2018 Buick Encore Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Buick’s Encore subcompact crossover became a surprise success for the brand when it launched back in 2013, going on to be its top seller....
Buick’s Encore subcompact crossover became a surprise success for the brand when it launched back in 2013, going on to be its top seller. Buick gave the 2017 Encore a modest refresh with new front-end styling and a revised center stack. For 2018, Buick makes only the smallest of changes to the Encore.
The Encore’s exterior design is very understated—you’ll find no sharp creases of a coupe-like roof here. The Encore features Buick’s new winged grille, headlights with LED accents, and body-colored side-view mirrors. A Sport Touring trim gives the Encore a modern edge with a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels finished in midnight silver. Buick added Coppertino Metallic to the 2018 Encore’s color palate.
One previous complaint about the Encore’s interior was its button-laden center stack. Drivers found it difficult to figure out which button they needed to press to change the audio source or bring up the navigation system. Buick addressed this last year with a cleaned-up center stack that included an 8-inch touchscreen with Buick IntelliLink and raised climate-system controls. The touchscreen controls most functions. IntelliLink avoids confusing and overwhelming drivers with a simple interface and snappy performance. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi are standard on all Encores.
Depending on the trim selected – Buick offers six options to choose from - seats will be covered in cloth, leatherette, or leather upholstery. The front seats provide excellent support for long trips and are set up high to provide an excellent view of the road ahead. The back seat can sit two adult passengers with no issues, thanks to decent legroom and excellent headroom. Cargo space in the Encore is about average for the class. Behind the rear seats, the Encore provides 18.8 cubic feet; the space expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. If you need to carry long items, the Encore features a fold-flat front passenger seat.
Buick offers two different versions of the Encore’s turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder. The base package offers up 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The SIDI Turbo raises horsepower to 153 and torque to 177. Both versions come with a 6-speed automatic and the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Reviewers agree the base version of the 1.4 is slow, with a 0-60 time of just under 10 seconds. That engine will also struggle if drivers put more than two people in the Encore. Most people will be better off with the stronger engine, as it is quicker to 60 mph and offers more punch for making passes on the freeway. EPA fuel-economy estimates range from 24 mpg city, 30 highway, 27 combined for the more powerful 1.4 with AWD to 27, 33, 30 for the standard 1.4 with FWD.
The Encore’s small size makes it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, perfect for urban environments. Despite its height, the Encore feels nimble around corners and barely shows any body roll. However, the steering offers little feel. Ride quality is very impressive, as the Encore smooths out bumps and potholes. Road and wind noise are almost nonexistent in the Encore’s interior thanks to sound insulation and double-pane windows.
Standard safety equipment for the 2018 Encore includes a full set of airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a reversing camera, and GM’s OnStar telematics system. Optional safety features available on the Preferred II trim include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert. The Premium trim offers rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Encore earned the highest rating of Good in all of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded a 5-star Overall rating to the Encore.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2018 Buick Encore appreciate its good gas mileage, safety features, and smooth ride. Many noted the small SUV's interior comfort and the number of amenities it offers for its size. However, some drivers expressed concerns about the limited cabin space and the quality of the backup camera."
This is a wonderful small SUV, a lot of features packaged in a small space, my only cpmplaint - some of the more common features are not present in the Premium trim package that you would expect it to have, no remote start and no buttons for garage door openers.
August 1, 2022Great value. Has everything I need to feel complete and compete with newer models. The only thing I dislike is the backup camera quality. It likes like a CRT TV.
January 6, 2022This car is snappy, responsive, big enough inside for almost everyone, has so many creature comforts, and hidey holes for your things. Fun and responsible at the same time.
May 17, 2021What owners say
This is a wonderful small SUV, a lot of features packaged in a small space, my only cpmplaint - some of the more common features are not present in the Premium trim package that you would expect it to have, no remote start and no buttons for garage door openers.
August 1, 2022Great value. Has everything I need to feel complete and compete with newer models. The only thing I dislike is the backup camera quality. It likes like a CRT TV.
January 6, 2022This car is snappy, responsive, big enough inside for almost everyone, has so many creature comforts, and hidey holes for your things. Fun and responsible at the same time.
May 17, 2021I absolutely loved this suv..Everything was right where I needed it to be..The enfotainment system,the dash and everything was pretty easy to negotiate..My only downside would be how small the cabin is but other than that fine..
February 11, 2023Nice replacement for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous we owned previously. This car had all the bells and whistles we wanted. The only thing this year/model did not offer was heads up light display for the speedometer. Had that in my 2005. I understand newer models have it. Great value!
June 9, 2021Love it. My Buick has more options than I wanted. Great car. Great price!
September 11, 2020This is a very nice vehicle, and considering the low mileage and condition, a great buy. The only downside, is there are very few options with it. It has all the basics, and new tires were included, so it is priced right.
March 22, 2023I loved the cars features. Ive never ever had this new of a vehicle so everything seemed awesome and I cant compare to other vehicles because this is the newest(2018) that Ive ever had in my life. The last car I had was a 2009 , never owned anything newer. The only thing I missed was a CD player but I figured out how to set up my smartphone to the Buicks radio and I loved it. I always heard that Buicks were a very good dependable car and they hold there value. Im loving it !
June 23, 2021Good on gas has the safety features smooth ride easy to get around town only downside to it is only one armrest for the driver but little SUV hope this helps you in your decision
August 14, 2020It’s a great SUV that has Great gas mileage, available I will drive and still will achieve 30 mile per gallon. Pack for the luxury amenities as well.
August 27, 2020Trims & specs
Base MSRP $29,100 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,400 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,400 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $26,865 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $27,100 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $25,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,100 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,600 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$22,990 - $32,100
Current avg. market price
$11,161
Trending down by 0.5% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
