The Buick Encore is a popular subcompact SUV known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features. Among its various trims, the Preferred and Essence are two of the most sought after. Understanding the differences between these two trims can help potential buyers make an informed decision based on their needs and preferences.
The Buick Encore Preferred serves as the base model, offering a blend of essential features at a competitive price. In contrast, the Essence trim elevates the driving experience with additional luxury and technology features that enhance comfort and convenience. Both trims share a similar engine performance but differ significantly in terms of interior amenities, safety features, and overall luxury.
To provide a clearer comparison, here is a brief overview of both trims:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Encore Preferred | Approximately $25,000 |
| Encore Essence | Approximately $30,000 |
Key Features of Buick Encore Preferred
The Buick Encore Preferred is designed to offer value without compromising on essential features. Here are some notable aspects:
- Engine Performance: The Encore Preferred is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for city driving and highway cruising.
- Interior Comfort: This trim includes cloth seating surfaces with available leatherette options. It features a six-way power driver’s seat, which enhances comfort during long drives.
- Infotainment System: The Preferred comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for seamless smartphone integration for navigation and entertainment.
- Safety Features: Standard safety features include rear vision camera, StabiliTrak stability control, and multiple airbags. However, advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring are available as options.
- Cargo Space: The Encore Preferred offers up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, making it practical for everyday use.
Key Features of Buick Encore Essence
The Buick Encore Essence builds upon the Preferred trim by adding several luxury features that enhance comfort and convenience:
- Engine Performance: Like the Preferred, the Essence also houses a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with similar horsepower and torque ratings. However, it benefits from additional tuning for improved responsiveness.
- Interior Luxury: The Essence trim upgrades to leather-appointed seating surfaces and includes a six-way power front passenger seat with memory settings for added convenience. Heated front seats are standard in this trim.
- Advanced Infotainment System: The Essence features an upgraded audio system with a premium seven-speaker setup, providing superior sound quality for music lovers.
- Enhanced Safety Features: This trim includes additional safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning as standard features, enhancing overall driver confidence.
- Exterior Enhancements: The Essence comes with LED headlights and taillights as standard equipment, providing better visibility and a modern look.
Comparing Interior Features
When comparing the interiors of both trims, several distinctions become apparent:
| Feature | Encore Preferred | Encore Essence |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Material | Cloth/Leatherette | Leather-Appointed |
| Heated Seats | Available | Standard |
| Audio System | Standard Audio System | Premium 7-Speaker System |
| Driver’s Seat Memory | No | Yes |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 8 inches | 8 inches (upgraded interface) |
Performance Comparison
Both trims utilize the same engine; however, their performance characteristics can vary slightly due to different tuning and additional features in the Essence trim:
- The Encore Preferred offers a smooth ride suitable for urban environments while maintaining efficiency.
- The Encore Essence’s enhancements provide a more engaging driving experience with improved handling dynamics thanks to its additional safety technologies that assist in maneuvering.
Safety Features Overview
Safety is paramount in vehicle selection. Here’s how the safety features stack up between both trims:
| Safety Feature | Encore Preferred | Encore Essence |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Vision Camera | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | No (available) | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | No (available) | Standard |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | No (available) | Standard |
| Cruise Control Type | Standard Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control (available) |
Pricing Considerations
Pricing is an essential factor when choosing between the Encore Preferred and Essence trims:
- The Encore Preferred starts at approximately $25,000, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.
- The Encore Essence, priced around $30,000, offers additional luxury features that justify its higher cost for those who prioritize comfort and advanced technology.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Buick Encore Preferred and Essence depends on individual preferences regarding luxury, technology, and budget.
The Preferred trim is ideal for those seeking a reliable subcompact SUV with essential features at an affordable price. In contrast, the Essence trim caters to buyers who desire enhanced comfort and advanced safety technologies.
Ultimately, both trims provide excellent value within their segments but cater to different needs within the market.
FAQs About Buick Encore Preferred vs Essence
- What are the main differences between Buick Encore Preferred and Essence?
The main differences lie in luxury features, safety technologies, and interior materials. - Is the engine performance different in both trims?
No, both trims feature the same engine but may have different tuning characteristics. - Does the Essence trim include more safety features?
Yes, the Essence comes standard with more advanced safety technologies compared to the Preferred. - What is the starting price of each trim?
The Encore Preferred starts around $25,000 while the Essence starts around $30,000. - Aren’t heated seats available in both trims?
No, heated seats are standard in the Essence but only available as an option in the Preferred.