Hey everyone, and welcome back to another car review! Today, we're diving deep into a vehicle that might surprise you: the 2014 Buick Encore Premium. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – Buick? Premium? But trust me, guys, this little crossover packs a punch and offers a surprisingly refined experience for its class. We're going to break down everything from its looks to its performance, so buckle up and let's get started!

Exterior Elegance and Practicality

Let's kick things off with the exterior of the 2014 Buick Encore Premium. When this car first came out, it definitely turned heads. Buick really went for a more upscale and sophisticated design language, and it shows. The Encore isn't trying to be a rugged SUV; instead, it's aiming for a more urban, stylish vibe. You'll notice its distinctive grille, the signature Buick "sweep spear" body lines, and those optional 19-inch wheels that really give it a premium stance. It's a compact SUV, no doubt about it, but it manages to look bigger and more substantial than it is. The headlights are stylish, often featuring projector-beam lamps, and the taillights have a nice LED signature that adds to its modern appeal. Even the door handles have a bit of chrome trim, hinting at the premium aspirations. What's great about this size, though, is its maneuverability. Navigating city streets and parking in tight spots is a breeze. You get that slightly elevated driving position that many people love, offering better visibility without the bulk of a larger SUV. The overall impression is one of understated luxury and thoughtful design, which is pretty impressive for a vehicle in this segment. It’s a car that’s comfortable in a downtown setting just as much as it is on a weekend getaway. The body panels are well-aligned, and the paint quality is generally excellent, further reinforcing that premium feel. It's a well-proportioned vehicle, avoiding the awkwardness that can sometimes plague smaller crossovers. The fog lights are integrated nicely into the front bumper, adding to its sophisticated look and improving visibility in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The rear of the vehicle is equally well-designed, with a hatchback-style liftgate that provides convenient access to the cargo area. The chrome exhaust tip (on some models) adds a subtle sporty touch. Overall, the 2014 Buick Encore Premium’s exterior is a strong selling point, offering a blend of style, compactness, and a touch of class that stands out in its segment.

Interior Comfort and Premium Touches

Now, let's step inside the 2014 Buick Encore Premium, because this is where the "Premium" really starts to shine. Buick has always been about comfort, and the Encore is no exception. The cabin feels remarkably quiet and well-insulated from road noise, which is a huge plus. This is achieved through excellent sound-deadening materials and acoustic laminated glass. The seats are supportive and comfortable, especially for longer drives. In the Premium trim, you’re getting leather upholstery as standard, which feels nice to the touch and adds to the upscale ambiance. The driver's seat often features 8-way power adjustments and lumbar support, allowing you to find that perfect driving position. The front passenger seat also typically has power adjustments, which is a nice touch. The dashboard layout is intuitive and easy to understand. Buick used a mix of soft-touch materials and some tasteful accents, like the wood-look trim on the dash and doors, to elevate the interior feel. The instrument cluster is clear and legible, with a nice blue glow that's easy on the eyes. The infotainment system, while perhaps a bit dated by today's standards, was quite good for its time. It typically features a 7-inch color touchscreen with Buick's IntelliLink system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and even available navigation. The controls for the climate system are physical buttons, which many drivers prefer for ease of use while on the move. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and often includes controls for the audio system, cruise control, and phone. One of the most impressive aspects of the Encore's interior is the attention to detail. You'll find thoughtful touches like dual-zone automatic climate control, which is a godsend for keeping everyone happy. The ambient lighting adds a sophisticated touch in the evening. Storage is decent for a small crossover, with a good-sized glovebox, a center console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom for this class, and they can fold down to expand the cargo space significantly. It really feels like a mini-luxury car in here. The quality of the materials used is a step above many competitors, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. It’s a cabin that makes you feel good every time you get in. The rearview mirror often has an auto-dimming feature, and the sun visors have illuminated vanity mirrors. The speakers are often from Bose, further enhancing the audio experience. The 2014 Buick Encore Premium’s interior is a place you’ll want to spend time, offering a comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly premium environment that punches above its weight class.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2014 Buick Encore Premium is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, before you dismiss it for its small displacement, remember that turbocharging really livens things up. This engine typically produces around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it provides adequate power for daily driving and city commuting. The real beauty of this setup lies in its fuel efficiency. You’re looking at an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model, which is pretty darn good. The all-wheel-drive version is only slightly less efficient. When it comes to driving dynamics, the Encore leans towards a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and rough patches in the road, making for a smooth journey. It’s not a sporty handler, and that’s okay, because that’s not what this car is trying to be. Instead, it prioritizes stability and refinement. The steering is light and easy, making it effortless to maneuver in tight spaces. While it might not provide the most engaging driving experience for the enthusiast, it offers a stress-free and relaxing drive, which is often what people are looking for in this type of vehicle. The turbocharger provides a nice boost of torque when you need to merge onto the highway or pass slower traffic, though it can sometimes feel a bit strained if you're really pushing it. The transmission shifts smoothly and mostly stays out of the way. For those who opt for the all-wheel-drive system, it provides added confidence and traction in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for areas with inclement weather. The braking is responsive and predictable. While the horsepower figures might seem modest, the turbo engine’s torque curve is relatively flat, meaning you have usable power available across a decent range of RPMs. This makes the Encore feel more capable than its specs might suggest in everyday driving scenarios. It’s a powertrain that balances economy with reasonable performance. The engine is also surprisingly quiet at idle and at lower speeds, contributing to the overall cabin tranquility. On the highway, it settles into a comfortable cruising speed without much fuss. If you're looking for a spirited driving machine, this might not be your cup of tea, but if you value a smooth, quiet, and efficient ride, the 2014 Buick Encore Premium delivers admirably. It's a well-engineered powertrain for its intended purpose, offering a solid blend of comfort and efficiency for the daily grind.

