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2018 Buick Encore review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Buick Encore highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Easy to drive and park
  • Relatively quiet on the highway
  • Upscale style, inside and out

Cons

  • Underpowered engines
  • Disappointing fuel economy estimates
  • Cramped cargo area

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 30 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $16,998*

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Once a segment leader, the 2018 Buick Encore remains a popular small SUV

The 2018 Buick Encore is a small SUV that seats five people and offers between 18.8 cubic feet and 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. An unusual feature that helps the Encore maximize its utility is a front passenger seat that folds flat to accommodate items up to 8 feet long. Available trims in the lineup are 1SV, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium. Every Encore has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Depending on the trim, the engine makes 138 horsepower or 153 hp, and EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings range from 27 mpg to 30 mpg in combined driving. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. All-wheel drive is an option. Buick made few changes to the 2018 Encore. Models with dual-zone automatic climate control have an air ionizer, HD radio is standard, and capless fuel filling debuts. Tech highlights include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with access to OnStar® connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and more. Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information. Ten airbags are standard, with a short list of driver-assistance systems available as upgrades.

All Buick Encore years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Buick Encore generation from 2013 to 2022

What is new for the 2018 Buick Encore?

  • The Encore is available in a new trim called the 1SV.
  • The Base trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • Encore trims have been upgraded with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
  • The Essence trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Sport Touring trim now comes with Smart Key and CD Audio as standard equipment.
  • The Preferred II trim now comes with Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The Preferred trim now comes with CD Audio as standard equipment.

2018 Buick Encore trims

Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

1SV:

  • 1.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera

Preferred:

Preferred II:

Sport Touring:

Essence:

Premium:

Buick Encore photos

What We Like

Nimble in traffic: Thanks to its small size, tall seating position, good outward visibility, and turbocharged torque, the Encore squirts through and around traffic with relative ease. Outright acceleration is not impressive, but slicing and dicing through commuter congestion and making quick work of parking are two of the Encore’s talents.

Comfortable front seats: Though the Encore is one of the smallest SUVs you can buy, the front seating area is remarkably roomy. You sit high behind the steering wheel with a good view out, and entering and exiting the SUV is relatively painless. In addition, the Encore benefits from Buick QuietTuning™, which makes it unexpectedly quiet inside when you’re driving on the highway.

Generous infotainment features: Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the Encore includes several appealing features. Highlights include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, and access to OnStar connected services including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

. A navigation system and a Bose® premium sound system are available, and the Encore’s infotainment system is easy to understand and use.

What Needs Improvement

Engine power and efficiency: Small engines promise impressive fuel economy, but because they often work harder out in the real world, they can disappoint the people who own them. That’s true of the Encore, which offers slow acceleration combined with underwhelming efficiency. In light of this, we recommend getting one with a more powerful engine. It is standard with all Encores except for the base 1SV and the Preferred trim levels.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.2 out of 5

22 customer reviews
The 2018 Buick Encore is a compact SUV that is great for small drivers. It has a smooth ride and is eye appealing.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Buick Encore an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Buick Encore 7th out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Buick Encore

Buick Encore features and specs

Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Preferred 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Start
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14

Wheelbase

100.6"

Overall length

168.41"

Width

69.85"

Height

65.26"

Leg room

F 40.82"/R 35.75"

Head room

F 39.58"/R 38.78"

Front tires

P215/55R18

Rear tires

P215/55R18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Buick Encore FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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