It’s great for weaving in and out of traffic, finding a tight parking space, and overall just zipping around town. The 2018 Buick Encore is a higher-end subcompact that mixes luxury with great performance. It has high-end features not found in other compact SUVs in its class all at a price that won’t break the bank.
Let’s look at the top 10 reasons why the Encore may just be the best compact SUV of the year.
The Price
This car does not feel cheap, but it’s pretty easy on the budget, starting just above $22,000. It’s comparable to other made smaller SUVs like the Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-3. However, for the money, you get a host of features and detail not available in typical compact SUVs.
Design is On Point
The exterior is durable and will wear well over time. A use of chrome accessories adds to the overall high-end feel of the vehicle. But the true magic is on the interior of the 2018 Buick Encore.
The inside is exceptionally comfortable and perfect for daily drivers. Premium materials that make up the dashboard and center console are elegant and easy to use.
Cargo Space
For a vehicle it’s size it offers great use of cargo space. Every seat is foldable (excluding the driver’s seat) allowing over 48 cubic seats of cargo space and the ability to haul extra-long items.
Passenger Space
The 2018 Buick Encore makes great use of space in general. You’ll notice the room for passengers, right away. The Encore seats five comfortably, with plenty of headroom in the rear of the car. The driver’s seat is also raised for comfort.
It’s High-Tech
This is where the nice touches that make life on the daily commute easier. The Encore has an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features great graphics, quick response, and an easy-to-understand interface. The Encore also has the latest and greatest in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspots.
Handles Nicely
The Encore is a zippy commuter car with luxury feel. The size makes it maneuverable and the cabin design means the ride will always be comfy regardless of the road conditions.
Crash Ratings
The 2018 Buick Encore earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Plus, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it it’s highest score of, Good, in all five individual crash evaluations.
Safe Features
The 2018 Buick Encore comes standard with some pretty impressive features, including a phenomenal backup camera. It also comes with rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, parking assist, and lane departure warning.
Fuel Economy
Well, at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, the 2018 Buick Encore has pretty terrific gas mileage, considering how much can be packed inside. This is designed for the commuter; fuel economy was a key design consideration.
It’s Reliable
This SUV will last. In fact, the Encore earned higher than the average from J.D. Power and Associates. A 4-star rating is great among other SUVs in its class.
Trim Choices
There are six trim choices with the Encore. The base model does offer some great standard features; the lower trims don’t offer a whole lot more. The middle trims are probably the best fit for most drivers. They come well-equipped and are available with some advanced features.
Is the Buick Encore a Good Vehicle?
Yes! The 2018 Encore is a good compact SUV. It has good gas mileage and a comfortable ride. The cabin is outfitted to feel like more than what you paid, and it will seat people and haul cargo in style.
Is it Right for Me?
If you are looking for a great commuter car with a high-end feel, then yes. The Encore has the features and cabin refinement you’d expect from a larger SUV.
New or Used Buick Encore?
Honestly, not much has changed in the encore for 2018, unless high-tech accessories are more your thing. The overall performance and style has been consistent for years, but the latest and great interior gadgets get better with each model. New standard features for 2018 include an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Those features may be too good to give up!
