The 2019 Buick Encore lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake system and windshield issues reported. At $21,150 to $25,650, it’s a decent value for a compact SUV with some nice luxury features for the money.
Is the 2019 Buick Encore a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Buick Encore since it offers decent reliability with an upscale interior for the money. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, comfortable interior, along with the efficient engine choices.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small SUV, the front seats are comfortable on long drives, although cargo space is limited.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2019 Encore. Avoid models from 2013–2015 which have engine problems. 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from both of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engines which focus more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Encore is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera, while lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, as well as forward collision warning are optional.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 392 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $34 cheaper than average at $152 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Buick Encore is cheaper than many other small SUVs with nice luxury features, making it a decent value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Buick Encore?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Buick Encore blends luxury touches with a small footprint, although owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
- Edmunds rates the Encore at 4.5/5, praising the quiet cabin at highway speeds, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Encore a 4.4/5, enjoying the luxurious interior for the money, but owners don’t like the limited space.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Buick Encore Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Buick Encore include the brakes locking up, windshields, which crack easily, along with some stereo system volume issues. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other small SUVs, leading to lower than average repair bills.
The brakes locking up while applied is a complaint from some 2019 Encore owners at around 1,500 miles. The most common source of the problem is a damaged brake master cylinder. When the issue shows up this early in ownership, it’s covered by warranty and the master cylinder is replaced for free.
Windshields, which crack easily, is another issue mentioned by some Encore owners in the first 5,000 miles. On many makes and models there are batches of windshields which have some manufacturing defects. Replacing the windshield costs around $550, depending on local labor rates.
Stereo system volume issues have also shown up on some Buick Encore models in the first 500 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability and function. Most dealerships will install these stereo updates for free, while some charge around $50.
There are two recalls on the 2019 Buick Encore, which is average for a compact SUV of its age. The most serious recall is for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator. Buick will install new bolts for free on affected models. The second recall is for air bags, which are a common issue on nearly every vehicle.
How Long Will the 2019 Buick Encore Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Buick Encore can last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $490 per year.
As a used 2019 Buick Encore reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the intake manifold gasket for $400, transmission mounts costing $385, as well as the transmission oil cooler line, which costs $285
Very reliable. Only wish that the back seat headrests were smaller as they block rear view when backing up or checking your blind spot.
Yes. The gas mileage is not too bad. It gets me where I need to go. I like the android auto feature that lets me project the maps from my phone to get me where I need to go. I haven't had any problems with it.
So far it has been reliable, it has not had any mechanical problems. It only has about 5400 miles on it.
So far I have not had any problems with my encore. It is very reliable and dependable vehicle. I love its compactness and ease of handling.
No vary reliable. Sometimes I have brake or oil change issues but nothing I have to fix that's just as far as me taking my car in for any service.
Very reliable. Excellent gas mileage and strong enough power for merging onto freeways. The only issue I have is with the tires. They seem to lose air more than usual. They are supposed to be at or near 35 psi and mine fluctuate being 31 and 32.
The performance is great. It has always been reliable, especially in the extreme heat where I live.
Yes very reliable. It is brand new so I have no problems yet. Its brand new so I have no problems yet
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is fantastic in the 2019 Buick Encore with a standard 8-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Safety technology is good, offering a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features with the safety package II include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, along with lane departure warning.
Is the 2019 Buick Encore a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Buick Encore is a decent value since it’s reasonably reliable with a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,150 to $25,650, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Chevy Blazer. When new, the price range was $23,200 to $30,800. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Buick Encore?
There are four models of the 2019 Buick Encore offered from the base 1SV, all the way up to the more luxurious Essence. The Encore is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.
1SV is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Automatic Headlights
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Heated Mirrors
- Roof Rails
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Cruise Control
- Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Preferred is a step up, adding:
- Floor Mats
- Cargo Cover
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
Sport Touring adds features such as:
- Fog Lights
- Rear Spoiler
- Remote Start
Essence is the flagship model which has:
- Leather Upholstery
- LED Headlights
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Driver-Seat Memory Settings
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 120-Volt Power Outlet
What Engines Come In the Buick Encore?
- The base engine is a weak 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 138 horsepower, which gets up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the re-tuned stronger 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which is good for 153 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. This engine also features a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Buick Encore Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Buick Encore?
The 2019 Buick Encore is considered to have a comfortable interior with supportive seats and a smooth ride with seating for up to five passengers.
Owners have also noted the quiet cabin and ample legroom in the front seats. Some owners also noted that the rear seats may be cramped for taller passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Encore Have?
Cargo space is a bit lower than other small SUVs since the 2019 Buick Encore only has 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Buick Encore was introduced in 2013.
2015: Standard OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity on all models.
2016: Sport model introduced with a more powerful four-cylinder engine.
2017: Minor front-end styling changes, upgraded interior materials, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
2018: No major changes.
2019: More powerful optional engine.
2020: Minor changes to Sport Touring model, more powerful engine discontinued.
2021: Improved suite of driver safety aids added.
How Does the Buick Encore Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Buick Encore is a good compact SUV offering some more luxury features than many of the competitors on the market.
The Nissan Rogue is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. Safety technology is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Buick Encore has a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since it’s more up-to-date, although both are decent small SUVs worth checking out.
The Hyundai Kona is a competitor available for about $1,000 more. Performance is slightly better in the Hyundai Kona, while the Buick Encore has a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Buick Encore, however, both are worth taking for a test drive to see which one you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Buick Encore?
Yes. Sits up high to see really good. Great heater. Perfect for one person. Back seat folds down. Good radio.
Yes. It is nice and cozy. I like that it is not big and bulky like other SUVs because I don't need all that space. The leather seats are very comfortable. The screen and rear view camera are very convenient. It drives very smooth and gas mileage is not too bad.
Yes, but it has a few problems in its design. First off, the hood drops off and you have to speculate where the front of the car ends. Second, each seat has a headrest, which makes you feel all closed in. And although I use the backup camera, I was thought to actually look back, before I back up. You cannot see anything. It makes you feel like you are wedged into a cockpit. The best thing is, it gets good gas mileage (34.5 on Hwy, about 27 around town).
Yes the 2019 Buick encore is a great vehicle. Easy to handle and great for small parking places. Gas mileage is pretty good.
Yes I love it it's roomy and very safe feeling with a smooth ride its features make it easier to maneuver around the vehicle.
The Buick encore essence is a great vehicle. Very well constructed with higher end materials. Quick, soundproofing. Comfortable seats. Easy to drive. I love it.
I like the encore. It gets great gas mileage and low maintenance reports too. The v
Yes, it's very reliable. I like the size of the vehicle and the color options were nice. The trunk size is an upgrade from my previous vehicle. I like the height of the vehicle and the way it drives. It doesn't have much horsepower, but it's enough for me.