carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $27,289–$35,159 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Buick Encore at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Performance at 6.2/10 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. We score reliability at 7.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.2/10 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 6.5/10 — 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 $27,289–$35,159, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Buick Encore sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Buick Encore is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2026 Buick Encore ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,289 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 24%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Across the Encore model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $27,289 | |
| 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 | 6.9/10 | $21,725 | Read review → |
| 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 2026 Buick Encore's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2026 Buick Encore starts at $27,289 and ranges up to $35,159 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/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.