Buick has maintained a level of expectation for prestige and quality as a brand for many years. When you look at Buick, you expect class, refinement, and functionality as standard qualities, and the 2022 Buick Encore is no exception to that rule. The benefit of the Encore, however, is the entry-level pricing into Buick's crossover sector. It also still manages to maintain a sense of style thanks to its fashionably chic presentation. The 2022 Encore comes with one great engine and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Multiple package options are also available for those who want to add additional accessories and convenience features to the sub-compact SUV.
The 2022 model year brings with it some much-appreciated updates and upgrades. One of the most significant changes is the improvement of the overall horsepower output, as well as improved performance and technologies. In addition to this, upgraded compartment storage in the form of front driver and passenger map pockets have been made available, giving the interior added value and accommodations for travel necessities.
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The 2022 Buick Encore is emblazoned with a performance upgrade for the model year, pairing a buffed-up 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The touch-up to the powertrain includes an increase over the 2021 model year Encore, bringing its total output to 155 horsepower. The boost gives a slight increase in overall top performance for the sub-compact SUV. The reliable 177 pound-feet of torque also returns, enabling enough gusto to maintain the sort of acceleration and off-the-line performance that drivers expect from a smaller utility vehicle.
The 4-cylinder is matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission with an electronically controlled overdrive. With the 2022 Buick Encore, you have the option of choosing either the Preferred trim in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive format, depending on where you plan on driving the vehicle. For those of you who live in the city and do a lot of stop-and-go driving, the front-wheel configuration would be a prime choice. For those of you who sometimes travel along winding pathways or have to deal with sleet, snow, or slippery road conditions where traction loss is common, the all-wheel drive format would likely be the preferable choice, especially since it comes equipped with StabiliTrak.
The all-wheel drive system is decked out with sensors that monitor the four wheels and consistently makes micro-adjustments during travels to ensure maximum traction is attained. With the StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction system operating the controls, it helps with braking as well as torque distribution to maintain even performance on the road. And with the MacPherson strut coil front suspension and the torsion beam in the rear suspension, the Encore rides smoothly and balanced no matter what the road surface is like. This is all thanks to the gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers that help dissipate body-rocking motions from jolts, bumps, and uneven terrain.
What's more is that even with the increase in horsepower, the fuel economy for the 2022 Buick Encore has not been affected. Housing a 14-gallon fuel tank, the Buick Encore is capable of impressive gas mileage. The front-wheel drive configuration nets you around 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. For those worried about the mileage between the front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains, the differences in fuel economy is almost negligible. In fact, the all-wheel drive averages out at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. So no matter which version you go with, you're gaining some gallon-to-mile metrics from the fuel economy, which fits in line with the Encore's economic positioning as a sub-compact SUV.
Today's SUVs are expected to live up to certain standards and expectations when it comes to the availability of specific technological standards. This includes everything from driver assist features to infotainment and from electronic stability to comfort. The 2022 Buick Encore embraces its technological diversity across a number of fronts. This starts with the keyless open and remote start availability, making it easy to climb into the Encore and hit the road with just the simple push of a single button.
One of the more evident technological features is the Buick infotainment suite, which consists of everything a driver and passengers expect from a modern sub-compact SUV. You're able to surf the web and access all internet-related shenanigans thanks to the Wi-Fi hotspot-enabled 4G LTE connectivity, along with standard integration of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So you're able to seamlessly connect your smart device to the Encore and stream your favorite media through the vehicle.
Two information displays also come standard on the Encore, including a 4.2-inch diagonal driver information center, which offers vehicle performance and health telemetry. The second display is the 7-inch infotainment color touchscreen. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also standard for hands-free access. You can also quickly charge your devices utilizing the two available USB ports. Standard inclusion of audio entertainment is made available in the form of a free 3-month all-access subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. This is perfect for those who enjoy entertainment in the form of eclectic music choices or a variety of different satellite-available podcasts from some of your favorite entertainers and content creators.
Safety is also a big part of the Buick, with standard included technologies such as oil life monitoring, the LATCH system, and signature LED daytime running lamps. For additional driver assists, both the Safety Package and Safety Package II are available. The packages feature all of the common assistive accouterments, such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert, along with Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert. You also have standard access to the Onstar and Buick Connected Services suite, so you're always in good hands no matter where you go with the Encore.
The 5-seater 2022 Buick Encore is both a storage haven and a comfort hub for the driver and passengers alike. With 92.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, you have plenty of room to move about and store items. A 6-way power driver seat and a 2-way manual passenger seat come standard with the Encore, along with a 6-speaker audio system.
A solar-absorbing windshield ensures that UV rays are minimized while also keeping the interior temperature comfortable. Available premium carpeted cargo mats can also increase the convenience levels of the interior cabin of the Encore, while rear cargo storage covers come standard right out of the gate.
On the subject of storage, upgraded driver and passenger seatback map pockets have been implemented to go along with the under-seat storage. An available front footwell with a cupholder lighting kit can also be used to store items, along with the available Active Package suite that contains a cargo area tray and an accessory carrier hitch. Occupants of the Encore have a lot of options and ways to utilize the space within the cabin, making it a perfect fit for work, travel, or school.
Thanks to the QuietTuning technology with active noise cancellation, you not only have a comfortable and safe ride in the 2022 Buick Encore but a quiet and peaceful one as well. The QuietTuning tech prevents outside noise from invading the interior cabin. So if you regularly drive through noisy areas, you won't be affected by the outside clatter, and everyone outside of the cabin won't be affected by those who like to enjoy making full use of the 6-speaker audio system.