DecodedCars2023 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD, Gx 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.3L 3-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 29 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 168.1–171.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,025–3,358 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.2L 3-cyl turbo and 1.3L 3-cyl turbo) 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 30 MPG combined (29 city / 32 highway), 9% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
- Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 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 |
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,256 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,025 lb | 61/39 |
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 GX FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 31 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 32 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +8% | $2,500 | 324 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Buick Encore.
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Buick Encore (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2023 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2023 Jeep Compass | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 Hyundai Kona | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Buick Encore.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 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 2023 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 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 62 |
| 2020 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 89 |
| 2019 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 88 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →