August 28, 2012
By: Nick Saporito Today Buick proclaimed their upcoming Encore crossover as the most fuel efficient crossover from a domestic automaker. The title is certainly a new one, but one that Buick has apparently deemed noteworthy thanks to EPA ratings of 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.According to Buick the Encore bests the fuel economy of rivals Ford and Chrysler for the 2013 model-year. In the case of Ford, their most fuel efficient crossover just launched as the 2013 Escape with the 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine. The larger Escape is rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, meaning the Encore bests its only by two miles per-gallon in city conditions as well as in city and highway combined. On the Chrysler side of the rivalry, the Encore is besting their Jeep Compass, which is rated at 23/28.
Assuming 45-percent highway and 55-percent city driving, the Encore’s EPA annual fuel cost of $1,900 is the lowest of any crossover on the market – domestic or import, for the 2013 model year.
Part of the Encore’s fuel economy success stems from the fact that it will be the smallest crossover offered by any of the Detroit automakers; nearly 10-inches shorter than a Ford Escape and nearly five inches shorter than the Jeep Compass.
The new Encore is powered by GM’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, generating an estimated 140 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque. Power funnels through a six-speed automatic transmission in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration.
Encore will go on sale in very early 2013.