DecodedCars2018 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 168.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,236–3,358 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2018 small SUV (24.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,358 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), 20% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Encore →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,358 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,236 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | +21% | $2,400 | 319 |
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 313 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 335 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Encore (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Hyundai Kona | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Trax | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Encore.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 11 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Encore. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 62 |
| 2020 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 89 |
| 2019 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 88 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →