General Motors has been offering the Buick Encore, which is based on the original Opel Mokka, in the States since 2013, but a replacement is supposedly underway for the U.S. market.
A second-generation was launched, alongside the Encore GX, at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. However, it was restricted to the Chinese market, whereas in the U.S. the first-generation, which was facelifted in 2017, carried on.
Now it seems that GM might have decided to bring the second generation over from China to the United States and Canada. It will allegedly launch later this year as a 2022 model and is expected to be offered alongside the current Encore GX.
According to GMAuthority, the 2022 Encore will pack a new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that will replace the i4 LUV powering its predecessor. The output and torque will apparently stand at 153 HP and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm), an improvement over today’s model that has 138 HP and 148 lb-ft (201 Nm), and it should be more fuel efficient.
Watch Also: Is The 2020 Buick Encore GX Worth The Premium Over The Encore?
Both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the subcompact crossover are expected to launch, albeit probably in a single trim level, as Buick will reportedly drop the base spec. If it keeps the same nomenclature, then the Preferred will become the sole grade available.
The all-new Encore should still be positioned under the Encore GX, but in order for this to happen, GM would need to adjust the prices, because the 2021 Encore Preferred FWD starts at $25,595 with no options, while the GX can be ordered from $24,200. As for the base 2021 Encore, it has an MSRP of $23,200.
Thus, we’re curious if Buick will make the upcoming 2022 Encore more affordable than its predecessor, or if they will bump the cost of the bigger and more premium offering instead. Still, you’d better take this with the proverbial pinch of salt, as nothing has been confirmed yet.
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