2018 Buick Encore Premium: A subcompact SUV with a touch of luxury
Clean exterior styling, quality interior surroundings, a healthy list of tech features and excellent ride manners help the 2018 Buick Encore stand out in the subcompact SUV field.
The Buick Encore has been around since 2013 and has soldiered on with light updates.
Two engines are available in the Encore: A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque come standard.
For an additional $895, consumers can upgrade to a 1.4-liter turbo four with direct injection making 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
No matter what engine you get with your Encore, both come bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission.
According to the EPA, the 1.4-liter direct-injection turbo engine returns 27 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway in the Encore with front-wheel dive.
The latest update for the Encore came for the 2017 model year that included a new grille and headlights.
The Encore Premium rides on 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped with all-season Continental tires.
Luxury features included in the Encore Premium included leather seats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
For infotainment, an IntelliLink system with an 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, with a Wi-Fi hotspot and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
As tested, this 2018 Buick Encore Premium wears a $35,630 price tag.