Buick Reveals the More Powerful Encore Sport Touring

2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring (Credit: © Buick)

Small crossovers are the “in thing” in the automotive segment these days, and it’s certainly not looking like it’s going to stop any time soon. Now, with the 2016 model year quickly approaching, Buick is updating its own tiny people hauler with a new, more powerful Sport Touring version of the Encore.

The biggest news for the Sport Touring is its updated engine. Buick took the existing 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit and bumped its power to 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. For those of you keeping score at home, that’s an increase of 15 ponies and 29 pound-feet of twist. This will result in better low-end oomph and midrange acceleration.

This more powerful version of the 1.4-liter engine will mate to the same six-speed auto transmission as the standard Encore.

2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring

Buyers typically choose these small crossovers because they are easy to navigate through tight city traffic and they deliver higher fuel-economy numbers. To help push the latter even further, the 2016 Encore Sport Touring will also come standard with auto start/stop, which will shut down the engine during extended stops, like in traffic or at a stop light.

The Encore Sport Touring isn’t just about the more powerful engine either, as it also has some exterior goodies to set it apart from the crowd. These include 18-inch aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, fog lights, and a rear spoiler.

There are also plenty of standard features included with this new trim level. They include a 120-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, rear cross-traffic alert, side blind-zone alert, and a remote starter.

Available as options on the Sport Touring are all-wheel drive, a Bose premium audio system, navigation, and a moonroof.

The 2016 Encore Sport Touring will hit dealers in the fall of 2016, but pricing is not yet available.