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.
Jon Wong
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.