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2018 Buick Encore

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Rating7.0

Ranked #1 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$22,990 - $32,100
Starting Price 

Year

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat'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.

Read More +

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

Compare to similar cars

7.0
2018 Buick Encore

Price

$22,990- $32,100

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.97

Horsepower

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

148 lb.-ft. @ 200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

6.5
2018 Buick Envision

$33,995- $44,960

Gasoline

6.48

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

6.8
2018 Chevrolet Equinox

$23,580- $37,230

Gasoline

6.79

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

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7.7
2018 Chevrolet Traverse

$29,930- $52,600

Gasoline

7.67

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

8

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6.5
2018 Chevrolet Trax

$21,000- $28,795

Gasoline

6.49

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

7.0
2018 Dodge Durango

$29,995- $62,995

Gasoline

7.05

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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5.5
2018 Dodge Journey

$22,995- $34,895

Gasoline

5.5

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

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6.8
2018 Fiat 500X

$19,995- $27,415

Gasoline

6.79

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

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6.4
2018 Ford EcoSport

$19,995- $27,330

Gasoline

6.36

123 hp @ 6000 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

7.5
2018 Ford Edge

$29,315- $40,770

Gasoline

7.45

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		8.8 sec16.6 sec104 mph
    		6.3 sec14.9 sec130 mph
    		6.5 sec15.1 sec131 mph
    		6.7 sec15.2 sec132 mph
    		6.8 sec--
    		7.1 sec15.2 sec134 mph
    Read More

    2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		27 mpg33 mpg28 mpg14 gal.350/462 mi.
      		52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      		31 mpg36 mpg33 mpg10.8 gal.334.80/388.80 mi.
      		34 mpg30 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.503.2/444 mi.
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/435.6 mi.

      2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        		168.41 in.69.85 in.65.26 in.6.22 in.100.6 in.
        		204.3 in.78.6 in.70.7 in.8 in.120.9 in.
        		201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.
        		198.5 in.77.3 in.69.5 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        		198.3 in.78.3 in.70 in.8 in.117.3 in.
        		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
          		SourceCompare
          		18.8 cu.ft.92.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.
          		10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          		16.5 cu.ft.152.9 cu.ft.83.9 cu.ft.
          		30.9 cu.ft.103.6 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.
          		24.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.100.7 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          		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
            		SourceCompare
            		48.4 cu.ft.18.8 cu.ft.48.4 cu.ft.74 ft.
            		117 cu.ft.30.9 cu.ft.59.6 cu.ft.-
            		63.3 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.-
            		74.7 cu.ft.34.4 cu.ft.74.7 cu.ft.-
            		12.5 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            		83.1 cu.ft.20.9 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.-

            2018 Buick Encore vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		3500 lbs.1018 lbs.3237 lbs.
              		9300 lbs.1233 lbs.3056 lbs.Jeep USA
              		8600 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.835 lbs.3300 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4513 lbs.Jeep USA
              		6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4680 lbs.

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

              0

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              69

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              #6

              2018 Buick Encore

              Horsepower : 138 hp @ 4900 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 8.8 sec

              #7

              2018 Buick Encore User Reviews

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              [4 Reviews]

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              POPULAR TAGS

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              CS

              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.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              Ds

              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

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review
              VS

              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.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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