Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2022 Buick Encore Essence? You've come to the right place. Let's dive deep into the reviews and figure out if this little SUV is the right fit for you. We'll cover everything from performance and comfort to tech and overall value, so you can make an informed decision. No fluff, just the facts to help you decide if the 2022 Buick Encore Essence is the perfect ride for your needs. So buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Buick Encore Essence

The 2022 Buick Encore Essence represents the higher trim level of Buick's entry-level SUV, offering a blend of comfort, style, and technology in a compact package. Positioned above the base Encore, the Essence trim aims to provide a more premium experience without breaking the bank. It's designed for individuals and small families looking for a vehicle that's easy to maneuver in urban environments but still offers a touch of luxury and practicality.

Under the hood, the Encore Essence typically features a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering around 155 horsepower. While not a powerhouse, this engine provides adequate pep for city driving and decent fuel economy, usually hovering around 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and predictable shifts. It’s a setup that prioritizes efficiency and ease of use over outright performance, making it well-suited for daily commutes and errands. From the outside, the Essence trim typically includes features like chrome accents, alloy wheels, and body-colored door handles, giving it a more refined and upscale appearance compared to the base model. The overall design is modern and attractive, with Buick's signature waterfall grille and sleek headlights. The compact dimensions make it easy to park and navigate through tight spaces, a definite plus for city dwellers. Inside, the Encore Essence is where it really shines. The cabin is well-appointed with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These features add a touch of luxury and comfort that sets it apart from competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. The layout is functional, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen display offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. The Essence trim also includes additional tech features like a premium Bose audio system, a rearview camera, and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing both convenience and safety.

Practicality is another key aspect of the Encore Essence. Despite its compact size, the Encore Essence offers a surprising amount of cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. This makes it suitable for hauling groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, although taller passengers might find legroom a bit limited. The Encore Essence also comes standard with features like keyless entry, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control, adding to the overall convenience and comfort. Safety is also a priority, with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert available. These advanced safety technologies provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. In terms of ride quality, the Encore Essence offers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore Essence is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a blend of luxury, practicality, and technology. It's a great choice for individuals and small families looking for a vehicle that's easy to drive, comfortable, and packed with features.

Performance and Handling

When we talk about the performance of the 2022 Buick Encore Essence, it's essential to keep in mind its intended purpose: a comfortable and efficient urban runabout. The heart of this vehicle is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers around 155 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a lot, especially if you're used to driving more powerful vehicles, but it's perfectly adequate for the Encore's size and weight. This engine is designed to provide enough pep for navigating city streets and merging onto highways without feeling strained. It’s not going to win any races, but it gets the job done. One of the main advantages of this engine is its fuel efficiency. The Encore Essence typically achieves around 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, making it a good choice for those who want to save money on gas. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and predictable shifts. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine's characteristics, ensuring that it's always in the right gear for optimal performance and efficiency. While some newer vehicles offer more advanced transmissions with more gears, the six-speed in the Encore Essence is reliable and gets the job done without any fuss.

In terms of handling, the Encore Essence is designed for comfort rather than sporty driving. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, it's not as precise or engaging as some other vehicles in its class. If you're looking for a vehicle that's fun to drive on twisty roads, the Encore Essence might not be the best choice. But if you prioritize comfort and ease of use, you'll likely be satisfied with its handling characteristics. One thing to note is that the Encore Essence is available with all-wheel drive, which can improve traction and stability in slippery conditions. If you live in an area with snow or rain, all-wheel drive might be a worthwhile option. Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore Essence offers a balanced combination of performance and handling. It's not the fastest or most exciting vehicle on the road, but it's comfortable, efficient, and easy to drive. It's a great choice for those who prioritize practicality and comfort over sporty performance. So, if you're looking for a small SUV that's easy to live with and won't break the bank, the Encore Essence is definitely worth considering. Just remember to keep its intended purpose in mind and don't expect it to perform like a sports car.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Alright, let's step inside the 2022 Buick Encore Essence and see what it has to offer in terms of interior comfort. One of the first things you'll notice is the quality of the materials. Buick has made an effort to use soft-touch plastics and premium upholstery to create a more upscale feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The Essence trim comes standard with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury. Heated front seats are also standard, which is a nice feature to have on cold days. The layout of the cabin is functional and intuitive. The controls are easy to reach and use, and the dashboard is well-organized. The 8-inch touchscreen display is clear and responsive, and it's easy to navigate through the various menus and settings. The Encore Essence also offers a decent amount of space for passengers. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, even for taller adults. The rear seats are a bit more cramped, but they're still adequate for two adults. Legroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers, especially on longer trips. Cargo space is also a consideration. The Encore Essence offers 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is enough for groceries or a few suitcases. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space expands to 48.4 cubic feet, which is plenty for larger items. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Buick Encore Essence is comfortable and well-appointed. It's not the most spacious vehicle in its class, but it offers a decent amount of room for passengers and cargo.

