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
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Encore — a carry-over year in the data.
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 | ★★★★★ | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →