DecodedCars2019 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 168.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,236–3,358 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints88 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 285 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,358 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 31 highway), 12% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
- Best combined MPG down from 30 to 28
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Encore →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,358 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,236 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 312 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 330 |
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 344 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2019 Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Buick Encore (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Jeep Wrangler | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2019 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Hyundai Kona | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V774000 · 12 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
Not every 2019 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 12 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 34,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 62 |
| 2020 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 89 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →