
The Encore is equipped with cruise control, and its button is located on the left side of the center console. The Encore is a compact 5-door, 5-seat SUV with body dimensions of 4295mm in length, 1798mm in width, and 1616mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2570mm and a fuel tank capacity of 40 liters. The Encore is powered by a 1.3T turbocharged engine paired with a CVT transmission, delivering a maximum power of 121 kW at 5600 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm between 1500 and 4000 rpm. It features front-wheel drive, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a compound torsion beam rear suspension.

I just studied the Enclave's configuration sheet and found significant differences between different model years and versions. For example, the first generation launched in 2013 only had cruise control in the top trim, with the switch located in the multifunction area on the left side of the steering wheel. By the 2017 facelift, it became standard on mid-range trims and above, with the operation logic changed to a more convenient stalk design. The 2020 next-generation model equipped it across the entire lineup, even the base version, with buttons integrated on the right side of the steering wheel. Special praise for the new model: the adaptive cruise control with automatic braking and follow function is truly excellent - driving for three hours on the highway without any foot fatigue. But a reminder for owners of older models: it's best to turn off this function during rainy days or on winding mountain roads, as the system has some delay in recognizing sharp turns.

Last month, I accompanied a friend to test drive the Buick Encore at a 4S store and specifically experienced the cruise control system. The salesperson mentioned that all current models have a set of silver buttons on the right side of the steering wheel, with the button featuring a speed icon serving as the switch. When activated, a green cruise light illuminates on the instrument panel, and speed adjustments can be made directly using the ± buttons. What stood out was its ability to activate at speeds above 30km/h and automatically brake to a stop in traffic jams. However, it's important to note that if a yellow steering wheel icon pops up on the instrument panel, it means the system has detected a potential danger and paused, requiring manual brake intervention. Personally, I found its response gentler compared to Japanese cars' cruise systems, without sudden jerks during rapid acceleration that could be startling.

As a three-year owner of the Enclave, let me share my experience: My 2019 Elite trim comes with cruise control, which I've tested seven or eight times on rainy highways. The operation is foolproof—once speed exceeds 40 km/h, press the SET button on the right side of the steering wheel to immediately cruise at the current speed. To adjust speed, use your thumb to toggle the silver roller wheel—each click changes speed by 1 km/h. For overtaking, simply press the accelerator; releasing it automatically returns to the set speed. However, on steep slopes, the system slows down relatively slowly, requiring manual brake intervention. By the way, modification shops say even older base models can have it installed, but it requires replacing the clock spring and brake switch, costing around 2,000 RMB, though it may affect the warranty.


