
There aren't many direct competitors for the Buick Encore.
The MINI Countryman is similar in size and function to the Encore, but it's undeniably more quirky, and skews toward the sportier end of the spectrum.
The VW Tiguan is larger with upscale interior materials and a peppier turbocharged four-cylinder.
The FIAT 500L feels cheaper inside and costs less, but offers marginally better performance than the Encore.
We'd throw in the more expensive Audi Q3, a sleeker, better-handling option with superior acceleration--or possibly the upcoming BMW X1, a new model with a new architecture based on the front-wheel-drive MINI Countryman.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Buick Encore masks its economy-car roots well, but tepid performance keeps its from earning a premium label. |
The 2016 Audi Q3 gives compact luxury SUVs a good name with cozy ride quality and accommodations—but it's not the most space- or fuel-efficient vehicle of its kind. |
The 2016 BMW X1 is heavy on sport and light on utility -- a combination that's likely to please a number of buyers. |
While it's not as fun as other VWs and the old design leaves it behind in terms of safety, technology and fuel economy, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan delivers on most of the important small-crossover promises. |
The 2016 Mini Counryman retains a fair amount of the Mini character and fun-to-drive spirit, but a growing crop of small crossovers give it more competition than ever. | The 2016 Fiat 500L has hatchback utility down pat, but its styling is quirky and performance is average, at best. |
MSRP From | |||||
$24,065 | $33,700 | $34,800 | $24,890 | $22,750 | $19,495 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
23 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Turbocharged I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | N/A | Large Cars | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Compact Cars | Small Station Wagon |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door | FrontTrak 4-Door Premium Plus | AWD 4-Door xDrive28i | 2WD 4-Door Automatic S | FWD 4-Door | 5-Door HB Pop |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Hatchback |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Buick Encore vs. 2016 Audi Q3 | 2016 Buick Encore vs. 2016 BMW X1 | 2016 Buick Encore vs. 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2016 Buick Encore vs. 2016 MINI Cooper Countryman | 2016 Buick Encore vs. 2016 FIAT 500L |