
Direct rivals for the Buick Encore are hard to pinpoint, but the Mini Cooper Countryman and Fiat 500X are about as close as they get.
Both offer more Euro style and personality, albeit without quite the same degree of hushed refinement found in the Buick.
If your budget stretches a little further, the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class are easily more expensive—and they may or may not be worth it.
Those three Germans are all more powerful than even an Encore with the 153-hp engine, but beyond that you’re paying as much for the badge as anything else.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Buick Encore does the pint-size crossover thing well, although it lacks some safety tech and gets pricey with options. |
The 2018 Audi Q3 offers a fun-to-drive alternative to the entry compact luxury car, but with more utility. Versus its rivals, it delivers more ride comfort and interior refinement, but less fuel efficiency. |
The 2018 BMW X1 is a compelling crossover pick for a budget BMW buyer who can’t do without a roundel. |
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is an attractive small crossover pick thanks to its good looks. We’d ask for more room, but fear that would spoil the CX-3’s low price. |
The 2018 Mini Countryman has a new plug-in hybrid system but the mission is the same: Big Mini crossover with a bigger audience. |
MSRP From | ||||
$22,990 | $32,900 | $33,900 | $20,110 | $26,600 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
24 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Turbocharged I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 |
EPA Class | ||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Compact Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
Style Name | ||||
FWD 4-Door | 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | sDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport FWD | Cooper FWD |
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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Audi Q3 | 2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 BMW X1 | 2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Mazda CX-3 | 2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 MINI Cooper Countryman |