Just because you’re on a budget does not mean that you are exempt from buying a new vehicle. There are still some hardy new models that fall within a reasonable price range. One of the best models when you’re looking for both space and fuel efficiency is the 2022 Buick Encore. Rather than giving you the run around with multiple trims, the new Encore comes in one loaded configuration. As a result, there aren’t several price shifts with this model, keeping its sticker price accurate.
This is a well-rounded vehicle in all commuter departments. You’ll get as much as 32 miles per gallon on the highway with this model, seating for up to 5 people, and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. While that’s all important stuff, what really makes this model stand out is its tech feature to price ratio. Whether you want safety or convenience, this model is an affordable route to maintaining them both and even more.
Safety Features
When it’s time to invest in a daily commuter model, safety is a top priority. A vehicle’s safety used to just be about airbags and crash test ratings, but this is quickly changing. While the 2022 Buick Encore definitely has airbags (10 of them in fact), it offers much more than traditional safety features. You’ll get a rear vision camera standard with this model. Plus, you can choose from several more important safety assist features. These include the following:
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Rainsense Wipers
These first two safety features cover your blind zones, both on the highway and in parking lots. You’ll receive alerts that let you know when a vehicle is approaching from the side or rear. Forward Collision Warning is there to let you know if you’re in danger of a front-end collision. It does this by monitoring the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. If they abruptly brake, it will notify you so you can quickly react.
Sometimes those rumble strips just don’t cut it. Lane Departure Warning is designed for late-night drives and long road trips when you start to get sleepy. Unless you activate your turn signal, this driver-assist feature sends an alert when you head outside the road lines.
Front and Rear Park Assist helps you out in tight parking lots by alerting you when you’re getting too close to another object. While many vehicles include rear backup sensors, you get them on both the front and the back with the 2022 Buick Encore. Finally, your RainSense wipers automatically kick on at the first raindrop, and they adjust to the rain’s intensity. Considering you’re getting this model at such an affordable price, and there’s one singular trim, these features are abundant.
OnStar Capabilities
It’s okay to be extra cautious. If these safety features just don’t cut it for you, Buick offers OnStar capability. The good news is that you don’t have to waste money on this if you end up not liking it. Instead, you get a 1-month free trial just for purchasing the new Encore. This gives you plenty of time to get a feel for OnStar’s Safety & Security package. This specific package includes everything you need to feel secure, including the following:
- Automatic Crash Response
- Emergency Services
- Crisis Assist
- Roadside Assistance
- Stolen Vehicle Assist
- The OnStar Guardian App
The OnStar Guardian App gives you access to all of these features, even when you’re not in the car. You’ll get mobile alerts if your vehicle is stolen, or you can even make a non-automotive-related crisis call thanks to the app. When you want an added layer of protection, it’s within your budget – this subscription is worth it at only $29.99 per month.
Accessible Tech Features
You may feel limited by your budget, but don’t just assume that you have to settle for practicality and nothing more. The new Encore makes it easy to access fun and convenient technologies. It does this by first providing you with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This display includes easy-to-use phone and text connectivity. It also doesn’t matter whether you’re an iPhone or Android user. Buick doesn’t discriminate, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto music streaming that’s accessible through the infotainment system.
The fun doesn’t stop here! Working remotely? As long as you aren’t writing a report while you’re behind the wheel, you can flip on your built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to stay productive on the road. Whether you pull over or you’re a passenger, you don’t have to let travel slow your work ethic.
Buick makes usability a cinch thanks to the MyBuick Mobile App. From here, you can remotely start your vehicle, lock or unlock your doors, and much more. Furthermore, keyless entry and push-button start are standard on this model, so you can say goodbye to having to fish out your keys every time you enter or exit the vehicle.
Whether you’re taking a drive alone and want to focus on your favorite playlist, or you’re hanging out with friends and family, the Encore’s QuietTuning technology helps eliminate road noise and elevate the quiet. This is especially handy if you have an interstate or high-speed commute.
We’re not just all talk when we say that modern features don’t require spending a huge amount of money. The 2022 Encore may be Buick’s base model, but keep in mind that Buick is still considered a premium brand and doesn’t skimp when it comes to high-tech features.
How About Performance?
While tech and safety are this model’s main selling points, that all means nothing if the engine doesn’t cut it. Plus, true safety lies in your mechanical technology paired with your safety assist features.
The good news is that this model’s turbocharged engine paired with its all-wheel drive technology makes it beyond capable for commuters. Whether you have to tackle occasional snow and ice, or you’ve got to hit rough backroads, Intelligent AWD is ready. This type of AWD technology senses when it’s needed and when it isn’t, so you don’t even have to worry about switching it on and off.
While AWD capability on its own certainly helps with slippery situations, Buick goes the extra mile by implementing GM’s StabiliTrak feature. This feature performs two major tasks that go as follows:
When it’s snowy and icy out, and you attempt to turn, but the road is slick, StabiliTrak applies inner brakes to correct the issue and keep you on the road.
When the rain is just too much, and you begin to fishtail, StabiliTrak shows up to apply the outside front brake, correcting your direction.
Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore goes beyond driver assistance technologies. Small crossover models can be AWD capable, and then some. You don’t have to sacrifice fuel efficiency for safety and capability anymore.
What’s Stopping You Now?
The 2022 Buick Encore is bound to be even cooler than you expected it to be. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, fun, and safe. Thanks to this model, you can take your friends out to eat or your family to the movies without lugging around a giant vehicle and draining your fuel tank. Best of all, it’s not your typical low-priced small crossover. It offers luxurious features without breaking your budget. So, what are you waiting for? Your brand new 2022 Buick Encore is waiting for you!
