Buick Encore Engine Size Canada: Complete Canadian Guide

The Buick Encore has always played an interesting role in Canada. It looks like a small urban crossover, parks without drama, offers the elevated seating position many drivers enjoy, and carries a premium badge without demanding full-size luxury-SUV money. Yet one question repeatedly appears among Canadian buyers: What is the Buick Encore engine size in Canada?
The direct answer is that the original Canadian-market Buick Encore used a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. However, that simple answer only scratches the surface. Different versions of that engine appeared over the Encore’s production run, and their horsepower, torque, injection technology, efficiency, and driving characteristics were not always identical.
There is another important distinction. The original Buick Encore and the newer Buick Encore GX are separate vehicles. The Encore used a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while current Canadian Encore GX models use smaller turbocharged three-cylinder engines. Confusing the two is easy because their names are almost twins, but beneath the sheet metal they are different machines.
In this guide, we will examine the Buick Encore engine size offered in Canada, explain how it changed, compare it with the Encore GX, discuss real-world performance, and help used-car shoppers choose the version that best suits Canadian roads and weather.
- What Is the Buick Encore Engine Size in Canada?
- A Quick Buick Encore Engine Specification Table
- What Does 1.4 Litres Actually Mean?
- Buick Encore Engine Output by Generation
- Buick Encore Engine Size by Model Year
- Buick Encore vs Buick Encore GX Engine Size
- How Does the Buick Encore Engine Perform in Canada?
- Does the 1.4-Litre Turbo Require Premium Gas?
- Buick Encore Engine Fuel Economy
- Is the Buick Encore Engine Reliable?
- How Long Can a Buick Encore Engine Last?
- Which Buick Encore Engine Is Best?
- What to Check Before Buying a Used Buick Encore
- Buick Encore Engine Size Compared With Rivals
- Can the Buick Encore Tow With Its 1.4-Litre Engine?
- Can We Modify the Encore Engine for More Power?
- Is the Buick Encore 1.4-Litre Engine Good for Canadian Drivers?
- Buick Encore Engine Size Canada: Final Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Buick Encore Engine Size in Canada?
Canadian Buick Encore models were equipped with a 1.4-litre turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine. In cubic-centimetre terms, the displacement was approximately 1,364 cc or 1,399 cc, depending on the specific engine version and model year.
The 1.4-litre engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Canadian buyers could generally choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, although trim availability changed over the years.
The basic formula remained remarkably consistent:
- 1.4-litre displacement
- Four cylinders arranged in a straight line
- Turbocharging
- Gasoline fuel
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
The final 2022 Buick Encore used a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing approximately 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Earlier models commonly produced around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, depending on configuration and engine generation.
That means the Encore’s engine size did not grow significantly during its Canadian life. Instead, Buick improved the way the engine breathed, burned fuel, and delivered power.
A Quick Buick Encore Engine Specification Table
| Specification | Earlier Buick Encore | Later Buick Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | 1.4 litres | 1.4 litres |
| Cylinder layout | Inline-four | Inline-four |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Approximate horsepower | 138 hp | 155 hp |
| Approximate torque | 148 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic | Six-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Production position | Early and mid-cycle models | Final model years |
The most important lesson is that two Buick Encores can have the same advertised 1.4-litre engine size while feeling noticeably different on the road.
Why Can Two 1.4-Litre Engines Produce Different Power?
Engine displacement measures the combined volume inside the cylinders. It does not tell us everything about performance.
Think of displacement as the size of a kitchen. A larger kitchen may allow more food to be prepared, but the equipment, layout, ingredients, and chef still determine the final result. In the same way, an engine’s turbocharger, fuel-injection system, valve timing, compression, cooling, and software influence how much power it produces.
Later versions of the Encore’s 1.4-litre engine benefited from changes such as:
- Direct fuel injection
- Revised turbocharging
- Updated engine-management software
- Improved variable valve timing
- Greater torque output
- More responsive power delivery
This is why we should never judge an Encore by displacement alone.
What Does 1.4 Litres Actually Mean?
The term “1.4 litres” refers to the engine’s total displacement. Displacement is the combined volume swept by all pistons as they move through their cylinders.
In practical terms, a 1.4-litre engine is relatively small. Without turbocharging, an engine of this size might struggle to move a crossover confidently, especially with passengers, cargo, winter tires, and an all-wheel-drive system adding weight.