Now, let's move on to the technology features. The Encore Essence comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is the centerpiece of the infotainment system. The system is easy to use and offers a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Essence trim also includes a premium Bose audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality. The system includes seven speakers and a subwoofer, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Other technology features include a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The Essence trim also includes rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. Available safety technologies include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. These features can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore Essence offers a good selection of technology features. The infotainment system is easy to use and offers a variety of features, and the available safety technologies can help prevent accidents. So, if you're looking for a small SUV that's comfortable, well-equipped, and packed with technology, the Encore Essence is definitely worth considering.

Safety and Reliability

When considering a new vehicle, safety and reliability are often at the top of the list. The 2022 Buick Encore Essence aims to provide peace of mind in both of these areas. In terms of safety, the Encore Essence comes standard with a variety of features designed to protect you and your passengers. These include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Essence trim also includes additional safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, which can help prevent accidents. Furthermore, the Encore Essence has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These tests evaluate the vehicle's performance in a variety of crash scenarios, providing valuable information about its ability to protect occupants. The 2022 Buick Encore Essence earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, indicating a high level of crash protection. Additionally, the IIHS gave the Encore Essence good ratings in several crash tests, further demonstrating its safety credentials. While no vehicle can guarantee your safety in every situation, the Encore Essence's strong safety ratings and comprehensive list of safety features provide a good level of protection. It's always a good idea to research the safety ratings of any vehicle you're considering, and the Encore Essence's performance in these tests is certainly reassuring.

In terms of reliability, the Buick brand has made strides in recent years to improve its reputation. The 2022 Buick Encore Essence is backed by a standard warranty that covers the vehicle for a certain period of time or mileage. This warranty provides coverage for defects in materials or workmanship, giving you added peace of mind. Additionally, Buick offers available extended warranty options that can provide even longer coverage. It's always a good idea to research the reliability of any vehicle you're considering, and the Encore Essence's performance in this area is generally positive. While no vehicle is completely immune to problems, the Encore Essence's solid safety ratings and comprehensive list of safety features provide a good level of protection. Ultimately, the 2022 Buick Encore Essence offers a compelling combination of safety and reliability. Its strong safety ratings, comprehensive list of safety features, and solid reliability record make it a good choice for those who prioritize peace of mind. So, if you're looking for a small SUV that's safe, reliable, and packed with features, the Encore Essence is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break it down simply with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Buick Encore Essence. This will give you a clear picture before you make any decisions.

Pros:

• Comfortable Ride: The Encore Essence shines when it comes to ride quality. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. This is especially important if you do a lot of city driving or spend a lot of time on rough roads.
• Upscale Interior: The interior of the Encore Essence is well-appointed with premium materials and comfortable seats. The leather upholstery and heated front seats add a touch of luxury, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The layout is functional and intuitive, and the controls are easy to reach and use.
• User-Friendly Technology: The Encore Essence comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that's easy to use and offers a variety of features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, and the premium Bose audio system delivers excellent sound quality.
• Compact Size: The Encore Essence's compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded cities. This is a big advantage if you live in an urban area where parking is at a premium.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The Encore Essence's turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for city driving, but it can feel a bit strained on the highway or when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. If you're looking for a vehicle with more spirited performance, the Encore Essence might not be the best choice.
• Limited Cargo Space: The Encore Essence's cargo space is somewhat limited compared to other subcompact SUVs. While it's adequate for groceries or a few suitcases, it might not be enough for larger items or longer trips.
• Rear Seat Legroom: Rear seat legroom can be a bit tight for taller passengers, especially on longer trips. If you frequently carry adults in the back seat, they might find the Encore Essence to be a bit cramped.
• Price: The Encore Essence is priced higher than some of its competitors in the subcompact SUV segment. While it offers a good selection of features and a comfortable ride, the higher price tag might be a deterrent for some buyers.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Buick Encore Essence? It's a solid choice if you're prioritizing comfort, a touch of luxury, and easy maneuverability in a compact SUV. Its upscale interior and user-friendly technology are definite highlights. However, if you need a lot of cargo space or regularly haul passengers in the back, or you want a sporty driving experience, you might want to explore other options. Considering the price, make sure the features and comfort align with your needs and budget. If it does, the Encore Essence could be a great fit for your lifestyle!