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2018 Buick Encore

Rating7.0

Ranked #1 in

Subcompact SUV

Write Review

$22,990 - $32,100

Starting Price

Year

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

Pros	Cons	What's New
Practical and adequately premium interior setup	Cramped rear seats	No major changes
Inspired handling dynamics	No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Impressive fuel economy	Lags in cargo space
Consumer-friendly price-tag

Specs & Features

$22,990

price

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

horsepower

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

basic warranty

Overview

The smallest and the most affordable crossover in their lineup, the Buick Encore is the entry point to your luxury crossover segment. This year, the 2018 Buick Encore remains unchanged this year after getting a modest facelift just last year. It is powered by a 1.4L 138 hp turbo-4 engine which can do the 0-60 MPH run in 10.3 seconds. Available in over 6 trim levels, the 2018 Buick Encore price starts at $22,990.

The 2018 Encore competes in the compact luxury crossover segment against more popular rivals like the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-3. The Encore attempts to offer great value as an affordable luxury crossover. Check out the video below by "Gucci Garage" to find out if the Encore 2018 is really the best crossover in the market at this time.

Key observations in the video:

Affordable price tag
Feature-loaded cabin
Spacious cabin
Frugal powertrain
Basic gauge cluster

Buying Advice

The Encore comes equipped with a lot of standard equipment even at the base level. Still, the engine without the direct-injection upgrade feels a little low on power. It is a good idea to opt for the Essence trim as it adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, and few extra safety items. Not to mention the more powerful engine for those quick takeovers.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Slotted below the Enclave and the Envision, the 2018 Buick Encore is a perfect compact crossover for practical needs. Having been a familiar name for quite a while now, the Encore wins over its loyal fan base with its impressive exterior silhouette and a modern and practical interior setup. Having said that, coming over the performance aspect of the Encore, it certainly lags in that department, despite having two optional engine choices. With a minimal set of features being introduced this year, the 2018 Encore rivals the likes of the Chevrolet Trax, and the Mazda CX-3.

Features
7.0/10

The 2018 Buick Encore is offered in over 6 trim levels, namely Encore 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium. The prices for the same start from an MSRP of $22,990 for the 1SV trim, while the top-of-the-line Premium trim sets you back by around $30,465. Two turbocharged engine choices are offered with the Encore, along with a single 6-speed transmission unit. FWD is standard across the trim range, except for the base one. The feature list also keeps on increasing as you move up the trim table.

Trims	Encore 1SV	Preferred	Sport Touring	Preferred II	Essence	Premium
MSRP (FWD)	$22,990	$24,365	$25,565	$26,865	$29,065	$30,465
MSRP (AWD)	N/A	$25,865	$27,065	$28,365	$30,565	$32,015
Features	4G Wi-Fi hotspot	1SV+	Preferred +	Preferred+	Preferred II +	Essence +
	Enhanced 4.2″ multi-color Driver Information Center	Rear Cargo Cover	Exclusive Rear, integrated Sport Spoiler	Rear Cross-Traffic Alert	Heated driver and front passenger seats	Bose Premium 7-speaker sound system
	Keyless Open and Start	Front and rear color-keyed floor mats	Remote Vehicle Starter System	Dual-zone automatic climate control	6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat	Rainsense Wipers
	QuietTuning technology with Active Noise Cancellation	Rear Vision Camera	Fog lamps	Inside auto-dimming rearview mirror	Memory setting for driver seat	Front and Rear Park Assist
	6-way power-adjustable driver seat				LED headlamps	Cargo Net and Rear Carpeted Cargo Mat

We Recommend

Our recommendation out of the six trims in the lineup would be for you to opt for the Buick Encore Sport Touring trim, which will set you back by a reasonable $25,565 price tag. The main reason for choosing this particular trim is the direct port injection-assisted turbocharged engine, which puts down more power. The standard equipment in itself is quite appealing. Add to it the optional packages on offer, and you should get your money's worth.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2018 Buick Encore is able to deliver 25 MPG in the city and 33 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This is with the 138 hp 1.4L turbo engine and the FWD setup. On opting for the AWD setup, the Encore brings down the figures to 24 and 30 MPG in the city and highway respectively. This when combined with the segment-best 14-gallon fuel tank, does allow the Encore to stretch out to 462 miles on the go.