The turbocharger changes the equation. It forces additional air into the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and more power to be generated. The result is performance closer to what we might expect from a larger naturally aspirated engine.
Is a 1.4-Litre Engine Too Small for an SUV?
For a large three-row SUV, a 1.4-litre engine would feel absurdly small. For the subcompact Buick Encore, however, it is a logical fit.
The Encore was designed primarily for:
- City commuting
- Suburban errands
- Daily highway driving
- Small families
- Couples
- Retirees
- Drivers who value easy parking
- Buyers who prefer comfort over aggressive performance
It was not designed to tow a large trailer, climb mountain passes like a performance SUV, or sprint away from every traffic light.
The 1.4-litre turbo engine works because the Encore itself is compact. It provides useful low-speed torque while helping control fuel consumption and front-end weight.
Where the Small Engine Feels Most Comfortable
The Encore’s engine tends to feel happiest during relaxed daily driving. It is well suited to congested streets in Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, or Halifax.
At urban speeds, the turbocharged torque helps the vehicle move away from intersections without requiring excessive engine revs. The elevated seating position and compact dimensions complete the package, making the Encore feel like a comfortable city shoe rather than a heavy hiking boot.
Where Its Limitations Become Noticeable
The engine may feel less effortless when:
- Passing at highway speeds
- Carrying four adults and luggage
- Driving up long, steep grades
- Using all-wheel drive in deep snow
- Accelerating onto a short highway ramp
- Travelling with a roof box
- Driving into strong prairie winds
The Encore can still complete these tasks, but it may downshift frequently and produce more engine noise. Drivers expecting strong acceleration could find the experience modest.
Buick Encore Engine Output by Generation
The Canadian Encore remained within one broad vehicle generation, but its engine output evolved.
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Buick Encore Oil Type: The Complete Guide by Year, Engine, and ClimateEarly Buick Encore 1.4-Litre Turbo Engine
Earlier models commonly used a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder producing around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
This engine was adequate rather than energetic. Around town, it provided enough response for routine traffic. On the highway, however, acceleration required planning.
Drivers often had to press the accelerator firmly when merging or overtaking. The six-speed automatic would then drop one or more gears, allowing the engine to reach the stronger part of its power range.
The experience was not necessarily unpleasant. Buick tuned the Encore as a comfortable crossover, not a hot hatchback wearing platform shoes. Still, buyers comparing different model years should understand that early Encores generally feel slower.
Later 1.4-Litre Direct-Injection Turbo Engine
Later examples received a stronger version of the 1.4-litre turbo engine. In its final form, it produced approximately 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
The increase in torque matters as much as the horsepower gain. Torque helps the vehicle respond when pulling away, climbing hills, or accelerating without reaching high engine speeds.
Compared with earlier models, the stronger engine can feel:
- More confident from low speeds
- Better suited to highway merging
- Less strained with passengers
- More flexible during everyday driving
- Better matched to the Encore’s weight
It still does not transform the Encore into a sports crossover. Instead, it gives the vehicle the extra breath it always seemed to need.
Buick Encore Engine Size by Model Year
Exact Canadian specifications can vary by trim and production date, so the vehicle identification number and official build information should always be checked before buying parts. Nevertheless, the general Canadian timeline looks like this.
2013 to 2015 Buick Encore Engine Size
The first Canadian Encores arrived with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Output was generally around 138 horsepower.
These early vehicles established the Encore’s personality: compact dimensions, a quiet cabin for the class, elevated seating, and modest but usable performance.
For used buyers, condition matters much more than a small difference in model year. A carefully maintained 2014 Encore can be a better purchase than a neglected newer example.
2016 to 2018 Buick Encore Engine Options
Around the middle of the production run, Buick introduced a more powerful 1.4-litre turbo engine on certain versions and trims. Availability could differ, so not every Encore from this period has the stronger engine.
This is where checking the specific vehicle becomes especially important. Two 2017 Encores parked beside each other might share the same 1.4-litre description but use different engine configurations.
Look at:
- The VIN
- Original window sticker
- Engine code
- Service records
- Dealer build sheet
- Fuel-injection type
- Published horsepower for the exact trim
2019 to 2020 Buick Encore Engine Size
The Encore continued with its 1.4-litre turbocharged formula. By this point, the vehicle was a mature product, and Buick focused more on equipment packaging than major mechanical reinvention.
The Encore GX also began appearing in North America around this period, creating understandable confusion. Some shoppers assumed the GX was simply a trim level. It was not. It was a different vehicle with different engines.
