This forgotten American SUV beats rivals in reliability and safety

Subcompact SUVs have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Automakers are scrambling to keep up with demand, launching small crossovers designed for city living and young families.

Models such as the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR and Chevrolet Trax attract attention with their sharp styling, efficient engines and robust safety technology. They offer the relaxed driving feel of a hatchback with the added practicality one expects from an SUV.

But in a crowded segment where buyers care most about reliability and safety, some solid options are being overlooked. An American-made SUV quietly stands out for its durability and crash protection, even if it gets little attention.

In order to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, data used to prepare this article was obtained from Buick and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, EPA, IIHS, JD Power, NHTSA and TopSpeed.

An overlooked SUV quietly stands out

Why some great SUVs never get the attention they deserve

exist Subcompact SUV In the market, brand reputation often guides many purchasing decisions. Many shoppers gravitate toward familiar names or models they see advertised, even if they haven’t carefully researched other options.

This leaves some truly rugged SUVs vying for attention. Some of them offer impressive engineering and rich ownership experiences, but without the same marketing push or brand cachet, they rarely get noticed.

Design trends also influence buyer choices

SUVs with bold styling or heavy marketing are often the first to grab people’s attention, even if other models offer an equally good (or even better) long-term ownership experience. Flashy looks and huge advertising budgets can easily overshadow quieter competitors.

That’s why some vehicles end up developing a good reputation among owners despite never becoming big sales hits. An American SUV in the compact crossover segment does just that.

The 2018-2021 Buick Encore has quietly become the leader in its class

Small footprint, surprisingly large impact

The Buick Encore may not be the first subcompact SUV people think of, but it’s quietly earned a reputation for comfort and reliability. While flashier rivals draw attention, the Encore has built a loyal following among owners who value a smooth, effortless ride.

Buick launches the 2013 Encore as a response to the booming small crossover market. As the brand attempts to attract younger buyers, the Encore takes a different route.

Instead of going for sporty styling or performance bragging rights, Buick favors comfort, quietness and everyday usability. This approach helps the Encore stand out in a segment filled with louder, flashier competitors.

2018-2021 Encore models are widely regarded as the most reliable of the first-generation SUVs, with relatively few common mechanical complaints from owners. For many drivers, it simply delivers the kind of simple, trouble-free ownership one hopes for.

Even so, the Encore rarely attracts much attention. Within GM’s own lineup, it’s often overshadowed by the closely related Chevrolet Trax, which leans more toward bold styling and youth-focused marketing.

Shifts in brand loyalty also play a role

Meanwhile, much of the attention has been on familiar rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. These models benefited from strong brand recognition and quickly entered many buyers’ shortlists.

Buick’s image doesn’t help either. Many shoppers still associate the brand with traditional luxury sedans rather than small crossovers, making it harder for the Encore to win over younger buyers.

Under the spotlight, though, the Encore has a lot going for it. It’s quietly built a reputation for solid reliability and reassuring safety credentials – two things that matter most to daily drivers.

Reliability scores catch many buyers off guard

Consistent ratings and rarely reported issues

One of the Encore’s biggest strengths has always been reliability. Owners and industry experts have given this small SUV high marks for years, often exceeding expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

organizations like this JD Power The Encore’s reliability often gets good reviews, with ratings usually in the 80s or 90s. Owner feedback also tends to emphasize its long-term durability and relatively simple maintenance.

Part of the Encore’s reliability is due to its simple design. Rather than pursuing cutting-edge technology, Buick focused on refining proven components that would perform well over the long term.

Take the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine as an example. If properly maintained, it has a reputation for long-lasting performance, with many owners reporting that it runs smoothly with few mechanical issues, even after years of daily driving.

The Encore also had relatively few serious mechanical problems, especially compared to some of its competitors that struggled with reliability early on. This consistency has helped it earn a good reputation among owners.

Although rarely making headlines, Encore’s solid track record has quietly built a loyal fan base over the years.

Safety level comparable to large SUVs

Strong crash test results and standard safety technology

Security is another area where Encore quietly stands out. Despite its small footprint, the SUV performed well in crash tests and comes with a host of modern safety features.

Test from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Small SUVs have proven to perform impressively in crashes. Thanks in part to a higher ride height and reinforced structure, models like the Encore achieve strong scores in multiple crash-test categories.

Encore also received high marks National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)during which the overall safety rating was five stars. Notably, there aren’t any recalls for 2018 and 2021 models, which helps solidify the SUV’s reputation for reliability.

In addition to structural safety, Encore offers a range of driver assistance features designed to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Depending on trim and model year, this may include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

These features combined with its stable, predictable driving style help the Encore feel safe and confident in everyday driving situations.

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Simple turbine engine built for efficiency

Under the hood, the Encore uses a simple powertrain that balances efficiency with everyday usability. It’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces approximately 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

These numbers aren’t meant to impress performance enthusiasts, but they fit well with the Encore’s compact size and city-focused design. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth, predictable shifts.

Buyers can choose front-wheel drive for improved fuel economy or all-wheel drive for more confidence in inclement weather.

Fuel economy is another area where the Encore makes sense as a daily driver. Depending on configuration, it returns up to about 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, making it a practical choice for commuting.

Buick also tweaked the Encore to focus on comfort and refinement rather than aggressive acceleration. The suspension facilitates a smooth, relaxed ride, and the cabin remains impressively quiet for a vehicle in this price range.

This focus aligns perfectly with Buick’s broader goal of providing a relaxing, stress-free driving experience.

Why it’s a smart second-hand SUV to buy today

Affordable, reliable and easy to work with

For used car buyers, the Encore could be a very attractive option. Since it’s never had the hype of some of its rivals, the price tends to be lower than many of its better-known rivals.

Used cars typically cost between $14,000 and $20,000, depending on model year and mileage. This makes the Encore a viable option for buyers who want a reliable crossover without breaking their budget.

Its compact size also makes it particularly suitable for city driving. The smaller footprint helps with squeezing through narrow streets or parking in crowded lots, while the higher seating position gives the driver the visibility that many SUV buyers appreciate.

Combined with its solid reliability record and respectable safety ratings, the Encore ends up being a low-stress vehicle. For commuters, retirees, or anyone who just wants a comfortable daily driving experience, it proves that sometimes the most overlooked SUVs are the smartest choices.