Buick Encore Achieves Top in Safety, Loses Small Overlap

The 2013 Buick Encore has achieved highest safety marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and almost top ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. 

From the IIHS, the Encore receives a Top Safety Pick mark, meaning it achieved top marks in 4 out of 5 crash trials.

The 5th test, which is the new small-overlap crash trial, proved to be tough for the Encore. Buick’s small SUV got the lowest possible mark in that challenge, but because it is a new addition to the test roster, ratings from the overlap test are not featured in the Top Safety Pick designation. If the Encore had of performed well in this very trial, it would have achieved a “Top Safety Pick Plus” rating.

A 5-star safety rating was also handed to the Encore from NHTSA, which examines rollover power, front impact crashes, side pole impacts etc.

Buick boasts that for safety, the Encore has 10 regular airbags, forward collision alarm, lane departure system, panic brake override, electronic stability option, and a collapsible pedal control that lowers the risk of leg injury, among many others.