2021 to 2022 Buick Encore Engine Size
The final North American Encore models used the stronger 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing approximately 155 horsepower. The 2022 Canadian Encore was offered in a simplified Preferred trim and retained a six-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Production of the original North American Encore ended after the 2022 model year. Therefore, shoppers looking at a 2023 or newer Buick with “Encore” in the name are almost certainly considering the Encore GX rather than the original Encore.
Buick Encore vs Buick Encore GX Engine Size
This is the distinction every Canadian shopper needs to understand.
The Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX are not merely two trims of the same crossover. The GX is longer, newer, and based on a different platform. It also uses different engines.
| Feature | Buick Encore | Buick Encore GX |
| Typical Canadian engine | 1.4L turbo four-cylinder | 1.2L or 1.3L turbo three-cylinder |
| Cylinder count | Four | Three |
| Traditional transmission | Six-speed automatic | CVT or nine-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain availability | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD, depending on engine |
| North American status | Discontinued after 2022 | Still offered |
| Character | Compact and comfort-focused | Newer, roomier and more modern |
The current Canadian Buick Encore GX is promoted with a 1.3-litre turbo engine, and all-wheel-drive versions use a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buick Canada lists the 2026 Encore GX with a 1.3-litre turbo engine, while build information for recent models identifies output of approximately 155 horsepower.
Why Does the Encore GX Have Fewer Cylinders?
Modern turbocharged three-cylinder engines are designed to reduce weight and internal friction while still producing useful torque.
A three-cylinder engine has its own sound and vibration character. Some drivers barely notice it, while others prefer the smoother rhythm of a traditional four-cylinder.
On paper, the Encore GX’s smaller engine may look like a step backward. In practice, engine technology, gearing, vehicle weight, and turbocharging matter more than displacement alone.
Is the Encore GX Engine Better?
“Better” depends on what we value.
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Buick Encore Dashboard Symbols: Complete Warning Light GuideThe Encore GX offers:
- Newer technology
- A more modern cabin
- More contemporary safety features
- Improved packaging
- Current dealer availability
- A stronger parts and warranty position for new buyers
The original Encore offers:
- A conventional four-cylinder engine
- A traditional six-speed automatic
- Simpler used-market pricing
- Compact exterior dimensions
- Familiar mechanical behaviour
- Potentially lower purchase cost
Some drivers prefer the Encore GX because it feels newer. Others prefer the original Encore because they like the combination of a four-cylinder engine and conventional automatic transmission.
How Does the Buick Encore Engine Perform in Canada?
Canadian driving conditions are unusually varied. A vehicle may face humid summer traffic, frozen winter mornings, mountain grades, potholes, road salt, freezing rain, and long highway journeys—all within the same ownership period.
City Performance
In city driving, the 1.4-litre turbo engine is generally well matched to the Encore. Turbocharged torque arrives relatively low in the rev range, helping the crossover move through traffic without feeling completely breathless.
The Encore’s compact body also reduces the amount of work the engine must perform. It is easy to place in narrow lanes and parking spaces, and its modest power output is rarely a serious disadvantage in dense traffic.
Highway Performance
At highway speeds, the Encore is capable but not muscular.
The stronger 155-horsepower version provides more confidence than the earlier engine, but passing still requires sensible timing. With several passengers aboard, we may need to allow extra distance before overtaking.
The six-speed automatic can become active on hills, shifting down to keep the small turbo engine within its useful power range. This is normal behaviour, although frequent downshifts may make the powertrain sound busier than expected.
Mountain and Hill Driving
Drivers in British Columbia, Alberta, Québec, or other hilly regions should pay close attention during a test drive.
A healthy Encore can handle mountain roads, but the engine will work hard on extended grades. Turbocharged engines also generate substantial heat under load, making proper oil, coolant, and cooling-system maintenance essential.
When descending, drivers should use appropriate transmission control rather than relying entirely on the brakes. The owner’s manual provides the correct guidance for the specific vehicle.
Winter Performance
The engine’s small displacement does not automatically make the Encore poor in winter. Traction, tires, ground clearance, stability control, and driver behaviour matter more.
An all-wheel-drive Encore equipped with high-quality winter tires can be a reassuring urban winter vehicle. However, AWD adds weight and mechanical drag, so acceleration and fuel economy may be slightly worse than in a front-wheel-drive version.
The engine may also sound louder during cold starts. Oil thickens in low temperatures, fuel mixtures change, and the engine management system raises idle speed while components warm up.
Winter Habits That Protect the Engine
We can reduce cold-weather stress by:
- Using the manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity.
- Installing a reliable battery.
- Allowing a brief stabilization period after starting.
- Driving gently until the engine warms.
- Avoiding immediate full-throttle acceleration.
- Checking coolant protection before winter.
- Repairing warning lights promptly.
- Keeping the grille and radiator area clear of packed snow.
Long periods of stationary idling are usually unnecessary. Gentle driving warms the entire powertrain more effectively than leaving the engine running in the driveway for an excessive period.
Most Buick Encore versions are designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, but owners should follow the fuel recommendation printed in the owner’s manual and near the fuel filler.
Using premium fuel does not automatically create additional horsepower. Unless the engine is specifically calibrated to take advantage of higher octane, the difference may be difficult to notice.
The more important habits are:
- Buying fuel from reputable stations
- Avoiding incorrect fuel grades
- Keeping the fuel system maintained
- Addressing misfires or hesitation quickly
- Avoiding consistently running the tank nearly empty
Higher octane is not a bottle of magic. It primarily improves resistance to abnormal combustion. It cannot repair worn spark plugs, dirty injectors, weak ignition coils, vacuum leaks, or a damaged turbocharger.
Buick Encore Engine Fuel Economy
The Encore’s 1.4-litre size suggests excellent fuel economy, but real-world consumption depends on drivetrain, weather, traffic, tire choice, maintenance, and driving style.
Front-wheel-drive models usually consume less fuel than all-wheel-drive versions because they carry fewer drivetrain components and experience lower mechanical losses.
Canadian winter can increase fuel consumption through:
- Longer warm-up periods
- Winter gasoline blends
- Cold, dense air
- Snow-covered roads
- Increased rolling resistance
- Winter tires
- Heated accessories
- Short trips
- Idling
- Lower tire pressure
A driver completing short January trips in downtown traffic may see very different consumption from someone cruising steadily on an Ontario highway in September.
How to Improve Encore Fuel Economy
A few practical habits can help:
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Buick Encore Key Fob Battery Replacement: Complete DIY Guide- Maintain correct cold tire pressure.
- Remove unnecessary cargo.
- Use gradual acceleration.
- Anticipate traffic flow.
- Avoid excessive idling.
- Replace dirty air filters when required.
- Use the correct engine oil.
- Keep wheel alignment within specification.
- Repair dragging brakes.
- Maintain spark plugs and ignition components.
- Limit roof-mounted accessories when unused.
The turbocharger rewards a gentle right foot. Frequent heavy acceleration calls for boost, boost demands more air, and more air allows the engine to burn more fuel.
Is the Buick Encore Engine Reliable?
The 1.4-litre turbo engine can provide dependable service, but it is not an engine we should neglect. Turbocharged engines rely heavily on correct oil, controlled temperature, intact ventilation systems, and healthy ignition components.
Reliability depends on far more than the number printed on the odometer. A lower-mileage Encore that received irregular oil changes may present greater risk than a higher-mileage vehicle with detailed service records.
Potential Areas to Inspect
Used buyers should inspect for:
- Engine oil leaks
- Coolant leaks
- Turbocharger noise
- Blue or white exhaust smoke
- Rough idle
- Hesitation under acceleration
- Check-engine warnings
- Ignition-coil problems
- Worn spark plugs
- Cooling-system faults
- Crankcase ventilation issues
- Unusual ticking or rattling
- Delayed power delivery
- Excessive oil consumption
This list does not mean every Encore will experience these problems. It simply identifies areas worth examining on a small turbocharged engine.
Why Oil Maintenance Matters So Much
The turbocharger operates at extremely high speeds and temperatures. Engine oil lubricates and helps cool its internal bearings.
Old, contaminated, low, or incorrect oil can accelerate wear. Tiny oil passages are less forgiving than the broad mechanical tolerances found in some older naturally aspirated engines.
We should check service records for regular oil changes performed using the correct specification. A seller saying, “I changed it whenever I remembered,” is not the reassurance we are looking for.
Signs of Poor Oil Maintenance
Watch for:
- Thick deposits under the oil cap
- Low oil level
- Burnt-smelling oil
- Metallic engine noise
- Turbo whine
- Smoke after idling
- Inconsistent service history
- Oil-pressure warnings
- Freshly cleaned areas around active leaks
A clean engine bay is attractive, but it can also hide evidence. A pre-purchase inspection allows a technician to look beneath covers and inspect areas that a quick driveway glance cannot reveal.
