Against 32 other 3-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Encore sits right on their 30 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2013, the 1.2L 3-cyl (2023), does 30 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.4L 4-cyl (2013–2022), 28.3: $77 a year apart.
Every Buick Encore engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L 3-cyl | 29 / 31 | 2023–2023 | $1,280 | |
| 1.3L 3-cyl | 29 / 31 | 2024–2026 | $1,280 | |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 25.6 / 32.1 | 2013–2022 | $1,357 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda CR-V gets 35 mpg, the Honda Pilot 22 mpg and the Mazda CX-5 27 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 Encore.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,186 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Buick Encore gives up 2 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 29 in the city, $85 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (7%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Encore changed over the years
The Encore peaked in 2026 at 30 mpg (29 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2022 at 27 — 3 mpg apart, or $142 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2023: 27 to 30 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2023 | 29 / 31 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2020 | 25 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2018 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2017 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2016 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2015 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2014 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2013 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Buick Encore — 3 engines across 2013–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,186. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Buick Encore get?
30 mpg combined, 29 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2013 the Encore has averaged 28.8 mpg.
Is the 2026 Encore more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which Encore year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 30 mpg combined (29 city, 31 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Encore get better gas mileage than the Honda CR-V?
No: 30 mpg for the 2026 Encore against 35 for the 2026 Honda CR-V, about $183 a year more to run.
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