
Starting at

Starting at
| 310 hp | Horsepower | 181 hp |
| 177 lb-ft Torque | Torque | 175 lb-ft Torque |
| 27 / 33 | MPG | 23 / 30 |
The 2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Kia Sportage are compact crossovers that introduce a sense of refinement and beauty into anyone who is blessed enough to invite them into their life as a trusted companion. The vehicles in this classification are in general well known for their ability to surprise drivers with their versatility, and the 2018 Encore and 2018 Sportage are excellent examples of this positive stereotype.
The 2018 Buick Encore is presented in a modern and sleek packaging that makes it a sensible option for any driver looking for something that seems less bulky and more stylishly bold. The technology options seem endless for both safety and fun, while the compact capacity will never cease to impress and make life that much easier on a daily basis. Despite its name, the 2018 Buick Encore will never leave you wanting anything more than what it delivers from start to finish starting only at $22,990.
As for the 2018 Kia Sportage, it’s a fun and sporty option for anyone looking for something a bit less stylish but a bit edgier. The power is impressive, and the size is a bit larger, but the cost increase reflects that. Overall, a solid option.
Depending on what you need out of your transportation either of these can become the perfect addition to your life, but looking at the details is where you will find which is truly a perfect fit.
A vehicle should always be something that is uniquely you, and in order to gain that you need one that will give you all the options you want. The trims and packages a vehicle can offer are the first things you should look at if personality is at the top of your list. The 2018 Buick Encore offers six trim levels, while the 2018 Kia Sportage offers three.
The 2018 Buick Encore offers six trims, each better than the next. Starting prices range from $22,990 to $30,600 depending on the trim you decide on.
The standard or base trim for the 2018 Encore is extremely affordable and offers a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine. It also conveniently offers an enhanced 4.2-inch driver information center, keyless open and start, and optional built-in WiFi. It is almost like they don’t even care if you pay more by giving you some of the best features with not a penny more.
If you do want to upgrade there is the properly named Preferred trim which is for those who prefer a bit more. Main feature upgrades include rear cargo cover, and easy clean floor mats just to give you a bit more refinement.
The Sport Touring is the next level up and boosts the already stylish encore with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and fog lamps. You will also now have a remote vehicle starter system to make life easier.
The Preferred II trim offers much more than its predecessor including important safety features such as the rear cross traffic and side blind zone alert. It also increases the comfort with dual-zone climate control.
Next is the Essence trim which offers the always enviable heated leather-appointed seating and steering wheel. Honestly, this trim will make you never want to leave your 2018 Encore again.
Finally, the Premium trim is the highest level, and it offers an enhanced Bose 7-speaker sound system, rain sensing wipers, and the ever helpful park assist.
The 2018 Kia Sportage offers three trim levels including the LX, EX, and SX Turbo. The starting price can be anything from $23,600 to $33,900 depending on the trim. The LX is the base trim which has cloth seating, 17-inch tires, a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and available all-wheel drive. The EX offers leather seating, 18-inch tires, and roof rails. Lastly, the SX turbo trim level offers a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine, 19-inch tires, and a panoramic sunroof. For the limited amount of trim options, there is still a fair amount of well-made features for the 2018 Kia Sportage.
Safety should never be taken lightly, and that is why you must always look into every way a vehicle can protect you and those you care for. Although the 2018 Buick Encore and the 2018 Kia Sportage both received an overall five stars NHTSA safety rating, the 2018 Encore takes the lead by receiving five stars in a frontal crash, where the 2018 Sportage only received four stars.
Safety should never be taken lightly, and that is why you must always look into every way a vehicle can protect you and those you care for. Although the 2018 Buick Encore and the 2018 Kia Sportage both received an overall five stars NHTSA safety rating, the 2018 Encore takes the lead by receiving five stars in a frontal crash, where the 2018 Sportage only received four stars.
If you want peace of mind, the 2018 Kia Sportage can definitely offer that. The body is strong and well-constructed with everything from sensors to airbags in their optimal place in order to boost safety standards. The airbags themselves are fairly interesting with full-length side curtain airbags that completely surround the sides of the vehicle from front to back. In addition, the seat belts are adjustable and work with the airbag sensors so that they can inflate in accordance to the seatbelts in use. Kia is definitely improving the protection their vehicles can offer, but in the end, it is still a process of upping its tech to perfection.
Presence is the ability to show off everything you are just at a glance. The presence of a vehicle has a profound impact on the driver, and this is why it is always essential to get an in-person look before buying anything. The 2018 Buick Encore was manufactured with grace and stylishness in mind, while the 2018 Kia Sportage is happy to do its own thing.
If the 2018 Buick Encore could speak any words, it would most likely say something along the lines of “I was made for everyone to enjoy.” The 2018 Encore is aesthetically pleasing in all the right ways. Its compact dimensions make it unobtrusive, while its modern appearance allows it to shine. Not an inch of it from the slim grille to it boisterous back is unpleasant to look at, no matter what the occasion.
A student would feel euphoric driving it to school, a single parent would find it easy to carpool, and a workaholic would feel confident pulling up in one at their next big meeting. It is almost as if it is so simplistically beautiful that you can’t help but fall in love with it at first sight without even needing to understand why. The charming presence of the 2018 Buick Encore is something that is hard to describe, but unmistaken once experience it in first hand.
The 2018 Kia Sportage is fairly unique in design. The front grille has a strange bow-like appearance, and the lights are very apparent with the top set going upward in a boomerang shape, and the bottom has no lenses leaving two holes. Besides the bow, boomerangs, and holes, you will find the 2018 Sportage gives off a presence of excitement. It won’t easily win any beauty pageants, but it has its own appeal.