Model	2018 Buick Encore	2018 Chevrolet Trax	2018 Mazda CX-3
MPG (city)	25	25	29
MPG (highway)	33	33	34
MPG (combined)	28	28	31
Fuel Capacity	14.0 gallons	14.0 gallons	12.7 gallons

These above figures were with an MPFI system, whereas, when you opt for the direct-injection system, the 2018 Buick Encore can return 27 MPG in the city and 33 miles to the gallon out on the highway with the FWD setup. The Encore with the AWD setup, on the other hand, returns 26 and 31 MPG in the city and highway respectively.

Interior
5.0/10

The interiors of the new Encore use premium materials and look quite similar to Buick Envision - Edmunds.com

The 2018 Buick Encore certainly gives the other rivals a run for their money, in terms of its striking yet subtle interior setup. With a seating capacity of 5, the 2018 Encore is adequately spacious, both in the front and rear seats. The front bolstered seats hold you in comfort quite well, while the rear seats are decently comfortable. The tall stance of the Encore, suggests good headroom in the rear too.

The front seats are 4 way electrically adjustable, while the rear seats get 2-way functionality. The standard sets of seats are draped in cloth upholstery, while when you opt for the top trims, premium leather upholstery is also an option. The cabin may be striking in its appearance, but it does have its usual touch and feel of plastics all over.

Model	2018 Buick Encore	2018 Chevrolet Trax	2018 Mazda CX-3
Passenger capacity	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.5/54.1/40.8	39.6/54.1/40.8	37.6/53.5/41.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.7/52.5/35.7	38.8/52.8/35.7	37.2/50.4/35

Some of the interior features included in the 2018 Buick Encore are-

Remote start
Moonroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
6-way power-adjustable rear seats
60/40-split folding rear seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated steering wheel
Driver seat memory settings

2018 Buick Encore Infotainment

Technologically sound, the 2018 Buick Encore has a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interface is quite easy and surprisingly intuitive to use. It has a highly interactive infotainment system, which also includes the optional likes of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, for entertainment purposes. Along with this, the audio requirements for all the audiophiles out there have also been met, with the latest premium 8-speaker surround sound system. Further additions to the infotainment front include the addition of the HD Radio.

Some of the infotainment features included with the 2018 Encore are-

Satellite HD radio
Wi-Fi hotspot
8-speaker surround sound system
4.3-inch driver information dashboard display
Rearview camera
Siri Eyes Free,
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Two USB ports

2018 Buick Encore Cargo Capacity-

The 2018 Buick Encore is able to deliver a segment-best cargo capacity of 18.8 cu. ft. This is despite the fact of its shortest wheelbase in the segment. Moreover, when the seats are folded down into a 60/40 manner, that space increases to 48.4 cu. ft. This is mighty impressive for a subcompact crossover.

Model	2018 Buick Encore	2018 Chevrolet Trax	2018 Mazda CX-3
Cargo capacity (ft.³)	18.8	18.7	12.4

The Encore also has plenty of interior storage space to store your belongings for the upcoming weekend ride. Mazda CX-3 surprisingly even with the longest wheelbase in the segment, has the smallest cargo storage amongst all.

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2018 Buick Encore is actually pretty decent to look at. With a quirky design language, the Encore certainly stands out from the rest of the segment. Chrome accents are in plenty all through the SUV. The front bulky grill is actuated by even bigger headlights flowing through the corners. New wheel patterns also adorn the 2018 Encore.

The vehicle as a whole exhibits a bulky attitude instead of some of its competitors' sharp cuts and creases design layout. Also added to the list of changes being brought about for the year 2018, is the new exterior shade of Coppertino Metallic. The smallest crossover in this lineup still manages to add in plenty of space for seating and also for cargo carrying purposes too.

Model	2018 Buick Encore	2018 Chevrolet Trax	2018 Mazda CX-3
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3237	2805	2809
Length (in)	168.4	167.2	168.3
Width (in)	69.85	69.9	69.6
Height (in)	65.26	64.9	60.7
Ground clearance (in)	6.2	6.2	6.1
Wheelbase (in)	100.6	100.6	101.2
Track width (in) F/R	60.6/60.6	60.6/60.6	60/59.9

Some of the exterior features include:

LED headlights in Essence and Premium
Fog lamps
18-inch alloy wheels
Roof rails
Rear spoiler

Safety
6.0/10

Buick offerings are not necessarily known for their safety proficiency, but nevertheless, they do come with some of the best features in the business. The 2018 Buick Encore earns a perfect 5 on 5 stars from the NHTSA in terms of crashworthiness. The IIHS also gives the Encore an overall "Good" rating for the same. It further has the best in terms of both active and passive safety features. This goes to show that the 2018 Encore is indeed a safe SUV.

Some of the standard safety features included are:

Rear cross-traffic alert
Blind-spot monitoring
Forward collision alert
Parking assist
Lane departure warning
Traction Control
Passenger Sensing system

Competition
9.0/10

2018 Buick Encore vs 2018 Chevrolet Trax

Similar to each other in every which way possible, it seems like an impossible task to differentiate between these two. The feature list both of them offer is also the same. While both these GM offerings have the same powertrain offer, the Encore is a bit faster than the Trax from 0-60 MPH, despite its heft.

Coming onto the interior, it's the 2018 Encore all the way, as the cabin space is a bit more premium, and the Encore manages to deliver a bigger cargo space. Out of the two, the Chevy Trax is a bit cheaper than the Encore.

2018 Buick Encore vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

Certainly the most gorgeous sub-compact crossover out there, and maybe also one of the most stunning cars to make its entry in 2018, the Encore is definitely no match to it in terms of exterior design layout. Coming onto the interior and performance front too, the CX-3 symbolizes everything an average family would expect from their car.

The most powerful car in the segment is also the SUV that has the greatest feature list amongst all its rivals. The Encore only manages to nudge past the CX-3 in terms of cargo space, and also acceleration times, wherein it beats the CX-3 by a whisker.

Final Verdict

The 2018 Buick Encore is certainly a capable sub-compact crossover, but nevertheless, it certainly is in dire need of an overall. Despite, it lagging in terms of exterior design language, the Encore for sure offers a competitive feature-list all for a consumer-friendly price tag. It has a fairly spacious cabin space, which is good for both seating and cargo. Safety-wise too, the 2018 Buick Encore has definitely aced all of the said tests. Having said that, with reports buzzing of an Encore redesign in the coming years, we would suggest for you to wait for it rather than jump the un and buy this version.

Trims

1SV
$22,990 onwards

60/40-Split folding rear seats
8-Inch touchscreen infotainment display
Automatic headlights
Buick'S IntelliLink electronics interface
Keyless ignition and entry
Onstar communications
Power driver seat
Rear privacy glass

Preferred
$24,365 onwards

Floor mats

Sport Touring
$25,565 onwards

Foglights
Rear spoiler
Seven-Speaker Bose sound system

Preferred II
$26,865 onwards

120-Volt household-style power outlet
Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
Blind-Spot monitoring
Dual-Zone automatic climate control
Rear cross-traffic alert

Essence
$29,065 onwards

Driver-Seat memory settings
Heated Front Seats
Heated steering wheel
Leather upholstery
Led headlights
Six-Way power passenger seat

Premium
$30,515 onwards

Forward collision warning system
Front and rear parking sensors
Lane departure warning system
Seven-Speaker Bose sound system

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's 0-60

Car Name	0-60 MPH	Quarter Mile	Top Speed
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #19	8.8 sec	16.6 sec	104 mph
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Ranked #1	6.3 sec	14.9 sec	130 mph
2018 Ford Edge Ranked #2	6.5 sec	15.1 sec	131 mph
2018 Honda Pilot Ranked #3	6.7 sec	15.2 sec	132 mph
2018 Jeep Wrangler Ranked #4	6.8 sec	-	-
2018 Ford Explorer Ranked #5	7.1 sec	15.2 sec	134 mph