How Long Can a Buick Encore Engine Last?
There is no guaranteed lifespan. Maintenance, climate, driving conditions, and previous ownership determine the outcome.
A properly cared-for Encore may travel well beyond 200,000 kilometres, while an abused example can develop expensive problems much earlier. The engine is only one part of the equation. Transmission condition, turbo health, cooling performance, AWD components, suspension, electronics, and corrosion also influence total vehicle life.
Highway kilometres are often easier on an engine than repeated short trips. During steady highway use, the engine reaches full operating temperature, moisture evaporates from the oil, and the number of cold starts per kilometre decreases.
Short urban trips can be harsher because the engine repeatedly starts cold and may not remain warm long enough to remove condensation.
Which Buick Encore Engine Is Best?
For most used buyers, the later 1.4-litre turbo engine with approximately 155 horsepower is the more appealing version.
It offers better torque and improved everyday flexibility without changing the Encore’s compact, comfort-oriented nature.
However, the “best” engine is not automatically the newest or strongest. A well-maintained earlier engine with full records can be a wiser purchase than a more powerful version that has missed oil changes or overheated.
Best Choice for City Drivers
A front-wheel-drive Encore can be ideal for drivers who spend most of their time on plowed urban roads.
Advantages include:
- Lower mechanical complexity
- Slightly lower weight
- Potentially better fuel economy
- Fewer AWD components to maintain
- Adequate traction with winter tires
Best Choice for Snowy Regions
An all-wheel-drive Encore may suit drivers who regularly encounter:
- Unplowed residential roads
- Steep snowy driveways
- Rural winter routes
- Mixed freezing conditions
- Frequent ski-area travel
Even then, winter tires remain essential. AWD helps the vehicle accelerate, but it does not shorten braking distance on ice.
Best Choice for Highway Drivers
Frequent highway travellers should prioritize the later 155-horsepower engine, quiet tire selection, excellent maintenance history, and a thorough transmission inspection.
The extra torque makes merging and passing easier, although buyers seeking genuinely strong highway performance may prefer a larger crossover.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Buick Encore
Engine size is only the beginning. Before purchasing a Canadian used Encore, we should complete a structured inspection.
Mechanical Checklist
- Confirm the engine code.
- Check the oil level and condition.
- Inspect for coolant loss.
- Listen during a cold start.
- Test acceleration under moderate load.
- Watch for smoke.
- Scan for stored diagnostic codes.
- Check transmission shift quality.
- Inspect the turbocharger system.
- Test the heating and air-conditioning systems.
- Review AWD operation where applicable.
- Look for corrosion underneath.
Document Checklist
Ask for:
- Maintenance invoices
- Oil-change history
- Accident history
- Recall completion records
- Provincial inspection documents
- Original sales information
- Previous ownership records where available
- Proof of major repairs
Test-Drive Checklist
During the test drive, notice whether the Encore:
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Buick Encore Reliability Canada: Is It a Dependable SUV?- Starts quickly when cold.
- Idles evenly.
- Accelerates without surging.
- Shifts smoothly.
- Maintains temperature.
- Tracks straight.
- Produces unusual turbo noise.
- Displays warning lights.
- Vibrates excessively.
- Smells of burning oil or coolant.
Do not perform only a five-minute drive around the dealership. The engine should reach operating temperature, and the vehicle should be tested at city and highway speeds when possible.
Buick Encore Engine Size Compared With Rivals
The Encore competed with small crossovers using a variety of engine strategies.
Some rivals used naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines with larger displacement. Others adopted small turbocharged engines similar to Buick’s approach.
Small Turbo Engine Advantages
A small turbocharged engine can provide:
- Stronger low-speed torque than expected
- Lower engine weight
- Good efficiency during gentle driving
- Compact packaging
- Responsive city performance
Small Turbo Engine Disadvantages
Possible disadvantages include:
- Greater heat concentration
- More mechanical complexity
- Turbocharger repair costs
- Sensitivity to oil maintenance
- Noticeable fuel use under boost
- Less relaxed performance under heavy loads
A naturally aspirated engine can feel slower at low rpm but may deliver power in a more linear way. Neither design is universally superior. The right choice depends on maintenance quality and driving preferences.
Can the Buick Encore Tow With Its 1.4-Litre Engine?
