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The 2017 Buick Encore deserves a double-take

This little subcompact crossover may just be the best offering in its class.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Antuan GoodwinSenior Writer, Electrified Cars
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com
ExpertiseNearly two decades of testing, driving, reporting on, writing about, reviewing, and editing content about electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, autonCredentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Emme Hall
Antuan Goodwin
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Well take a look at this little guy, the 2017 Buick Encore.

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The Encore is Buick's top-selling model, and with good reason. There's a lot to like about this small crossover.

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The Encore is offered with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but our test model came with an extra kick, to the tune of 153 horsespower and 177 pound-feet of torque, all thanks to direct injection.

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The short wheelbase of the Encore makes it nimble on the mean city streets.

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The cabin is extremely quiet, thanks to sound-deadening insulation and speakers that emit noise-canceling sound waves.

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Although it's officially a five-seat vehicle, putting three adults in the rear may be pushing it.

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The available 8-inch color touchscreen integrates nicely into the dash, a change from last year's model with a screen that jutted up and into the driver's eyeline.

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Click through for more photos of the 2017 Buick Encore, taken at its debut at the 2016 New York auto show.

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