Lifted Buick Encore Off-road Build On A/T Tires
Here at Offroadium we love unconventional vehicles used for off-roading and always strive to share them with our community, as they show that you don’t need an expensive 4×4 to enjoy this addictive outdoor activity.
When Zac Bacheller, the owner of a lifted GMC Terrain we featured a couple of months ago, sent me the photos of his friend’s lifted Buick Encore – I was genuinely surprised. Even though these compact crossovers have All Wheel Drive systems and other features similar to popular off-road fan favorites like the Crosstrek and Renegade, this was the first time I’ve seen one lifted and modified for off-roading.
Builck Encore Off-road Build
It’s no surprise that Randy, the owner of this lifted Buick Encore, turned out to be one of those creative guys with a unique vision who doesn’t want to stick with conventional platforms. Being an R&D at ZZPerformance, an aftermarket performance parts brand specialized on GM vehicles, who knows the ins and outs of these cars, he took on an interesting challenge challenge of making his 2013 Buick Encore more off-road and adventure-friendly.
With the mainstram models it’s simple – the aftermarket is full of bolt-on solutions and the guidence on the build process is widely available on the forums and YouTube. On the other hand, those who decide to go with unconventional models like the Encore need to figure out a lot of this by themselves, but for the guys like Randy it’s just what makes the build process more fun and rewarding.
Questions & Answers with the Owner
Why did you choose an Encore for your off-road project?
– I chose the Encore because I like builds that push the envelope of what the chassis is capable of and the fact that the company I am part of makes so many awesome parts for the 1.4.
– My Encore has a host of ZZP goodies. They all bolt right up for the most part! The gist is: ZZP air intake for Trax/Encore (with the water resistant pre filter wrap), ZZP front mount intercooler and aluminum charge pipes from the Sonic, 60# injectors and an ethanol content sensor to run E85.
– I did the ZZP upgraded metal thermostat housing, coolant neck and metal coolant tank, as well as a high voltage coil pack and coilnpack booster so I can run around 22psi through the upgraded Z04 turbocharger that runs back to the 3″ bumper exit exhaust utilizing ZZP mufflers and resonators. I also have our coil pack cover as well, just to keep things a little cleaner in the engine bay.
– Outside, I have Sparco Assetto Garas wrapped in 225/65/17 Accelera Omikron CTs paired with a TEMA Offroad strut spacer lift. I also employ a Kuat Vagabond roof rack with bike mounts for my biking adventures and to mount my C6 Outdoor Roof Top tent.
What was the most difficult part of the build?
– I would say the most difficult part of the build was researching and figuring out what size tires I would be able to run with the lift because I could not find anyone who had used the kit for an Encore before.
How does it compare to other vehicles you’ve driven off-road?
– The Encore is surprisingly capable for the chassis and definitely gets looks while off road. Especially from the Jeep folks. Haha
What do you like the most about your Encore?
– The biggest thing about my Encore that I enjoy is the versatility. I can toss my bike on the rack, or laod up the rooftop tent pretty quickly and just get out of the city and adventhre with my better half and our pups. It doesn’t matter what you drive on the trails. Just get out there!
List of Modifications
Performance
- ZZP air intake for Trax/Encore (with water resistant pre filter wrap)
- ZZP front mount intercooler and aluminum charge pipes from the Sonic
- 60# injectors
- Ethanol content sensor to run E85
- ZZP upgraded metal thermostat housing
- Metal coolant neck and coolant tank
- High voltage coil pack and coil pack booster (~22psi)
- Z04 upgraded turbocharger
- 3″ bumper exit exhaust with ZZP mufflers and resonators
- Coil pack cover
Suspension
- TEMA Offroad strut spacer lift
Wheels
- Sparco Assetto Gara wheels
- 225/65/17 Accelera Omikron CT tires
Exterior
- Kuat Vagabond roof rack with bike mounts
- C6 Outdoor Roof Top tent
Conclusion
Based on our off-road capability score, this Encore build earns 25 points out of a possible 70, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, aftermarket lift kit, and slightly oversized 225/65/17 all-terrain tires. While it can’t match the capabilities of dedicated 4x4s, it performs surprisingly well as an adventure vehicle for weekend outdoor activities, perfectly suiting its owner’s needs.
At the end of the day, a vehicle is perfect when it fully satisfies what its owner requires. Plus, this Encore definitely brings that wow factor among conventional off-road enthusiasts, turning heads on the trails – especially from Jeep owners, as Randy mentioned.
Watch the progress and find out more about this lifted Buick Encore by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @randy_shmandy
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