Car Name	MPG City	MPG Highway	MPG Combined	Fuel Tank Capacity	Range (C/H)
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #7	27 mpg	33 mpg	28 mpg	14 gal.	350/462 mi.
2018 Kia Niro Hybrid Ranked #1	52 mpg	49 mpg	50 mpg	11.9 gal.	618.8/583.1 mi.
2018 Nissan Kicks Ranked #2	31 mpg	36 mpg	33 mpg	10.8 gal.	334.80/388.80 mi.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV Ranked #3	34 mpg	30 mpg	32 mpg	14.8 gal.	503.2/444 mi.
2018 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #4	29 mpg	34 mpg	31 mpg	12.7 gal.	368.3/431.8 mi.
2018 Hyundai Kona Ranked #5	27 mpg	33 mpg	30 mpg	13.2 gal.	356.4/435.6 mi.

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's dimensions

Car Name	Length	Width	Height	Ground Clearance	Wheelbase
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #36	168.41 in.	69.85 in.	65.26 in.	6.22 in.	100.6 in.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Ranked #1	204.3 in.	78.6 in.	70.7 in.	8 in.	120.9 in.
2018 Dodge Durango Ranked #2	201.2 in.	75.8 in.	70.9 in.	8.1 in.	119.8 in.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #3	198.5 in.	77.3 in.	69.5 in.	7 in.	114.2 in.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Ranked #4	198.3 in.	78.3 in.	70 in.	8 in.	117.3 in.
2018 Ford Explorer Ranked #4	198.3 in.	78.9 in.	70 in.	7.8 in.	112.8 in.

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's trunk space

Car Name	Trunk Capacity	Passenger Volume	Max Trunk Volume	Source
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #24	18.8 cu.ft.	92.8 cu.ft.	48.4 cu.ft.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #1	10.3 cu.ft.	128.2 cu.ft.	63.3 cu.ft.
2018 Honda Pilot Ranked #2	16.5 cu.ft.	152.9 cu.ft.	83.9 cu.ft.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Ranked #3	30.9 cu.ft.	103.6 cu.ft.	59.6 cu.ft.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Ranked #4	24.6 cu.ft.	105.4 cu.ft.	100.7 cu.ft.	Jeep USA
2018 Volkswagen Atlas Ranked #5	20.6 cu.ft.	153.7 cu.ft.	96.8 cu.ft.

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's cargo space

Car Name	Cargo Volume	Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area	Max Cargo Volume	Bed Length
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #1	48.4 cu.ft.	18.8 cu.ft.	48.4 cu.ft.	74 ft.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Ranked #2	55.3 cu.ft.	20.8 cu.ft.	55.3 cu.ft.	-
2018 Hyundai Kona Ranked #3	45.8 cu.ft.	19.2 cu.ft.	45.8 cu.ft.	-
2018 Dodge Durango Ranked #4	14.3 cu.ft.	47.7 cu.ft.	84.5 cu.ft.	-
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #5	239.4 cu.ft.	10.3 cu.ft.	63.3 cu.ft.	-
2018 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #6	73.4 cu.ft.	38.4 cu.ft.	73.4 cu.ft.	-

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's towing capacity

Car Name	Towing Capacity	Payload Capacity	Weight	Source
2018 Buick Encore Ranked #6	3500 lbs.	1018 lbs.	3237 lbs.
2018 Jeep Renegade Ranked #1	9300 lbs.	1233 lbs.	3056 lbs.	Jeep USA
2018 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #2	8600 lbs.	1031 lbs.	2809 lbs.
2018 Dodge Durango Ranked #3	6200 lbs.	1330 lbs.	4680 lbs.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #3	6200 lbs.	1180 lbs.	4513 lbs.	Jeep USA
2018 Toyota C-HR Ranked #3	6200 lbs.	835 lbs.	3300 lbs.

