2018 Buick Encore vs. 2018 Kia Sportage
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Buick Encore and 2018 Kia Sportage contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Buick Encore and the 2018 Kia Sportage.
In comparing the 2018 Buick Encore's and the 2018 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Buick Encore has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The 2018 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Buick Encore's and the 2018 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Kia Sportage is a better car than the 2018 Buick Encore.
Pricing: A used 2018 Buick Encore ranges from $11,781 to $19,997 while a used 2018 Kia Sportage is priced between $11,498 to $20,732.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Buick Encore loses 44 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Kia Sportage retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Buick Encore.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Buick Encore is 8.3 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Buick Encore being ranked 1 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick Encore is 7.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Kia Sportage a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Buick Encore.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Buick Encore’s base engine makes 138 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Sportage base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Encore is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 miles.This gives the 2018 Buick Encore the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Kia Sportage the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Kia Sportage, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Buick Encore, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Buick Encore and the 2018 Kia Sportage have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$35,782
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$22,990 - $52,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,907
Price Range:
$11,781 - $19,997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$23,133
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$15,907 - $40,599
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
379
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
80,842
# Good or Great Deals:
163
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,171
Price Range:
$11,498 - $20,732
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
346
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
89,666
# Good or Great Deals:
168
Buick Encore Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Buick Encore
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
5.1 - 6.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Sportage
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.2 - 8.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Buick Encore Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
30 out of / 68Ranking
31 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Ranking
57 out of / 68Ranking
66 out of / 68Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Buick Encore Trim Levels
Base, Essence, Preferred, Preferred II, Premium, Sport Touring
2018 Kia Sportage Trim Levels
SX Turbo, EX, LX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.043 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 33 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
378 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
361 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.6 inches
Cargo Space:
18.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
30.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
60.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
129.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3237 lbs
Width:
69.9 inches
Height:
65.3 inches
Length:
168.4 inches
Wheelbase:
100.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3305 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
65.2 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Coastal Blue Metallic
Red
Black Cherry Metallic
White
Summit White
Beige
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Cherry
Blue
Pacific Blue
Red
Hyper Red
White
Clear White
Beige
Burnished Copper
Silver
Mineral Silver / Sparkling Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray