Subcompact SUVs have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Automakers rushed to meet demand, rolling out smaller crossovers built for city life and young families.
Models like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Chevrolet Trax grabbed attention with sharp styling, efficient engines, and strong safety tech. They deliver the easy driving feel of a hatchback with the added practicality people expect from an SUV.
But in a crowded segment where buyers care most about reliability and safety, some solid options get overlooked. One American-built SUV quietly stands out for durability and crash protection, even if it rarely gets the spotlight.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Buick and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, the EPA, IIHS, J.D. Power, NHTSA, and TopSpeed.
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An overlooked SUV that quietly stands out where it counts
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In the subcompact SUV market, brand reputation tends to steer a lot of buying decisions. Many shoppers gravitate toward familiar names or models they’ve seen advertised everywhere, even if they haven’t looked closely at the alternatives.
That leaves some genuinely solid SUVs fighting for attention. A few deliver impressive engineering and great ownership experience, but without the same marketing push or brand cachet, they rarely get the spotlight.
Design trends also shape what buyers choose
Credit: Chevrolet
SUVs with bold styling or heavy marketing often grab attention first, even when other models offer just as good—if not better—long-term ownership experiences. Flashy looks and big ad budgets can easily overshadow quieter contenders.
That’s how some vehicles end up building strong reputations with owners despite never becoming big sales hits. One American SUV in the compact crossover segment has done exactly that.
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The 2018–2021 Buick Encore quietly became a standout in its segment
Credit: Buick
The Buick Encore probably isn’t the first SUV people think of in the subcompact class, but it quietly earned a reputation for comfort and dependability. While flashier rivals grabbed the spotlight, the Encore built a loyal following among owners who valued a smooth, easygoing ride.
Buick introduced the Encore for the 2013 model year as its answer to the booming small crossover market. At a time when the brand was trying to appeal to younger buyers, the Encore took a different route.
Instead of chasing sporty styling or performance bragging rights, Buick leaned into comfort, quietness, and everyday usability. That approach helped the Encore stand out in a segment crowded with louder, flashier competitors.
Credit: Buick
The 2018–2021 Encore models are widely seen as some of the most dependable years of the SUV’s first generation, with relatively few widespread mechanical complaints from owners. For many drivers, it simply delivered the kind of easy, trouble-free ownership people hope for.
Even so, the Encore rarely grabbed much attention. Within GM’s own lineup, it was often overshadowed by the closely related Chevrolet Trax, which leaned harder into bold styling and youth-focused marketing.
Shifting brand loyalty also played a role
Credit: NetCarShow.com
Meanwhile, much of the spotlight stayed on familiar rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. Those models benefited from strong brand recognition and quickly landed on many buyers’ shortlists.
Buick’s image didn’t help matters either. Many shoppers still associate the brand with traditional luxury sedans, not small crossovers, which made it harder for the Encore to win over younger buyers.
Under the radar, though, the Encore had plenty going for it. It quietly built a reputation for solid reliability and reassuring safety credentials—two things that matter most to everyday drivers.
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Reliability scores that catch many buyers off guard
Consistent ratings and few reported problems
Credit: Buick
One of the Encore’s biggest strengths has always been reliability. Over the years, both owners and industry experts have consistently given the small SUV high marks, often exceeding expectations for a vehicle in its price range.
Organizations like J.D. Power regularly scored the Encore well for dependability, with ratings typically landing in the high 80s or low 90s. Owner feedback also tends to highlight its long-term durability and relatively straightforward maintenance.
Part of the Encore’s reliability comes down to its straightforward design. Rather than chasing cutting-edge tech, Buick focused on refining proven components that could hold up well over time.
Credit: Buick
Take the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, for example. When properly maintained, it’s built a reputation for long-lasting performance, with many owners reporting smooth operation and few mechanical issues even after years of daily driving.
Serious mechanical problems have also been relatively rare with the Encore, especially compared with some rivals that struggled with reliability early on. That consistency helped it earn a solid reputation among owners.
Even though it rarely grabbed headlines, the Encore’s dependable track record has quietly built a loyal fan base over the years.
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Safety ratings that rival larger SUVs
Strong crash-test results and standard safety tech
Credit: Buick
Safety is another area where the Encore quietly stands out. Despite its small footprint, the SUV performs well in crash testing and comes with a range of modern safety features.
Testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown that small SUVs can hold up impressively in crash scenarios. Thanks in part to their higher ride height and reinforced structures, models like the Encore have posted strong results across several crash-test categories.
The Encore also earned strong marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five-star overall safety ratings during this period. Notably, the 2018 and 2021 model years launched without any recalls, which helped reinforce the SUV’s reputation for dependability.
Beyond its structural safety, the Encore also offered a range of driver-assistance features aimed at preventing accidents in the first place. Depending on the trim and model year, that could include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Paired with its stable, predictable driving manners, those features help the Encore feel secure and confidence-inspiring in everyday driving situations.
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A look under the hood
A simple turbo engine built for efficiency
Credit: TopSpeed
Under the hood, the Encore uses a straightforward powertrain that balances efficiency with everyday practicality. It’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces about 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
Those numbers aren’t meant to impress performance fans, but they suit the Encore’s compact size and city-focused design just fine. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth, predictable shifts.
Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive for better fuel economy or all-wheel drive for extra confidence in rough weather.
Credit: Buick
Fuel economy is another area where the Encore makes sense as a daily driver. Depending on the configuration, it can return up to about 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city, making it a practical choice for commuting.
Buick also tuned the Encore with comfort and refinement in mind rather than aggressive acceleration. The suspension favors a smooth, relaxed ride, and the cabin stays impressively quiet for a vehicle in this price range.
That focus fits neatly with Buick’s broader goal of delivering an easy, stress-free driving experience.
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Affordable, dependable, and easy to live with
Credit: Buick
For used-car shoppers, the Encore can be a surprisingly appealing option. Because it never had the same hype as some rivals, prices tend to be lower than many better-known competitors.
Used examples often fall between about $14,000 and $20,000, depending on the model year and mileage. That makes the Encore an accessible choice for buyers who want a dependable crossover without pushing their budget too far.
Its compact size also makes it especially well suited to city driving. The small footprint helps when squeezing through tight streets or parking in crowded lots, while the higher seating position gives drivers the visibility many SUV buyers like.
Pair that with its solid reliability record and respectable safety ratings, and the Encore ends up being a low-stress vehicle to own. For commuters, retirees, or anyone who just wants a comfortable daily driver, it’s proof that sometimes the most overlooked SUVs turn out to be the smartest picks.
