Small crossovers are big money right now.
The Audi Q3 is the oldest among the luxury set, with outdated tech and lagging fuel economy.
The BMW X1 is pricey and not particularly thrilling to drive, but offers a sportier X2 version if style > substance.
To get a fun driving X1, perhaps consider the Mini Countryman, which is mechanically related to the BMW and offers a manual transmission.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA class is similarly small, with a cramped rear seat, but offers a super-powered GLA45 that's a hot hatch in a stuffed shirt.
The Mazda CX-3 looks good and can be more affordable than the rest in some base trims.
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 2019 Buick EncoreBrowse Used Listings |  2019 Audi Q3Browse Used Listings |  2019 BMW X1Browse Used Listings |  2019 Mazda CX-3Browse Used Listings |  2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2019 MINI Cooper CountrymanBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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Small luxury crossovers are hot, but the 2019 Buick Encore offers a decidedly calm option. It's cute and affordable, but lacks some options found on others. |
The 2019 Audi Q3 whispers “GTI” in the ears of brand-conscious drivers—but it’s, like, discreet about it. |
The 2019 BMW X1 crossover is the right shape and the right price for entry luxury buyers willing to overlook some flaws. |
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 fails to launch in the crossover-SUV space race. |
The Mercedes-Benz GLA merges hatchback size with crossover functionality and luxury appointments, with better-than-average results. |
The 2019 Mini Countryman is a fun-to-drive crossover with sharp looks, cool interior, and a good hybrid powertrain—and none of it comes cheaply. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $23,200 | $34,700 | $34,950 | $20,390 | $33,950 | $26,900 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 24 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Turbocharged I4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Compact Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Small SUV 2WD | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4-Door | 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro | sDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport FWD | GLA 250 SUV | Cooper FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | 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 | quattro Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2019 Buick Encore vs. 2019 Audi Q3 | 2019 Buick Encore vs. 2019 BMW X1 | 2019 Buick Encore vs. 2019 Mazda CX-3 | 2019 Buick Encore vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class | 2019 Buick Encore vs. 2019 MINI Cooper Countryman | |
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