The Buick Encore was not designed as a serious tow vehicle. Its compact structure, modest cooling capacity, small engine, braking system, and transmission configuration make it better suited to carrying passengers and light cargo.
Owners should never assume that fitting an aftermarket hitch automatically makes towing safe or approved.
Before towing anything, consult:
- The Canadian owner’s manual
- The door-jamb information label
- Official Buick documentation
- Provincial regulations
- The hitch manufacturer
- A qualified Buick or GM service department
Even a light trailer adds aerodynamic drag and heat. The small turbo engine may generate adequate pulling force at low speeds, but that does not mean the transmission, cooling system, brakes, and chassis are rated for the load.
Can We Modify the Encore Engine for More Power?
Aftermarket tuning can increase boost pressure or alter fuel and ignition mapping, but it also increases mechanical and thermal stress.
Potential consequences include:
- Reduced engine life
- Turbocharger damage
- Transmission strain
- Knock or detonation
- Higher fuel requirements
- Emissions problems
- Warranty complications
- Insurance issues
- Failed provincial inspections where applicable
The Encore’s chassis and transmission were developed for a specific performance range. Turning up the boost may sound tempting, but extra power rarely arrives alone. It brings heat, pressure, and risk as uninvited passengers.
For most owners, money is better spent on excellent tires, preventive maintenance, fresh fluids, quality brakes, and suspension repairs.
Is the Buick Encore 1.4-Litre Engine Good for Canadian Drivers?
For the right owner, yes.
The engine is well suited to Canadians who want a comfortable, compact crossover for everyday use. It provides enough power for normal commuting, remains easy to manoeuvre, and offers available all-wheel drive.
It is especially appealing to drivers who value:
- Easy parking
- A high seating position
- Manageable exterior dimensions
- Quiet, relaxed driving
- Used-market affordability
- Traditional automatic transmission behaviour
- Four-cylinder smoothness
It is less suitable for drivers who regularly need:
- Rapid acceleration
- Heavy towing
- Large cargo capacity
- Performance-oriented handling
- Effortless mountain passing
- Maximum interior room
A small engine is not inherently weak, just as a large engine is not automatically suitable. The entire vehicle must match the owner’s routine.
Buick Encore Engine Size Canada: Final Verdict
The original Canadian Buick Encore uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Early versions generally produced around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, while later versions reached approximately 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft.
The engine is compact, efficient when driven calmly, and adequate for the Encore’s urban mission. It performs best in city and suburban conditions, although the later higher-output version is preferable for drivers who frequently use highways or carry passengers.
Canadian shoppers must also distinguish the Encore from the Encore GX. The original Encore ended its North American production run after the 2022 model year, while the newer Encore GX remains available with turbocharged three-cylinder power. Buick Canada currently advertises the 2026 Encore GX with a 1.3-litre turbo engine.
When buying used, we should focus less on displacement alone and more on engine version, service history, oil-change discipline, cooling-system health, turbo condition, and overall maintenance.
The Encore’s 1.4-litre engine is like a compact furnace during a Canadian winter: small, hardworking, and entirely capable when properly maintained. Neglect it, and problems may spread quickly. Care for it, and it can remain a practical companion through crowded streets, snowy mornings, and countless grocery-store runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size engine does the Buick Encore have in Canada?
The original Canadian Buick Encore has a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Power varies by year and engine version, with earlier models commonly producing around 138 horsepower and later models producing approximately 155 horsepower.
2. Does the Buick Encore have a three-cylinder engine?
The original Buick Encore does not normally use a three-cylinder engine in Canada. It uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder. The separate Buick Encore GX uses turbocharged three-cylinder engines, which is why the two models are often confused.
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Buick Encore Years to Avoid Canada: A Complete Used-Buyer Guide3. Is the 1.4-litre Buick Encore engine powerful enough?
It is powerful enough for city commuting, suburban driving, and normal highway travel. The later 155-horsepower version feels more confident than earlier models. Drivers carrying heavy loads or regularly travelling through steep mountains may find its performance modest.
4. Is the Buick Encore engine turbocharged?
Yes. Canadian Buick Encore models use a turbocharger to increase the output of the small 1.4-litre engine. The turbo helps produce useful low-speed torque but makes correct oil maintenance particularly important.
5. What is the difference between Encore and Encore GX engine sizes?
The original Encore uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Encore GX uses smaller turbocharged three-cylinder engines, commonly 1.2 or 1.3 litres depending on model year, trim, and drivetrain. They are separate vehicles rather than simple trim variations.

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