Choosing Between The 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Honda HR-V
Trying to decide between the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Honda HR-V? You’re essentially choosing between a luxury compact SUV and a more simply-built subcompact SUV. While the Encore is more expensive, it offers numerous standard features and incredible luxury touches. However, the 2019 Honda HR-V is more affordable with its short list of features and simplistic design. Determining which of these vehicles is best for you will come down to your personal preference, so let’s take a closer look at the 2019 Buick Encore vs 2019 Honda HR-V.
Pricing
2019 Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore has a starting price of $23,200, which is on the higher end of the subcompact class. However, it offers an incredible amount of standard features onboard its base trim level. While the higher starting price is certainly something to consider for drivers on a budget, critics note that without needing to upgrade due to its included features, the 2019 Buick Encore is an excellent value.
2019 Honda HR-V
The 2019 Honda HR-V has a starting MSRP of $20,520, which is considerably lower than the cost of the 2019 Honda HR-V. However, this is evident upon entering the vehicle. Onboard the HR-V, you’ll find a very bare cabin, equipped with outdated controls and hard plastics. If you’re looking for the most affordable vehicle possible, the HR-V is a good option, however if you’re looking for a great value, this is not the vehicle for you. Drivers looking to enjoy features that are typically offered as standard will be forced to upgrade to the higher trim levels of the HR-V, which only increase your overall cost.
Entertainment
2019 Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore offers one of the best entertainment suites in the subcompact SUV class, especially when compared to the 2019 Honda HR-V. As a vehicle that can be considered luxury, it’s almost no surprise that the Encore offers many of its entertainment features as standard. The technology on the base model of the 2019 Buick Encore includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and Bluetooth. However, there are also numerous features available for upgrade on the Encore, including navigation and the myBuick App.
2019 Honda HR-V
The 2019 Honda HR-V offers a very basic entertainment suite. In fact, the entertainment suite onboard the base model HR-V is so bare that nearly every other competitor in the subcompact SUV class offers better features. Onboard the starting trim level of the 2019 Honda HR-V you’ll find a 5-inch audio display, with no touchscreen capabilities, as well as Bluetooth and one USB port. You will find more than that is available but you will have to upgrade to one of the more expensive trim levels. Even upon upgrade, the 2019 Honda HR-V is only able to match the options offered as standard by its competitors. These available features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re looking for a vehicle with plenty of entertainment features that are included without upgrading, you’ll certainly want to opt for the 2019 Buick Encore.
Luxury
2019 Buick Encore
In terms of luxury, the 2019 Buick Encore is one of the best options in its class. It is designed to function as a luxury vehicle and offers impressive features standard across its lower trim levels, meanwhile higher trim levels offer every premium feature imaginable. Available luxury features on the Encore include a moonroof, rain sensing wipers, navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. These features are available through upgrading to higher trim levels or by taking advantage of available packages. The Encore’s luxury options are further enhanced by sleek and modern interior styling, as well as its futuristic cabin packed with advanced entertainment features. Drivers also note that the 2019 Buick Encore is equipped with soft to the touch materials that are of the highest quality.
2019 Honda HR-V
The 2019 Honda HR-V is simple and a bit outdated when it comes to its interior. This is mainly due to hard, cheap plastics, as well as its bare entertainment system. Without a touchscreen display on its base model, the HR-V is forced to utilize more physical knobs and buttons, which make for a clunky cabin. Upgrading to higher trim levels of the 2019 Honda HR-V does improve this, but many drivers and critics note that even the highest trim level is underwhelming. Drivers can choose to upgrade to heated front seats and leather-trimmed upholstery, as well as a moonroof and satellite radio, however that’s about it for luxury features. Overall, the 2019 Honda HR-V can’t compete with the 2019 Buick Encore in terms of luxury and convenience features, even when equipped with its most expensive features.
Safety & Reliability
2019 Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore performed well during its safety ratings with both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning perfect scores in nearly every category. On the base model of the 2019 Buick Encore, drivers will find a rearview camera as standard. Meanwhile, numerous available driver assist features are offered on the Encore including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning. The 2019 Buick Encore also received high 4.5 out of 5 score in terms of its reliability from J.D. Power and offers one of the most comprehensive warranty options in its class. The warranties included with the purchase of the 2019 Buick Encore include a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a 6-year/70,000-mile warranty, which are better than what is offered on nearly every other vehicle in the subcompact SUV class.
2019 Honda HR-V
The 2019 Honda HR-V also performed well during safety testing with the NHTSA and IIHS, earning high scores in all categories. However, it earned only a 3 out of 5 from J.D. Power for its reliability and does not offer the same level of warranty protection as the 2019 Buick Encore with only a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The available Honda Safety Sensing suite does offer a long list of advanced driver assist features, including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, these features are included starting with the HR-V’s third trim level. Overall, both vehicles are incredibly safe options for the subcompact SUV class and have proved so during extensive testing. But, the 2019 Buick Encore has a higher reliability rating and better warranty coverage.
So, The 2019 Buick Encore or 2019 Honda HR-V?
Based on its advanced list of standard features, modern interior, high reliability rating, and comprehensive warranty coverage, the 2019 Buick Encore takes the win over the 2019 Honda HR-V. While the 2019 Honda HR-V is the more affordable choice, it is simply not worth the basic and outdated interior. Drivers of new models deserve advanced standard features, and that’s exactly what the new Encore offers. If you’re interested in checking out this incredible subcompact SUV in person, be sure to head to your local Buick dealership. A dependable dealership in your area should be able to answer any and all questions that you have, while helping you determine which model and options are best for you.
