cooling-system components
• Electronic modules
• Pre-existing conditions
• Wear-related failures
• Maintenance-related damage

We should also confirm the claim limit, deductible, labour-rate allowance, approved repair facilities, and cancellation conditions.

Sometimes placing the warranty cost into a repair savings account is the smarter move.

How Much Should We Budget for Repairs?

Even after buying one of the Buick Encore best years, we should maintain an emergency fund.

A reasonable used-car reserve might cover:

• A battery
• A set of tires
• Brake service
• Cooling-system work
• Ignition components
• Suspension repairs
• Diagnostic labour

Older or higher-mileage examples deserve a larger reserve.

The true purchase price is not simply the number on the windshield. It includes immediate maintenance, registration, taxes, insurance, tires, inspections, and repairs required during the first year.

When Should We Walk Away?

We should leave the deal when we encounter:

• Evidence of overheating
• Persistent low coolant
• Blue exhaust smoke
• Severe turbo noise
• Transmission slipping
• Multiple warning lights
• Flood or water damage
• Significant structural collision repairs
• Heavy rust
• Missing VIN labels
• Inconsistent mileage records
• A seller refusing an inspection
• Recently erased diagnostic codes without explanation
• No maintenance history combined with a suspiciously low price

There will always be another vehicle. Falling in love with one listing can blind us to warning signs glowing brighter than the dashboard.

Our Final Ranking of the Buick Encore Best Years

After considering design updates, maturity, value, age, equipment, safety, and likely ownership experience, our ranking is:

1. 2019 Buick Encore
2. 2020 Buick Encore
3. 2018 Buick Encore
4. 2022 Buick Encore
5. 2017 Buick Encore
6. 2021 Buick Encore
7. 2016 Buick Encore
8. 2015 Buick Encore
9. 2014 Buick Encore
10. 2013 Buick Encore

This ranking is a general buying guide, not a prediction for every individual vehicle.

A properly serviced 2016 Encore can outperform a neglected 2019 model. A one-owner 2018 vehicle with complete records may be far more appealing than a low-mileage 2022 example that has suffered collision damage or poor maintenance.

Conclusion: Which Buick Encore Year Should We Buy?

The 2019 Buick Encore is the best year for most used-SUV shoppers. It offers the most convincing blend of updated styling, useful technology, mature engineering, comfort, and affordable pricing.

The 2020 Encore follows closely and may deliver even better value in certain markets. The 2018 model is our preferred budget-friendly alternative, while the 2022 model is appealing when we want the newest version of the original Encore and are willing to pay more.

We would approach 2013–2015 examples more carefully, not because every one is unreliable, but because age, early-production concerns, and deferred maintenance increase the financial risk.

Ultimately, the best Buick Encore is not merely the best model year. It is the one with documented oil changes, a healthy cooling system, smooth transmission behaviour, no suspicious warning lights, matching tires, completed recalls, and a clean independent inspection.

Choose patiently. Inspect thoroughly. Let service records speak louder than polished paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the single best year for the Buick Encore?

The 2019 Buick Encore is generally the best overall year. It benefits from the 2017 design refresh, uses a mature version of the original platform, includes useful connectivity features, and often costs less than the newest examples.

2. Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?

The 2020 original Encore can be a solid used purchase when properly maintained. Buyers should verify recall completion, inspect the turbo and cooling systems, and make sure the vehicle is not being confused with the mechanically different Encore GX.

3. Which Buick Encore years should we avoid?

The 2013–2015 years deserve the most caution due to their age, early-production status, and increased likelihood of wear or deferred maintenance. We do not need to reject every early Encore, but a professional inspection is essential.

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4. How many miles can a Buick Encore last?

A maintained Encore may exceed 150,000 miles, with some vehicles travelling farther. Longevity depends heavily on oil changes, cooling-system care, driving conditions, repair history, and whether turbocharger or overheating symptoms were addressed promptly.

5. Is the Buick Encore expensive to maintain?

Routine maintenance is generally reasonable because the Encore shares many components with other GM vehicles. Major turbocharger, engine, transmission, cooling-system, or electrical repairs can be expensive, so keeping a repair reserve is wise.