2018 Buick Encore SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

Recalls

Investigations

Complaints

Overall Safety Rating

2018 Buick Enclave

Horsepower : 310 hp @ 6800 rpm

MPG Combined : 21 mpg

0-60 : 6.5 sec

2018 Buick Regal

Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5400 rpm

MPG Combined : 26 mpg

0-60 : 6 sec

2018 Buick Cascada

Horsepower : 200 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG Combined : 24 mpg

0-60 : 8.3 sec

2018 Buick Envision

Horsepower : 197 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG Combined : 25 mpg

0-60 : 8.5 sec

2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Sedan

Horsepower : 194 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG Combined : 29 mpg

0-60 : 7.8 sec

2018 Buick LaCrosse

Horsepower : 194 hp @ 6300 rpm

MPG Combined : 29 mpg

0-60 : 6.9 sec

2018 Buick Encore

Horsepower : 138 hp @ 4900 rpm

MPG Combined : 28 mpg

0-60 : 8.8 sec

2018 Buick Encore User Reviews

0.0

[4 Reviews]

[0.0%] [0 Reviews]

POPULAR TAGS

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wheelchair

mileage

opening

Carolyn Seals

2019 Buick Encore

1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: July 6, 2024

Buick Encore for the win

Pros - ["Great gas mileage", "Hatch makes it easy to haul stuff"]

Cons - ["Sometimes it's to small", "Not enuf room in backseat"]

I love my Buick, it gets great gas mileage, room in the hatch for my moms wheelchair, easy opening hatch. Very roomy in the front, not so roomy in back. I love that it's Bluetooth, I can hook my phone up and answer calls, but mostly I can listen to my music.

Daniel sims

2017 Buick Encore

1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: August 4, 2024

Buick Encore

Pros - ["Cold air conditioner", "Good miles per gallon", "Low maintenance"]

Cons - ["Small trunk spa e", "Only 2 row seating", "No entertainment for kids"]

It's a decent car overall but not much room for expanding your family in. It gets us from point a to point b no problems. Great stereo syst3m with bose audio. Nice screen with navigation system installed

Veronica Shumaker

2017 Buick Encore

1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: July 5, 2024

Check engine light comes on alot

Pros - ["Economic , color", "Size, camera"]

Cons - ["Miles, frustrated with it", "Problem with caytilic converter"]

Don't like it at all to many repairs since owning it. I hate it. It is a lemon and the dealership will not buy it back. Value has gone down since I bought it. It is a piece of crap car. I wish I could get rid of it for what I owe on it.

Other Subcompact SUV

2018 Audi Q3

2018 BMW X1

2018 Infiniti QX30

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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News

Car Comparison

Specs & Features

Overview

Key observations in the video:

Buying Advice

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Features7.0/10

We Recommend

Fuel Economy7.0/10

Interior5.0/10

2018 Buick Encore Infotainment

2018 Buick Encore Cargo Capacity-

Exterior7.0/10

Safety6.0/10

Competition9.0/10

2018 Buick Encore vs 2018 Chevrolet Trax

2018 Buick Encore vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

Final Verdict

Trims

Compare to similar cars

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's 0-60

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's MPG

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's dimensions

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's trunk space

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's cargo space

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's towing capacity

2018 Buick Encore SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

Top Buick Cars

2018 Buick Enclave

2018 Buick Regal

2018 Buick Cascada

2018 Buick Envision

2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Sedan

2018 Buick LaCrosse

2018 Buick Encore

2018 Buick Encore User Reviews

0.0

Buick Encore for the win

Pros - ["Great gas mileage", "Hatch makes it easy to haul stuff"]

Cons - ["Sometimes it's to small", "Not enuf room in backseat"]

Buick Encore

Pros - ["Cold air conditioner", "Good miles per gallon", "Low maintenance"]

Cons - ["Small trunk spa e", "Only 2 row seating", "No entertainment for kids"]

Check engine light comes on alot

Pros - ["Economic , color", "Size, camera"]

Cons - ["Miles, frustrated with it", "Problem with caytilic converter"]

Other Subcompact SUV

Features
7.0/10

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

Interior
5.0/10

Exterior
7.0/10

Safety
6.0/10

Competition
9.0/10