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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 27 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 298 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $21,725–$25,455 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Buick Encore is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.1/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $21,725–$25,455, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Buick Encore sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.5/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Buick Encore sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Buick Encore ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $21,725 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 40%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Buick Encore scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.9 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.3/10 | $27,289 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $27,289 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $26,495 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $25,700 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $24,905 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $24,110 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $23,315 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $22,520 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $21,725 | |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $20,931 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $20,136 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $19,341 | Read review → |
We rate the 2018 Buick Encore's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #2137 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Buick Encore starts at $21,725 and ranges up to $25,455 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Buick models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.