Hey guys! So, you're trying to decide between the 2017 Buick Encore and the Chevy Trax, huh? You're in the right place! These two subcompact SUVs are often compared since they share a lot under the hood, but they definitely have their own personalities. Let's dive deep and figure out which one is the better fit for you.

Overview of the 2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 Buick Encore is marketed as a more premium option in the subcompact SUV segment. It aims to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, a well-appointed interior, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Think of it as the slightly more sophisticated cousin in the GM family.

Key Features of the 2017 Buick Encore:

• Engine: Typically comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine provides adequate power for city driving and decent fuel economy.
• Interior: One of the Encore's strong suits. It boasts a more upscale interior design with higher-quality materials compared to the Trax. Expect features like available leather upholstery, a user-friendly infotainment system, and active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin.
• Ride Quality: The Encore prioritizes comfort. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and provide a smoother ride, making it a good choice for those who value a relaxed driving experience.
• Technology: Features a standard infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and available advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Target Audience: The Encore is generally geared towards buyers who want a small SUV with a touch of luxury, a comfortable ride, and a quiet interior. It's a good option for urban dwellers, small families, or anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing too much comfort and features.

In summary, the 2017 Buick Encore carves out a niche for itself by offering a more refined experience than many of its competitors in the subcompact SUV class. It’s not trying to be sporty or rugged; it’s all about providing a comfortable, quiet, and slightly luxurious ride in a small and manageable package. This makes it a compelling choice for those who prioritize these qualities in their daily driving.

Overview of the 2017 Chevy Trax

The 2017 Chevy Trax, on the other hand, is positioned as a more affordable and practical choice. It focuses on providing good value for money, with a functional interior, decent fuel economy, and a lower starting price. It's the reliable and budget-friendly option for those who need a small SUV without all the frills.

Key Features of the 2017 Chevy Trax:

• Engine: Like the Encore, the Trax usually comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's the same engine, so you can expect similar performance and fuel economy.
• Interior: The Trax features a more straightforward and utilitarian interior design. While it's not as luxurious as the Encore, it's still functional and practical. You'll find durable materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
• Ride Quality: The Trax offers a decent ride, but it's not as smooth or refined as the Encore. You might feel bumps and road imperfections a bit more. However, it's still perfectly acceptable for everyday driving.
• Technology: Comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and available features like a rearview camera and keyless entry.
• Target Audience: The Trax is aimed at budget-conscious buyers, first-time car buyers, or those who need a small and fuel-efficient SUV for city driving. It's a practical choice for those who prioritize affordability and functionality over luxury and refinement.

In essence, the 2017 Chevy Trax is a solid and dependable choice for those seeking an affordable and practical subcompact SUV. It excels in providing good value for money, with a functional interior, decent fuel economy, and a lower starting price. While it may not offer the same level of luxury or refinement as some of its competitors, its affordability and practicality make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers or those who simply need a reliable and easy-to-drive small SUV.

Performance and Fuel Economy

When it comes to performance and fuel economy, both the 2017 Buick Encore and the Chevy Trax are quite similar since they share the same engine. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces around 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Here’s a more in-depth comparison:

• Engine Performance: The engine provides adequate power for city driving and is sufficient for highway cruising. However, don't expect blistering acceleration. Both vehicles are more about efficiency than outright speed.
• Fuel Economy: The fuel economy is also comparable between the two. You can expect to get around 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive will slightly decrease these numbers.
• Driving Experience: The Encore tends to offer a slightly smoother and quieter driving experience due to its focus on comfort and noise cancellation. The Trax is a bit more basic in its driving feel, but still perfectly acceptable for daily commuting.
• Handling: Both vehicles are easy to maneuver in tight spaces and offer decent handling. They're not sporty, but they're stable and predictable.

So, if performance and fuel economy are your primary concerns, you likely won't find a significant difference between the two. The choice will likely come down to other factors like interior features, comfort, and price.

Interior and Features

The interior and features are where the 2017 Buick Encore and Chevy Trax start to diverge noticeably. The Encore aims for a more upscale experience, while the Trax focuses on practicality and value. Here's a breakdown:

2017 Buick Encore:

• Interior Design: The Encore boasts a more refined and stylish interior design. You'll find higher-quality materials, such as soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery. The overall design feels more premium and luxurious.
• Comfort: The Encore prioritizes comfort with features like active noise cancellation, which helps to create a quieter and more relaxing cabin. The seats are also generally more comfortable and supportive.
• Features: Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available features include a sunroof, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

2017 Chevy Trax:

• Interior Design: The Trax has a more straightforward and utilitarian interior design. The materials are durable but not as luxurious as the Encore. The overall design is functional and practical.
• Comfort: The Trax offers decent comfort, but it's not as refined as the Encore. You might notice more road noise and feel bumps more noticeably. The seats are adequate but not as supportive.
• Features: Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available features include keyless entry, remote start, and a sunroof.

In summary, if a premium interior and upscale features are important to you, the Buick Encore is the clear winner. However, if you're on a budget and prioritize practicality over luxury, the Chevy Trax is a perfectly acceptable choice. Keep in mind that some features may vary depending on the trim level and options package.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, both the 2017 Buick Encore and Chevy Trax offer a similar level of protection. Both vehicles come standard with a suite of safety features, including:

• Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags
• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): Helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain control during skidding
• Traction Control: Helps prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces
• Rearview Camera: Provides a view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up

However, there are some differences in available advanced safety features:

• Buick Encore: Offers available features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision alert. These features can help you avoid accidents by providing warnings of potential hazards.
• Chevy Trax: Offers available features like rear park assist, which can help you avoid bumping into objects when backing up.

It's important to note that the availability of these advanced safety features may depend on the trim level and options package. Be sure to check the specific features of the vehicle you're considering.

Both the Encore and Trax have performed well in government and independent crash tests. However, it's always a good idea to research the latest safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) before making a purchase.

Price and Value

Price and Value are key considerations for any car buyer, and this is where the Chevy Trax typically holds a significant advantage over the Buick Encore. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Starting Price: The Chevy Trax generally has a lower starting price than the Buick Encore. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers or first-time car buyers.
• Trim Levels: Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features and price points. However, even at higher trim levels, the Trax tends to be more affordable than the Encore.
• Resale Value: The resale value of both vehicles is fairly average for the subcompact SUV segment. However, the Encore may hold its value slightly better due to its more premium image.
• Overall Value: If you're looking for the best value for your money, the Chevy Trax is generally the better choice. It offers a lot of the same features and functionality as the Encore at a lower price point. However, if you're willing to pay more for a more luxurious interior and a more refined driving experience, the Encore may be worth the extra cost.

In conclusion, the price and value proposition largely depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're on a tight budget, the Chevy Trax is the clear winner. But if you're willing to spend a bit more for a touch of luxury, the Buick Encore is a viable option.

Which One is Right for You?

Okay, guys, let's break it down to help you decide which one is right for you: the 2017 Buick Encore or the Chevy Trax. Here's a simple way to think about it:

Choose the 2017 Buick Encore if:

• You want a more luxurious and refined interior.
• You prioritize a quiet and comfortable ride.
• You're willing to pay more for upscale features and a more premium feel.
• Active noise cancellation and a smoother ride are important to you.

Choose the 2017 Chevy Trax if:

• You're on a budget and want the best value for your money.
• You need a practical and fuel-efficient small SUV.
• You don't need all the bells and whistles and are happy with a functional interior.
• Affordability and practicality are your top priorities.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels like the best fit for you. Consider your budget, your needs, and your priorities, and you'll be able to make an informed decision.