2018 Buick Encore Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　

What’s new

　　The 2018 Buick Encore carries over unchanged.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Like other subcompact crossover SUVs, the 2018 Buick Encore's core appeal is its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. But the Encore is also a bit more upscale than the norm. It has more standard and optional features, and its interior is quieter at highway speeds.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Encore 1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$133/mo  for Encore 1SV

　　Encore 1SV

　　1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $22,990 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $24,365 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $25,865 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $25,565 MSRPSport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $27,065 MSRPPreferred II 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,865 MSRPPreferred II 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $28,365 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,065 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,565 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,515 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $32,015 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Encore's performance, however, is still a little disappointing. The Encore is related to the Chevrolet Trax, and both have a base 138-horsepower turbocharged engine. Acceleration is slow, and real-world fuel economy is underwhelming. Buick offers a more powerful 153-hp engine upgrade, but it's not a huge difference. Additionally, you'll typically pay more to get an Encore compared similarly sized rivals.

　　From our standpoint, the Encore's appeal largely depends on what you're looking for. If you like its size and mix of premium features, it's more than likely an ideal pick. But you should also look at the Mazda CX-3, which is just as nice and less expensive to boot. Additionally, the Encore's price is pretty close to what you'll pay for a roomier crossover, such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V.

　　Overall, we recommend a few test drives of competitors, but if you're looking for a nimble, relatively upscale subcompact crossover SUV, the 2018 Buick Encore certainly has some curb appeal.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Like other subcompact crossover SUVs, the 2018 Buick Encore's core appeal is its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. But the Encore is also a bit more upscale than the norm, a quality originating from its additional features and quieter interior at highway speeds.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our cumulative experience with the current generation Buick Encore (turbo 1.4L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

　　

Driving

　　The Buick Encore does well as a city commuter car. It's nimble in traffic and gets away from a stoplight quickly. But passing power is lacking for stress-free highway acceleration and passing. Handling is far from sporty.

　　

Comfort

　　The Encore is relatively comfortable. It's quiet on the highway, which is one of its best features, and the ride quality is relaxed without being wallowy.

　　

Interior

　　Though it's small, the Encore has plenty of space for front passengers. Adults will fit in the rear without too much trouble. Build and materials quality are on par with that of other vehicles in the class, but the Encore's cabin does look dated because of its numerous dashboard buttons.

　　

Utility

　　Behind the rear seats, the Encore has 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space available. With the rear seats folded, that number goes up to 48.3 cubes. That's more than enough for a moderate load of groceries, but most compact crossovers do better.

　　

Technology

　　The infotainment system is easy to learn, and combined with OnStar, provides a robust set of features. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. Only the Premium trim gets a full suite of active safety features, but some are available on the lower trim levels.

　　

Which Encore does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Encore's base trim level is appealing with all of its standard equipment, but we recommend upgrading to the Essence trim level. It offers heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, a few extra safety items and the more powerful 153-horsepower engine. The standard 1.4-liter engine is down on power. If you want to get this subcompact moving in a hurry, the increase in power is a must

　　

2018 Buick Encore models

　　The 2018 Buick Encore is a compact crossover SUV offered in six trim levels: 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence and Premium. Less expensive Encores come standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 hp, 148 lb-ft), a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. From the Sport Touring trim level on up, there's a more powerful 1.4-liter engine (153 hp, 177 lb-ft) available. Every trim aside from the base 1SV is also available with all-wheel drive as an option.

　　For the most part, the base 1SV and Preferred trim levels are equipped similarly. On both, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, keyless ignition and entry, heated mirrors, roof rails, rear privacy glass, air-conditioning, cruise control, a power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

　　Technology features include OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot), a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and two USB ports. Also included is Buick's IntelliLink electronics interface, which features an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone app integration.

　　On the Preferred, you also get floor mats and a cargo cover.

　　Stepping up to the Sport Touring model means the addition of foglights, a rear spoiler and remote start to the base model's features. Options include a seven-speaker Bose sound system and a blind-spot monitoring system.

　　The Preferred II adds dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

　　Moving up to Essence adds LED headlights, leather upholstery, a six-way power passenger seat (with manual recline and power lumbar), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and driver-seat memory settings.

　　Finally, the top-of-the-line Premium trim adds front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, a lane departure warning system, automatic wipers and the seven-speaker Bose sound system.

　　The Preferred II, Essence and Premium are available with the Experience Buick package, which adds 18-inch chromed alloy wheels, a sunroof and a navigation system. The latter two items are available separately on all but the base model.

　　

2018 Encore Highlights

Trim: 1SVPreferredSport TouringPreferred IIEssencePremium1SV

　　

Base MSRP	$22,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles