You have two engine options in the Encore, but neither is especially impressive – Cars.USnews
2018 Buick Encore Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Buick Encore's power duties are taken care of by two differently tuned 1.4L turbocharged Inline-4 units. The base and the standard multi-port injection system allow the Encore to put down 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. This is for the base trims. The Sport Touring trims and above are treated with a direct-port injection system which should be good for about 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
Available in both FWD and AWD setups, the Encore is able to put down the power correctly and in a more efficient manner with the help of a slick 6-speed automatic transmission. This is in fact enough to offer you decent acceleration times and an inspired ride and handling dynamics.
Models |
2018 Buick Encore |
2018 Chevrolet Trax |
2018 Mazda CX-3 |
MSRP |
$22,990 |
$22,000 |
$21,300 |
Engine |
1.4-L turbocharged EcoTec I-4 |
1.4-L turbocharged EcoTec I-4 |
2.0-L SKYACTIV-G 4-CYL |
Transmission |
6-speed Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
Power |
138 hp @ 4900 RPM |
138 hp @ 4900 RPM |
146 hp @ 6000 RPM |
Torque |
148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 RPM |
148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 RPM |
146 lbs.-ft. @ 2800 RPM |
Both the Chevrolet Trax and the Buick Encore deliver the same amount of power figures. On paper, the Encore's power figures might look a bit underpowered as compared to that of the CX-3, but the power is properly put down quite early in the rev band, which gives it a massive edge over the CX-3 in terms of acceleration times.
2018 Buick Encore Acceleration
The 2018 Buick Encore can sprint from 0-60 MPH in a tad less than 9 seconds. This is with the 138 hp turbocharged motor in place. Although, when you consider the 153 hp turbocharged engine running point, the 2018 Encore reportedly brings down that 0-60 MPH time to 8.4 seconds.
Models |
2018 Buick Encore |
2018 Chevrolet Trax |
2018 Mazda CX-3 |
0-60 MPH |
8.4 sec |
9.3 sec |
8.6 sec |
Quarter mile |
16.2 sec |
16.8 sec |
16.3 sec |
The quarter-mile barrier is crossed over at a decent 16.2 seconds. With its low-end torque, it is able to put down the power much more early on, which gives it an edge when compared to its rivals. Moreover, it is also able to tame that 3000 lb heft, which is commendable.
2018 Buick Encore Ride and Handling
Petite in its dimensions, the 2018 Buick Encore is more or less like a hatchback wading through jam-packed city streets with absolute ease. Maneuvering it is quite easy, given that it also has quite a responsive steering. It can take on corners quite well too, although there is adequate body roll too because of the heft. The new suspension bits also do their part by providing a comfortable ride all throughout. The 2018 Encore is certainly agile and nimble in its handling dynamics.
2018 Buick Encore Braking
The 2018 Buick Encore with 11.8-inch front rotor discs and 10.6-inch rear rotor discs can come to a dead stop from 60 MPH in just about 126 ft. This turns out to be the worst performance in the segment, despite Encore's 3237 lbs heft.
Model |
2018 Buick Encore |
2018 Chevrolet Trax |
2018 Mazda CX-3 |
Brake pads-front (in) |
11.8 |
11.8 |
11.0 |
Brake pads Rear (in) |
10.6 |
11.0 |
11.1 |
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3237 |
2805 |
2809 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
126 |
121 |
118 |
The brakes are quite reassuring and have nice feedback to them. The Mazda CX-3, on the other hand, surprisingly even with the smallest rotors in place, and also being one of the lightest crossovers of the lot, gets down to a dead stop in 118 ft, which is commendable.