You’re looking at a subcompact luxury crossover that’s over a decade old, and honestly, the 2014 Buick Encore Convenience SUV is a weirdly specific beast. When it first hit the scene, people didn't really know what to make of it. It was tiny. Like, really tiny. It looked like a luxury jellybean that had been shrunk in the wash. But here is the thing: it actually carved out a niche that didn't exist before, and if you are shopping for one today on the used market, you are probably looking for that exact blend of "easy to park" and "feels like a couch."
It's not fast. Let’s just get that out of the way right now. If you try to win a drag race in a 2014 Encore, you're going to lose to a minivan. Probably a bicycle, too, if the wind is blowing the right way. But speed isn't why people bought these. They bought them because Buick decided to take their "QuietTuning" technology—which involves acoustic laminated glass and active noise cancellation—and shove it into a car the size of a Chevy Sonic.
The Reality of the 2014 Buick Encore Convenience SUV Trim
So, what does the "Convenience" part actually mean? Back in 2014, Buick had this tiered structure: Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium. The 2014 Buick Encore Convenience SUV was basically the "Goldilocks" zone for most buyers. It wasn't the entry-level bare-bones model, but it didn't force you into the expensive leather seats if you didn't want them.
You got some specific goodies. Dual-zone automatic climate control was a big one. It seems like a small thing until your passenger wants it at 75 degrees and you want it at 60. You also got remote start, which, if you live anywhere with a real winter, is basically a gift from the heavens. Oh, and side blind-zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert were included. In 2014, having those sensors on a small SUV was actually a pretty big deal. Most "economy" small cars were still making you crane your neck and pray.
The interior is where the Encore tries to earn its paycheck. It uses a lot of soft-touch materials on the dash. It feels more expensive than a Trax, even though they share the same bones. But there are buttons. So many buttons. The center stack looks like a calculator from the 1990s exploded. It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you learn where the "Home" button is for the IntelliLink system, it’s fine.
Power, or Lack Thereof
Under the hood lives a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 138 horsepower. That is not a typo. It really is 138. For context, some modern lawnmowers are catching up.
Driving this thing requires a change in philosophy. You don't merge; you negotiate. You have to plan your overtakes three business days in advance. However, the six-speed automatic transmission is actually quite smooth. It hunts for gears a bit on steep hills, but for city driving? It’s perfect. It’s zippy enough to dart through traffic, and the turning radius is so tight you can practically spin it around in your own driveway.
Fuel economy was rated at about 25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version. If you find an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model, those numbers dip a bit. It’s efficient, but not "hybrid" efficient. It’s just "small engine" efficient.
Common Problems and What Breaks
If you're looking at a 2014 model today, you're dealing with a car that's seen some miles. You have to be careful. One of the most common issues with this specific year involves the turbocharger. Not the turbo itself failing, usually, but the integrated wastegate. If the Check Engine light is on and the code is P0299, you’re looking at a "turbo underboost" condition. Sometimes it’s a simple vacuum leak, but often, the whole turbo assembly needs replacing. That's a $1,500 to $2,000 headache.
Coolant leaks are another classic Encore pastime. The water pump and the plastic coolant bypass housing are notorious for cracking. If you smell something sweet like maple syrup after a drive, check the ground.
- Check the oil feed pipe to the turbo. They get clogged with carbon.
- The PCV system is integrated into the valve cover. If it fails, it can whistle like a tea kettle.
- Listen for a "clunking" in the front end—sway bar links go bad early on these.
- Test the heater. If it only blows hot on one side, that dual-zone climate control blend door has quit.
Why People Actually Love Them
Despite the power issues and the potential for a few leaks, the 2014 Buick Encore Convenience SUV has a loyal following. Why? Because it’s comfortable. The seats are surprisingly good for long trips. They have that signature Buick "squish" without being unsupportive.
The quietness is the real selling point. Buick’s Bose Active Noise Cancellation uses microphones in the headliner to "listen" for engine drone and then emits counter-frequency waves through the speakers to cancel it out. It’s high-tech wizardry for a car this old. It makes a highway commute significantly less draining. You can actually have a conversation at a normal volume.
Storage is... creative. There are cubbies everywhere. There’s a drawer under the passenger seat. There are two gloveboxes. But the actual cargo area? It’s small. You can fit a week's worth of groceries, but don't expect to help your friend move a dresser. With the rear seats up, you've got about 18.8 cubic feet. Fold them down, and it jumps to 48.4. It’s functional, but cramped if you have four adults.
The Competition in 2014
Back then, the Encore didn't have much competition. The Mini Countryman was out there, but that was for "sporty" people who liked stiff suspensions. The Kia Soul was an option, but it didn't offer AWD. The Encore was the only one trying to be a "Baby Lexus."
If you compare it to a 2014 Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, the Buick feels much smaller but significantly more "premium" inside. It’s shorter than a Honda Civic. That makes it the ultimate city car for someone who wants to sit up high but hates trying to find a parking spot for a Tahoe.
Actionable Tips for Potential Buyers
If you are currently staring at a Facebook Marketplace listing for one of these, do not just look at the shiny paint. You need to be methodical. These cars reward maintenance and punish neglect.
First, check the service history for oil changes. That 1.4L turbo engine absolutely hates old oil. If the previous owner went 10,000 miles between changes, walk away. The turbo bearings won't last. You want to see records of changes every 5,000 miles or less.
Second, get a pre-purchase inspection. Have a mechanic specifically look at the cooling system and the turbo wastegate. Ask them to check the "PCV nipple" inside the intake manifold. It’s a tiny part that, if missing, causes the engine to eat its own seals. It sounds catastrophic because it is, but it's an easy check for a pro.
Third, verify the "Convenience" features work. Test the remote start. Make sure the blind-spot monitors don't just stay lit up. These electronics are getting older, and chasing electrical gremlins in a Buick can get expensive fast.
The 2014 Buick Encore Convenience SUV is a solid choice if you want luxury features on a budget and don't care about winning races. It's a "sensible shoes" kind of car. It’s quiet, it’s safe, and it’s remarkably easy to live with day-to-day as long as you keep an eye on the coolant levels.
Before you sign any papers, take it on a highway on-ramp. Push the pedal to the floor. If you can live with that level of acceleration, then you've found your next car. If you find yourself screaming "Go, go, go!" at the dashboard, maybe look for something with a V6.
Check these items before buying:
- Verify the turbocharger has been inspected for the P0299 code.
- Inspect the coolant reservoir and hoses for orange crusty residue (Dex-Cool leaks).
- Ensure the IntelliLink screen doesn't flicker or go black during operation.
- Confirm the AWD system (if equipped) engages without "binding" noises during tight turns.
Buying one of these today is about finding the one that was owned by the person who pampered it. Avoid the "bargains" with 150,000 miles and no records. Look for the low-mileage examples often sold by retirees—those are the gems in the Encore world.