Buick Encore I photos

The first-generation Buick Encore made its world debut at the January 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and entered production later in 2012 for the 2013 model year. Engineered by GM Korea on the global Gamma II architecture, the subcompact SUV was closely related to the Opel Mokka and Chevrolet Trax. Offered solely as a five-door SUV with either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, the Encore became Buick's first subcompact crossover and quickly turned into one of the brand's highest-volume models in both the United States and China. At launch, power came from a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four Ecotec (LUJ/LUV) engine producing 138 hp (140 PS), paired predominantly with a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 automatic transmission, while a 6-speed manual and turbo-diesel options were available across global Gamma II variants. For 2016, Buick introduced the Encore Sport Touring with a direct-injected 1.4-liter turbo engine (LE2) delivering 153 hp. A comprehensive facelift debuted at the 2016 New York Auto Show for the 2017 model year, bringing a winged grille, updated LED headlights and taillights, a redesigned dashboard with a cleaner layout, and an integrated 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system. Chinese production at SAIC-GM ended in 2019 with the arrival of the second generation, while South Korean assembly for North America continued until 2022.