How Fuel-Efficient Is the Buick Encore?

If you’re considering a Buick Encore or already own one, you’ve probably wondered about its fuel efficiency.

I get it, gas prices keep going up, and fuel efficiency matters more than ever.

That’s why I put together this simple guide about the Buick Encore’s MPG.

No matter if you’re driving around town or heading out on a road trip, knowing how far you can go on a gallon of gas can make a big difference.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the different model years, what kind of gas mileage you can expect, and how to get the most out of every tank.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, just helpful and straight to the point. So, if you’re curious about how efficient the Encore really is, keep reading. This guide is made just for you.

Understanding MPG: What Does It Mean?

MPG stands for “miles per gallon.” It tells you how far your car can go on one gallon of gas.

The higher the number, the better your car is at saving fuel. So if a car gets 30 MPG, it means you can drive 30 miles using just one gallon of gas.

There are three types of MPG numbers you’ll see: city, highway, and combined.

City MPG measures fuel use when you’re driving around town with lots of stops.

Highway MPG looks at longer trips with steady speeds. Combined MPG is the average of both.

Knowing your MPG helps you figure out how often you’ll need to fill up and how much it might cost.

It’s also a good way to compare cars and find one that saves you money over time. MPG makes a big difference in your daily driving.

Buick Encore MPG by Model Year

Let’s look at MPG ratings across different model years so you can see how gas mileage has changed over time.

1. 2025 Buick Encore GX

The 2025 model is part of the Encore GX lineup, which gives you two small turbo engine choices.

1.2L Turbocharged Engine (FWD)

• City MPG: 30
• Highway MPG: 31
• Combined MPG: 31

If you’re mostly driving in town or have a light daily commute, this version gives you great mileage and keeps fuel stops to a minimum.

1.3L Turbocharged Engine (AWD)

• City MPG: 26
• Highway MPG: 28
• Combined MPG: 27

This one is better for people who want extra traction during winter or live in areas with rough roads. It’s not quite as fuel-efficient, but it still does well.

2. 2024 Buick Encore GX

In 2024, Buick stuck with the same engines and fuel ratings as 2025. That means no major changes in MPG numbers, so you’ll get almost identical performance and savings.

1.2L Turbo (FWD)

• City MPG: 30
• Highway MPG: 31
• Combined MPG: 31

1.3L Turbo (AWD)

• City MPG: 26
• Highway MPG: 28
• Combined MPG: 27

If you’re choosing between the 2024 and 2025 GX models, go with whichever is priced better; they’re nearly the same when it comes to fuel use.

3. 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 model was part of the first few years of the GX design. It’s still new enough to offer up-to-date features, and the fuel numbers are solid.

1.2L Turbo (FWD)

• City MPG: 29
• Highway MPG: 31
• Combined MPG: 30

1.3L Turbo (AWD)

• City MPG: 26
• Highway MPG: 29
• Combined MPG: 27

This is a great middle-ground year for buyers who want newer styling but don’t need the absolute latest version.

4. 2022 Buick Encore

This was one of the final years of the original Encore before the brand began focusing more on the GX models. It only came with one engine: the 1.4L Turbo.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

• City MPG: 24
• Highway MPG: 32
• Combined MPG: 27

All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

• City MPG: 23
• Highway MPG: 30
• Combined MPG: 26

You’ll notice the highway MPG is strong, but the city numbers are a bit lower. Still, it’s a dependable option for people who want a used SUV with decent mileage.

5. 2021 Buick Encore

The 2021 Encore is similar to the 2022 version, with the same engine and nearly identical fuel ratings.

1.4L Turbo (FWD)

• City MPG: 25
• Highway MPG: 30
• Combined MPG: 27

1.4L Turbo (AWD)

• City MPG: 24
• Highway MPG: 29
• Combined MPG: 26

It’s a good year to look at if you want to save a bit of money while still getting modern features and average gas mileage.

6. 2020 Buick Encore

The 2020 model shares its engine and fuel economy numbers with the 2021 version. It’s slightly older but still holds up well for everyday driving.

1.4L Turbo (FWD)

• City MPG: 25
• Highway MPG: 30
• Combined MPG: 27

1.4L Turbo (AWD)

• City MPG: 24
• Highway MPG: 29
• Combined MPG: 26

It’s a great pick for budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind an extra year or two of wear if it means saving on purchase price.

I’ve also made a quick table so that you can compare them easily.

If fuel savings matter most, the newer Encore GX models with the 1.2L engine and front-wheel drive offer the best MPG. The 2020–2022 models still give decent mileage and can save you money upfront.

Knowing your MPG helps with planning trips, calculating gas costs, and making the most of your daily drives, so choose the year that best fits your needs.

Real-World Owner MPG Reports

While official MPG numbers from the EPA are helpful, they don’t always match what drivers see in everyday life. These are averages shared by Encore owners who track their gas mileage during regular driving.

• 2022 Buick Encore: Owners report around 24.6 MPG on average. Some say they get a little more on long highway trips.
• 2021 Buick Encore: The average is a bit better, about 27.6 MPG. Drivers who keep a light foot on the gas say they can squeeze out a bit more.
• 2020 Buick Encore: One of the better years, with owner-reported mileage around 28.3 MPG.
• 2019 Buick Encore: Still strong for an older model, with drivers seeing around 26.7 MPG.

MPG can vary based on how and where you drive. Stop-and-go traffic, heavy loads, and short trips lower mileage, while steady highway driving usually improves it.

If you’re shopping for a used Buick Encore, this info can help you choose a model that fits your driving habits and saves on gas.

Tips to Maximize Your Buick Encore’s Fuel Efficiency

Getting the best gas mileage from your Buick Encore doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple habits, you can stretch every gallon and make fewer trips to the gas station.

1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated: Low tire pressure can make your engine work harder, which burns more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and keep it at the level listed in your owner’s manual.

2. Avoid Quick Starts and Sudden Stops: Speeding up too fast or slamming the brakes wastes gas. Try to drive smoothly, slowly press the gas and brake pedals to keep your ride steady and fuel-friendly.

3. Use Cruise Control on Highways: If you’re driving on flat roads or long stretches of highway, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed. This cuts down on unnecessary acceleration and helps save fuel.

4. Don’t Let Your Car Idle Too Long: Letting your Encore sit with the engine running uses gas for nothing. If you’re waiting for someone or stuck for more than a minute, turn off the engine and restart when you’re ready to move again.

5. Travel Light When You Can: Carrying extra weight in your trunk or on the roof lowers your fuel economy. Take out heavy items you don’t need and remove roof racks if you’re not using them.

Even small changes to your driving and maintenance habits can lead to better gas mileage. The more careful and consistent you are, the more money you’ll save over time.

Conclusion

The Buick Encore is a great pick if you’re looking for a small SUV with solid fuel efficiency.

From older models to the newer Encore GX, the gas mileage holds up well across the board.

If you’re driving mostly in the city or taking longer highway trips, knowing your MPG helps you plan more effectively and save money.

I’ve found that even small changes, like checking your tires or driving a little more gently, can make a real difference.

If you’re shopping for a used Encore or deciding between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, those little MPG differences add up over time.

I hope this guide helped you get a better idea of what to expect and how to make your Encore even more efficient.