The good looks also can't detract from the fact that the Encore isn't as capacious as many rivals, with only adequate rear-seat space and underwhelming cargo capacity. But there are enough hard surfaces and cheap plastics peeking through to detract from this premium illusion. It feels a bit more premium than the run-of-the-mill subcompact, and the cabin is remarkably quiet for an affordable daily driver. Where the Buick does shine is in its materials and build quality. It also doesn't deliver a particularly fun or engaging ride, which is often a selling point for smaller, more nimble crossovers. With 138 hp and 148 lb-ft supplied by the turbocharged inline-four engine, the SUV offers no more power than any of its rivals and actually comes up short against some of the stronger optional engines that some competitors like the Hyundai Kona offers. The Buick Encore markets itself as a more premium but still affordable subcompact crossover, and asks for a slightly higher investment in return. On the plus side, the transmission is well-tuned and seldom struggles to find the right gear for the situation, even if the engine struggles to handle anything but a light climb. The turbocharger is a little laggy, unsurprisingly, but throttle responses are on par with others in the segment. Nevertheless, the SUV will never live up to the S in its acronym. The suspension certainly isn't designed to zip around a hairpin turn, but the Encore can manage softer turns at relatively enjoyable speeds. Stubby and tall, the Buick feels top-heavy on the road, but it doesn't lean too hard into turns. The braking follows in the same vein, seemingly tuned for low-speed town driving, without inspiring confidence at higher speeds. The steering wheel gains a little heft at higher speeds, but it never engages the driver or communicates all that well. Playing into its strength as a city-centric subcompact, the Encore offers quick and precise steering that makes maneuvering around the hustle and bustle on the streets or snagging that surprise parking space a breeze.
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