
The Buick Encore's slight stature and slightly upscale price tag doesn't make it a natural fit in a class of anything.
Still, there are a few crossovers worth cross-shopping when you're looking at the Encore a first, or a second time.
The Ford Escape's a perfectly fine alternative: it's larger, more spacious inside, much more tossable and enthusiastic to drive, and not much less efficient or finely finished than the Buick.
The MINI Countryman is sized more closely to the Encore, and its optional turbo versions really transform its outlook on the road ahead--though not much can help its awkward baseball-cap roofline.
The Infiniti EX37 fits the niche too, with low gas mileage for the pack but excellent handling, great styling, and a tight rear seat.
The BMW X1 mirrors those sentiments.
Then there's the VW Tiguan, which comes with a turbo four-cylinder and decent acceleration to go with nimble handling and right-sized packaging; would that it came with VW's great TDI diesel for great fuel economy, too.
Let us suggest one more radical alternative: the Ford C-Max, the new hybrid that consistently delivers at least as much gas mileage as the Encore at the same price points, with more usable room, a more handsome shape, and an arguably better-fitted cabin to boot.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2013 Buick Encore does nearly everything a pint-sized premium crossover should do--minus a few dozen horsepower, that is. |
In our first drive, the 2013 BMW X1 seems a little more enthusiastic than it is versatile. |
The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is the first head-to-head challenger for the Toyota Prius since that car grabbed the green mantle a decade ago--and in many ways, the Ford's a better daily driver. |
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan is a little conservative in look and feel, but otherwise it has everything that urban crossover shoppers want. |
The biggest MINI, the Countryman adds crossover flexibility to the lineup without diluting the fun-to-drive factor too much. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,200 | $30,800 | $25,200 | $22,995 | $22,000 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
23 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 42 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Turbocharged I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Large Car | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | Compact |
Style Name | ||||
FWD 4-Door | RWD 4-Door 28i | 5-Door HB SEL | 2WD 4-Door Manual S *Ltd Avail* | FWD 4-Door |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Hatchback | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2013 Buick Encore vs. 2013 BMW X1 | 2013 Buick Encore vs. 2013 Ford C-Max | 2013 Buick Encore vs. 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2013 Buick Encore vs. 2013 MINI Cooper Countryman |