2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Ford Escape

Safety

The Buick Encore gets excellent safety ratings in multiple categories and crash tests and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features driver, passenger, front head, rear head, and front and rear side airbags, 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, Electronic, Stability, Control, Daytime Running Lights, Child Safety Locks, and Traction Control. Active safety technology is both standard and available, and driver awareness includes tech, such as rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian alerts, rearview cameras, and many more. All in all the 2018 Buick Encore has a very impressive safety suite to keep you and your passengers safe. When it comes to safety, you can never be too safe.

The 2018 Ford Escape received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and includes plenty of airbags and features many of the same safety features as the Buick Encore, like 4-wheel ABS, stability control, and child safety locks. Drivers who wish to upgrade can choose from active safety tech like rearview cameras, cross-traffic alerts, pedestrian alerts, and OnStar response technology. Overall, the Ford Escape is a safe vehicle that you can rely on for both active and passive safety features.

Technology

Technology in the 2018 Buick Encore comes in all shapes and sizes and can be utilized for entertainment or convenience. Driving is stressful, and having no way to stay connected and informed will only add to that anxiety; that is why the 2018 Encore added every technology option it could possibly fit. The 2018 Buick Encore offers a great selection of available standard and an optional technology for safety, connectivity, and entertainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come together with onboard 4G LTE WIFI to keep drivers and passengers connected, even while they are on the go. The infotainment system lets you access all of your favorite music, and the built-in onboard navigation lets drivers save favorite routes and navigate to new locations with ease.

The Ford Escape has SYNC 3 so drivers can use voice-activated technology to access navigation, entertainment, live traffic alerts, and more. SYNC 3 is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Exclusive FordPass lets drivers access information and control certain actions on their vehicles from a remote location. Drivers can find parking, locate their vehicle, lock, unlock, and start your vehicle, and check info like fuel levels and air tire pressure.

Capability

The Buick Encore is a luxury compact crossover SUV that performs as well as you would expect from this level of vehicle. The 1.4L Ecotec Turbocharged engine gives drivers a nice amount of pep, a decent 0-60 score, all while maintaining a great fuel efficiency for its class. The four-cylinder engine meets six-speed automatic transmission, and while it’s not a track performance vehicle, the Encore handles well on most types of terrain, handling bumps and rough roads very well.

When it comes to cargo, the Buick Encore has nice cargo space among other SUVs in its class. The cargo volume reaches 19 cubic feet and 48 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Small-space storage inside the Encore is ample and gives drivers an passengers a nice way to store their carry-on gear up front and in the console area. An SUV without proper storage capability is worth nothing, so the way the 2018 Encore allows drivers the ability to bring all their loved ones and all their favorite gear is priceless in value.

The 2018 Ford Escape gives drivers 34.3 ft with the rear seats up and 67.8 feet with the seats folded. This is a nice amount of cargo space for the crossover SUV class, especially considering its compact size. The interior offers an average amount of small-space storage in the console, door, and set back areas.

When it comes to performance, the Escape offers fast acceleration and handles well on different types of terrain. However, the Escape’s spritely sports performance has a price as it does not have a particularly good fuel economy, scoring low in this area of efficiency for its class.

Trim

The 2018 Buick Encore comes in six trim levels, all of which add more great style details, performance enhancements, and technology upgrades. Customizability is key, and the 2018 Encore never fails to impress. The Encore’s six trims from least to most expensive are:

• Encore SV – Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, 4.2” driver info center, keyless open and start
• Preferred – Rear cargo cover, front, and rear color-keyed floor mats
• Sport Touring – 18” aluminum alloy wheels, remote vehicle start system, fog lamps
• Preferred II – Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control
• Essence – Leather-Appointed Seating, Heated Driver and Front-Passenger Seats, Heated Steering Wheel
• Premium – Bose 7-speaker sound system, rain sensing wipers, front and rear park assist

From top to bottom, the 2018 Buick Encore delivers an impressive suite of available technology, safety, and connectivity options. You will find the most affordable option starting at $23,985 and the most high-end option starting at $31,595 with all kinds of bells and whistles to make you smile every mile of your journey.

The 2018 Ford Escape is available in four trims. Compare trims to see which available options will make a good fit for you:

• S – 2.5L engine, rearview cameras, Roll Stability Control, seating for 5, SYNC voice recognition communication and entertainment system
• SE – 1.5L EcoBoost engine, auto stop/start technology, 17” aluminum wheels, fog lamps
• SEL – Reverse sensing system, SYNC 3 responsive voice-activated technology, and touch-screen, 18” aluminum wheels
• Titanium – 2.0L EcoBoost engine with auto stop/start, intelligent access with push-button start, reverse sensing system.

The cheapest option for the 2018 Ford Escape is $23,950 and the most expensive starts at $32,140. Generally, these are fair prices for what the Ford Escape offers. However, at a lower price, the Buick Encore offers a more luxurious experience overall.