This petite, near-luxury morsel delivers the essence of its larger siblings, all packaged neatly for urban parking spaces. Slip inside, and you'll find comfort, stylish design, and premium finishes that give its rivals a run for their money. The 2018 Buick Encore might not be the belle of the full-luxury ball, but it certainly beats its mainstream counterparts in the dance-off. Offering a harmonious blend of tech and teak, it provides room for four adults – if traveling light is the order of the day. The 2018 Buick Encore may not rub shoulders with the BMW X1 or the Lexus NX, but hey, it has no intention of doing so or emptying your wallet in the attempt. Instead, it stands as an 'in-betweener', proudly outluxing its competitors like Nissan, Honda, and Chevrolet. Here's the deal with the Encore: you pay a bit more, but you get a lot more. So, are you ready to encore your drive?
Read on to learn more about the 2018 Buick Encore.
The interior of the 2018 Buick Encore promises a near-premium experience with a few minor drawbacks. The door panels and lower center console exhibit hard plastics, and the inconsistent glossy trim on the center stack and doors might catch the discerning eye. However, the overall ambiance leans more upscale, thanks to the soft-touch sections on the armrests and dash pad. The flush-mounted infotainment touchscreen adds a clean, modern touch and jewel-colored background accents further enrich the aesthetic appeal. The ergonomics for front-seat occupants are quite commendable, with straightforward controls and convenient, redundant knobs on the dash for climate control. Although larger drivers may find the seat bottom a tad narrow, many will appreciate the high seating and comfortable driving position. The standard six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and the manually adjustable tilting and telescoping steering column further enhance comfort and personalization. The 2018 Buick Encore offers a refined interior that skillfully blends comfort, style, and practicality.
The 2018 Buick Encore rocks a sleek exterior that blends style and practicality in a killer combo. Its compact size is perfect for city driving, maneuvering through narrow streets, and finding parking in tight spots. The signature waterfall grille, emblazoned with the Buick emblem, gives it a sophisticated presence on the road. Its sculpted body lines and proportions hint at agility and performance, while the available LED-accentuated taillights and headlights add a touch of modernity. The optional 18-inch alloy wheels not only enhance the Encore’s dynamic look but also contribute to a smoother and more stable ride. The body of the 2018 Buick Encore is coated with a layer of noise-reducing acoustic material, contributing to its reputation for quietness. Overall, the exterior of the Encore embodies a blend of style, compactness, and luxury that makes it stand out in its segment.
Under the hood of the 2018 Buick Encore, you'll find one of two available turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The base engine is a 1.4-liter inline-four, generating a modest 138 horsepower. However, for those seeking a more spirited drive, the optional 153-hp variant, offering 20 percent more torque, is a worthy upgrade. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive comes standard. An all-wheel-drive option is also available, adding to the vehicle's versatility and performance in varying road conditions. The higher-powered engine felt lively and responsive, particularly in urban settings. Despite its luxury leanings, the 2018 Buick Encore delivers a performance that manages to strike a satisfying balance between efficiency and power.
The 2018 Buick Encore extends its appeal to the eco-conscious with its commendable fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website, the Encore, equipped with a 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine, boasts an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel-drive version slightly reduces these figures to 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. These numbers place the 2018 Encore on par with, if not better than, many of its competitors in the subcompact-crossover segment, helping to reduce your carbon footprint while saving at the pump.
The 2018 Buick Encore has garnered admirable ratings from established safety organizations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it a commendable overall rating of 5 stars, solidifying its position as a secure vehicle. Meanwhile, in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the Encore scored "Good" in all major safety categories. These positive ratings testify to the Encore's solid safety credentials, lending peace of mind to those considering this vehicle. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that it lacks certain advanced safety features like active lane control or automatic pre-collision braking.
The 2018 Buick Encore is like that reliable yet unassuming friend who always picks up your calls - it's not flashy, but it's got your back. Its near-luxurious interior is a pleasant surprise, complete with an ergonomic layout and some upscale touches. However, if you're on the larger side, the seats might feel like you're trying to squeeze into skinny jeans. The exterior is compact and stylish, perfect for the urban jungle and tight parking spots. Under the hood, it's no muscle car, but it does come with two engine options for a little extra pep. The fuel efficiency is admirable and can save you some bucks at the pump - always a win. Safety ratings are strong, although it does lack some advanced features that are becoming standard on newer models. Here's the deal: if you're looking for a comfortable, quiet ride for daily commuting and don't care about power or cargo space, the 2018 Buick Encore might just be your match. If you're after performance and state-of-the-art safety features, however, it's a bit like bringing a knife to a gunfight. So, would we recommend it? For the right driver, absolutely. After all, who doesn't want a friend who always picks up the call?
