DecodedCars2026 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Gx 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.3L 3-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 30 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 171.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,025–3,256 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.2L 3-cyl turbo and 1.3L 3-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 171 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,256 lb (Gx 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (30 city / 31 highway), 1% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Encore — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Encore →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Bupyeong, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2026 Encore configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,256 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,025 lb | 61/39 |
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 GX FWD FFV FFV | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 31 / 30 | -1% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 31 / 30 | -1% | $2,250 | 297 |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 28 / 27 | +4% | $2,500 | 327 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Buick Encore.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Buick Encore (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Ford Escape | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Aug 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V539000 · 306,511 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A262554900. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.
Not every 2026 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 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 →