The 2022 Buick Encore Isn’t Getting the Big Changes It Needs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Buick Encore is a classy option from Buick in the subcompact SUV segment, and it recently got some changes with its 2022 model year. That said, rather than fully redesigning the Encore, Buick made smaller changes, and they may not be enough. Here’s a look at how the 2022 Buick Encore still doesn’t have the big changes that it needs right now.

What’s new with the 2022 Buick Encore?

2022 Buick Encore | Buick Pressroom

As MotorTrend wrote, there are a few updates to the 2022 Encore, some having to do with its interior and others having to do with its powertrain. As far as interior upgrades go, the 2022 Encore has a new electric heater, and it’ll also have new map pockets for the first-row seatbacks. Additionally, Buick made a more significant change to the Encore’s powertrain. That said, that change probably isn’t significant enough.

The 2022 Encore has a new 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. This engine gets about 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, and that’s a bit more than what the 2021 Encore got. In fact, MotorTrend wrote that the new turbo engine delivers about 17 more horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque, more than the 2021 Encore. 

This updated engine should also be a bit more fuel-efficient than before. MotorTrend said that the Encore’s new engine gets about 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways, for 27 mpg combined. For comparison, the old Encore engine got about 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. While those improvements are nice, they are definitely not enough.

A new generation is sorely needed

Technically speaking, the Encore had a major update already. However, as MotorTrend wrote, the second generation update is currently only available in China. American customers who are looking at the Encore are still looking at the first generation of the car. Indeed, the first generation of the Encore debuted in the U.S. about eight years ago. Buick gave the Encore a small update in 2017, but that’s not enough to keep it fresh.

MotorTrend wrote that the Encore feels “a bit out of its depth” right now. It has many issues that can really only be fixed with a new generation. For example, despite the much-needed updates to the Encore’s powertrain, the Encore is still very underpowered. The Encore’s peers have sportier engines, which makes the Encore seem like a worse option in comparison.

On top of that, MotorTrend also praised the second generation Encore’s looks. MotorTrend wrote that, compared to the “potato-shaped” Encore that’s available in the U.S., China has access to an Encore that has “more personality” and is “better looking.” If Buick redesigned the Encore with a new look and a more powerful powertrain or brought over the second generation from China, it could compete more easily with its peers.

How much the 2022 Buick Encore costs

Buick made one more significant change to the 2022 Encore. According to Motor1, Buick’s dropped the base trim for the 2022 Encore, and now it only has one trim available. The Preferred trim starts at about $24,000, but customers can pay about $2,000 more to upgrade it from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive.

In any case, the standard Encore does have quite a few features that’ll make it a worthy pick, even despite its issues. For example, as MotorTrend wrote, the Encore features active noise cancellation tech. When combined with the Encore’s quiet little engine, customers can cruise around in a quiet and comfortable SUV.

That said, to access smart safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning, customers will have to buy one of two safety packages.

RELATED: The 2021 Buick Encore is an Underrated Yet Recommended SUV Option

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Fuel Economy Separates the 2021 Genesis GV80 and 2021 Tesla Model X

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Genesis GV80 and 2021 Tesla Model X have very similar ratings from Consumer Reports. So how do you decide between them? Consider fuel efficiency. As you might imagine, the Tesla Model X is far better for the environment – and your wallet – than the Genesis GV80.

2021 Genesis GV80 | Genesis

Which ratings are similar?

The overall score for the GV80 and Model X are very similar. Consumer Reports gives the Genesis GV80 an overall rating of 62, and a road test score of 81. Similarly, the Tesla Model X has an overall rating of 65 and a road test score of 83.

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Genesis GV80 scores a perfect 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds. Its transmission scores a 5/5. Routine handling receives a very good 4/5, while emergency handling only gets a 3/5. The Genesis GV80’s max avoidance speed is 52 mph. The Genesis GV80 gets a perfect 5/5 for its braking. It can brake from 60 mph on dry pavement in 129 feet and 139 feet on wet pavement.

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Tesla Model X a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in a super fast 4.9 seconds. Its transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine and emergency handling both receive a very good 4/5. The Tesla Model X’s max avoidance speed is 54 mph. Braking is fantastic in the X. It scores a 5/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 127 feet and dry pavement in 135 feet. 

The safety ratings between the GV80 and Model X are very similar as well

The 2021 Genesis GV80 comes standard with all of the safety features Consumer Reports recommends except for automatic emergency braking at highway speeds, which isn’t available for the 2021 Genesis GV80. 

Only the IIHS crash-tested the 2021 Genesis GV80. It gave the GV80 all good scores. The NHTSA didn’t crash test the GV80.

The 2021 Tesla Model X comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. It also has a rear camera, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. There’s no option to get blind-spot warning or rear cross-traffic warning. 

The IIHS hasn’t crash-tested the 2021 Tesla Model X, but the NHTSA has. It gives the 2021 Tesla Model X all good crash test-ratings.

Fuel economy is obviously very different

The 2021 Genesis GV80 has a much lower fuel economy score, with a 2. Consumer Reports’ overall mileage is 18 mpg, and its annual fuel costs are estimated to be $1,880. The cruising range for the GV80 is 375 miles.

The greenhouse gas rating isn’t very good, at a 4. The smog rating is a mediocre 5.

On the other hand, the 2021 Tesla Model X gets a 5 for fuel economy. Its overall mileage is 87 mpge, and no annual fuel cost. Of course, there are charging costs, but these vary, especially if you also have solar roof panels. 

The greenhouse gas rating is a 10, as is the smog rating.

If you’re torn between these two midsize luxury SUVs, you may want to let fuel economy help you make the decision. Although the 2021 Genesis GV80 and the 2021 Tesla Model X are both good SUVs, the Model X is far better for the environment and your budget.

RELATED: This Luxury Underdog Just Became the Latest IIHS Top Safety+ Pick

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Cars & Bids Bargain of the Week: 2013 Porsche Cayenne Manual

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a brand-new Cayenne means shelling out some big bucks. But the Porsche SUV is significantly more affordable once you start browsing the used market. And not only do you save some cash, but a used Porsche Cayenne is more capable—and reliable—than some people realize. The 2013 Porsche Cayenne currently listed on Cars & Bids, though, offers something else: a manual.

The 958 Porsche Cayenne kept the luxury SUV’s manual alive

2011 Porsche Cayenne ‘958’ | Porsche

You heard right: once upon a time, the Porsche Cayenne offered a manual transmission. Although the current third-gen model is automatic-only, the first two Cayenne generations had stick-shift options. However, it was a significantly rarer option on the second-gen ‘958’ model, Autotrader explains. That’s because while the first-gen ‘955/957’ Porsche Cayenne offered the manual with the V6 or V8, the 958 manual was V6-only.

Still, although down on power, the 958 Porsche Cayenne manual is part of the generation that won MotorTrend’s 2011 SUV of the Year. Compared to the first-gen Cayenne, the 958 is lighter and handles better without giving up much capability. And despite its corner-carving competency, it’s still comfortable enough to use on the daily.

Plus, a 958 Porsche Cayenne manual isn’t necessarily slow. Under its hood is a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque linked to a standard AWD system. While the automatic version makes identical power, the six-speed manual is faster. The 2013 Porsche Cayenne manual goes 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds, roughly 0.5 seconds faster than the automatic, Driving.ca notes.

In addition, while the 958 Porsche Cayenne manual was the base model, it still offered some luxury and performance features, MT reports. Standard features include four-wheel disc brakes, a climate-controlled glovebox, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and a power tailgate. And even without optional extras, the interior “feels worthy of every penny you pay for it,” Driving.ca says.

There’s a 2013 model available on Cars & Bids

A silver 2013 Porsche Cayenne Manual
2013 Porsche Cayenne Manual | Cars & Bids

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne manual currently listed on Cars & Bids has quite a few more features than that, though. It has a Bose audio system, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and rain-sensing wipers. Plus, it has the Convenience Package, which bundles adaptive bi-xenon headlights, navigation, a sunroof, and auto-dimming mirrors.

This 2013 Porsche Cayenne manual is also fairly stock. The only modifications are 19” Cayenne Turbo wheels with Pirelli tires. However, the seller indicates they will provide the stock 18” wheels with the sale. And the SUV has just under 88,200 miles on the clock.

The black-leather-upholstered front seats, dashboard, and sunroof of a 2013 Porsche Cayenne Manual
2013 Porsche Cayenne Manual front interior | Cars & Bids

Admittedly, this 2013 Porsche Cayenne isn’t perfect. It has some scratches, scuffs, and creases scattered around the exterior and interior. And the Carfax report states it suffered some “’very minor damage’” to the rear bumper, which was repainted. Plus, the 19” wheels don’t have TPMS sensors, so the TPMS dash light is currently illuminated. But it does have service records and recently underwent an oil change and multi-point inspection.

A used Porsche Cayenne V6 manual is a true bargain reliable luxury SUV rarity

As of this writing, this 2013 Porsche Cayenne is listed on Cars & Bids at $18,500 with three days left in the auction. Considering its condition and rarity, that’s a below-average price. The cheapest sub-100,000-mile example found on Autotrader as of this writing cost over $8000 more.