Technology and Safety Features

When it comes to tech and safety, the 2014 Buick Encore Premium doesn't skimp. For its time, it offered a pretty good suite of features. The IntelliLink infotainment system is the centerpiece here. As mentioned, it’s a 7-inch touchscreen that handles your audio, phone calls via Bluetooth, and available navigation. While it might not have the snappiest response times compared to today's systems, it was user-friendly and provided essential connectivity. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is typically standard, giving you a wide range of entertainment options. USB and auxiliary input jacks are also present, allowing you to connect your own devices. For those who love music, the Bose premium audio system is a standout feature on the Premium trim, delivering crisp and clear sound. On the safety front, the Encore was designed with occupant protection in mind. It comes standard with 10 airbags, which is quite impressive for a small crossover. This includes front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, and even knee airbags for the front passengers. It also features StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, which help you maintain control in challenging driving conditions. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are, of course, standard. For those seeking an extra layer of security, all-wheel drive was an available option, enhancing grip and stability. Buick also offered a range of driver-assist technologies, though availability might vary depending on specific packages. These could include features like a rearview camera (highly recommended for parking!), rear park assist sensors, and Lane Departure Warning/Forward Collision Alert systems, which were quite advanced for 2014. These systems act as an extra set of eyes, helping to prevent accidents. The body structure is reinforced to help absorb and redirect impact energy in a collision. The tire pressure monitoring system is standard, ensuring your tires are properly inflated for optimal safety and fuel economy. The headlights are designed to provide good visibility, and fog lamps are often included to cut through mist or fog. While it might not have all the cutting-edge tech we see today, the 2014 Buick Encore Premium offered a solid and comprehensive package of safety and convenience features that made it a competitive choice in its segment. It provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike, with a focus on both active and passive safety measures. The OnStar system was also available, offering services like automatic crash response, emergency assistance, and remote diagnostics.

Pros and Cons

Alright guys, let's wrap this up with a quick rundown of the good and the not-so-good for the 2014 Buick Encore Premium.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy: The turbocharged engine sips fuel, making it great for your wallet.
• Quiet and refined cabin: Seriously, it’s impressively quiet for its class, thanks to great sound insulation.
• Comfortable ride quality: It soaks up bumps like a champ, providing a smooth and relaxing drive.
• Premium interior feel: The use of quality materials, leather, and thoughtful design elements make it feel more expensive than it is.
• Compact and maneuverable: Easy to park and navigate in urban environments.
• Stylish exterior design: It stands out with its sophisticated and modern looks.
• Abundant airbags: Offers a high level of passive safety.

Cons:

• Modest engine power: While adequate, the 1.4L turbo can feel a bit underpowered when pushed hard.
• Dated infotainment system: The IntelliLink system, while functional, isn't as responsive or feature-rich as modern systems.
• Limited rear cargo space: While decent for its size, it’s not cavernous.
• Rear visibility can be a bit compromised: The sloping roofline and small rear window can make it tricky to see out of.
• Potential for higher maintenance costs: Being a premium brand, parts and specialized repairs might cost more than a mainstream competitor.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2014 Buick Encore Premium? If you're looking for a small, stylish, and comfortable crossover that prioritizes a quiet and refined driving experience over outright performance, this car is definitely worth considering. It offers a surprisingly upscale interior for its segment, excellent fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride. It’s perfect for city dwellers, empty nesters, or anyone who wants a capable little vehicle that feels a bit more special than the average compact SUV. While the engine might not win any drag races and the infotainment system shows its age, the Encore Premium delivers a strong value proposition in terms of comfort, quietness, and overall premium feel. It’s a smart choice for those who appreciate the finer things in a smaller package. Thanks for joining me for this review, guys! Let me know in the comments if you've owned a 2014 Encore or have any questions!