Buick Encore

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Buick Encore appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 26 to 31 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,100 to $2,500 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201626-30 MPG$2,150-$2,5004
201727-30 MPG$2,150-$2,4004
201827-30 MPG$2,150-$2,4004
201926-28 MPG$2,300-$2,5004
202026-31 MPG$2,100-$2,5005

How it compares

Against the average small sport utility vehicle 2wd in this dataset (about 26 MPG), the Encore sits roughly 3 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Encore for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $10,500 to $12,500, averaging about $11,500 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Encore varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Encore check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Encore's average combined economy improved from about 28 to 28 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2018 Encore has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 28 MPG, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 27 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Encore at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
Encore GX FWD1.3L 3-cyl turboGasoline31 MPG
Encore GX AWD1.3L 3-cyl turboGasoline28 MPG
Encore GX FWD1.2L 3-cyl turboGasoline28 MPG
Encore FWD1.4L 4-cyl turboGasoline27 MPG
Encore AWD1.4L 4-cyl turboGasoline26 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the Encore against a rival, or go back to all Buick models.