The 2018 Buick Encore ranked #3 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Buick Encore has a score of 8.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 41 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Nice interior with lots of standard features User-friendly infotainment system Nimble handling Excellent predicted reliability
Cons Underpowered base engine Higher base price than rivals
Its interior is comfortable, well designed, and more premium than most of its rivals, but it never quite reaches full-luxury levels of comfort.An ionizing interior air cleaner enhances the Encore’s climate-control system, HD radio joins the list of features in the infotainment arena, and last year’s gas cap is ditched in favor of a capless fuel-filling system. A coppery-gold hue called Coppertino Metallic is also new for 2018.
Pros Intuitive and holistic infotainment suite, premium interior, comfortable ride.
Cons Disappointing fuel economy, slightly gawky proportions, limited active safety features.
The 2018 Buick Encore does the pint-size crossover thing well, although it lacks some safety tech and gets pricey with options.
Pros Refined interior Pint-sized dimensions Good ride quality Attractive styling inside and out
Cons Cramped inside Underpowered base engine Pricey with options Lacks some safety tech
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a high-riding compact hatchback, but its spec sheet doesn't look very thrilling.The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a far more conventional crossover than its Juke predecessor. That doesn't mean it's a dullard in the looks department, though.
Pros Distinctive styling Standard automatic emergency braking City-size dimensions
Cons Decidedly short on power No AWD? Could be a great value
Replacing the Juke at the small end of Nissan’s SUV lineup, the Kicks is a cheeky entry into the subcompact-crossover class. The sole engine is a 125-hp four-cylinder mated with a CVT and front-wheel drive, so it loses the turbocharged Juke’s fun factor, but it attempts to make up for that with more interior space and plenty of features. Forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional. It goes on sale in June 2018. Despite the jump in size, Nissan hasn’t seen fit to augment anything under the hood. In fact, it has done exactly the opposite by installing a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four in the Kicks as the sole powerplant. It produces a paltry 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, down 63 ponies and 62 lb-ft compared with the Juke’s turbocharged 1.6-liter unit. Further sapping the fun, the Kicks comes only with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Nissan has introduced the newest member of its lineup, the 2018 Kicks, which slots into Nissan's SUV lineup below the Rogue Sport. It hits dealerships in summer 2018.
We're not sure what the introduction of another small utility vehicle means for Nissan's existing subcompact SUV, the Juke. There's no official word from Nissan yet on the Juke's fate, but if I had to guess, it's just a matter of time before the Kicks ... well, kicks the Juke to the curb.
The Kicks will be offered in three trim levels: Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR.
The 2018 Nissan Kicks ranked #7 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Kicks has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 10 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent fuel economy Low base price Plenty of standard and optional features Ample cargo space
Cons Somewhat weak engine Rear seats don't fold flat