To be fair, some affordable used Porsche Cayennes can become expensive nightmares. However, most Cayenne issues stem from first-gen and V8-equipped cars. This 2013 example falls into neither category; and, it lacks both complicated electronics and air suspension. Plus, the 3.6-liter VR6 V6 is one of the most reliable used Porsche engines.

In short, this 2013 Cayenne has the potential to be a rare reliable sporty luxury SUV bargain.

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RELATED: Consumer Reports Says the 2021 Porsche Cayenne Is the Most Satisfying Porsche Model

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Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While many air-cooled 911s are priced out of most enthusiasts’ reach, not all of them sticker at sky-high levels. Affordable vintage Porsches are out there; it’s just a matter of picking the ‘right’ model year and spec. Shopping amongst the ‘impact-bumper’ 911 models often reveals more than a few bargains. For example, this week’s Bring a Trailer bargain car: a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2.

The 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is a more modern usable classic, Road & Track says

1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 | Porsche

In the mid-1980s, the Porsche 911 was in the middle of its ‘G-series’ incarnation, often called the ‘impact-bumper’ model due to its eponymous bumpers. And after its near death, the rear-engine sports car got a second lease on life courtesy of then-new CEO Peter Schutz, Road & Track explains. So, out went the 1978-1983 911 SC, and in came the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2.

One of the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2’s key features lies in the engine bay. Although it resembles the 911 SC’s 3.0-liter engine, the Carrera’s rear-mounted 3.2-liter flat-six has roughly 80% new parts, MotorTrend says. Among them is a more modern Bosch Motronic fuel injection system instead of the SC’s K-Jetronic system. And the 1984 911 Carrera 3.2 also features a stronger timing chain tensioner, rectifying “age-old 911 timing-chain tension and oiling issues,” R&T reports.

The larger engine also means the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is more powerful and faster than the SC. Instead of 172 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the 1984 911 has 200 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. With the standard five-speed manual, it goes 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, more than a second faster than the SC, Car and Driver says. Plus, the new fuel-injection system means the Carrera 3.2 is actually more efficient than the SC, despite its larger engine.

Besides the larger engine, the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 also has more standard amenities than the SC, Hagerty notes. For example, leather upholstery, A/C, power windows, and a sunroof. And while the 930 Turbo was still missing from the US market, Carrera 3.2 buyers could spec a Turbo-look-alike body kit.

There’s one up for auction on Bring a Trailer

The front 3/4 view of a black 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 parked in an oceanside parking lot
1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 front 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

Despite its age, on modern tires a 1984-1989 911 Carrera 3.2 can still “trouble modern sports cars,” Classics World says. It’s arguably this model that started the 911’s “transition from sophisticated sports car to junior supercar,” Classic & Sports Car reports. Plus, while the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 still has an old-school, mechanical feel, it’s more modern and easier to live with than the SC.

That’s roughly what the 1984 model listed on Bring a Trailer offers. Besides the 3.2-liter engine and previously-mentioned features, this Porsche 911 has a Blaupunkt stereo, Fuchs alloy wheels, cruise control, a ‘whaletail’ rear spoiler, and fog lights. It also has an M&K exhaust system and a short-shifter kit. Plus, it rides on lowered and corner-weighted suspension and bears four-wheel cross-drilled disc brakes.

The black dashboard and beige-leather front seats of a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 front interior | Bring a Trailer

To be sure, this 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 isn’t perfect. But apart from some scattered stone chips, it appears to be in solid shape. It also has less than 72,300 miles on the clock and comes with extensive service records. In addition, the seller recently replaced the battery, various engine hoses, tires, brake pads, rotors, calipers, as well as shocks and bushings. They also gave this 911 an alignment.

This 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 might be the bargain to buy before prices go up

As of this writing, this 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is listed on BaT at $23,500 with three days left in the auction. Considering its condition, a G-series 911 like this could easily go for $10,000-$20,000 more, Hagerty says. And the average price on BaT hovers close to $50,000-$60,000.

However, while G-series cars are amongst the most affordable air-cooled 911s, they’re starting to appreciate in value. They’re also common bases for Safari 911 builds, in part because a 1984 model won the Paris-Dakar outright. Luckily, the 1984-1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 models are less desirable because they don’t have the easier-to-live-with G50 transmission.

Given that even an affordable classic Porsche 911 is still a vintage 911, maintenance costs are understandably a concern. But with regular maintenance, they’re fairly solid, and the Motronic system is easier to deal with and upgrade than the K-Jetronic one, C&SC says. And Porsche Classic offers spare parts for them. So, if you’re looking for a vintage 911 that can be daily-driven fairly easily, this 1984 car could be a bargain-priced way to do it.

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RELATED: $20k Lets You Lease 3 Iconic Modern and Classic Porsches

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