Toyota Corolla Vs Buick Encore: The Ultimate Comparison Guide For Economy-conscious Drivers

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore are two of the most popular vehicles in their respective segments. The Corolla is a compact sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, while the Encore is a subcompact crossover that offers a more spacious interior and a higher ride height. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Toyota Corolla against the Buick Encore to determine which one is the better choice for your needs.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Tale of Two Engines

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore offer distinct powertrain options. The Corolla comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient shifting. The Encore, on the other hand, comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Corolla has a slight edge over the Encore. The Corolla returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Encore gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Cargo Space: Roominess and Comfort

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore offer different interior experiences. The Corolla’s cabin is spacious and well-equipped, with comfortable seating for five passengers. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a 7-inch touchscreen display. The Encore’s interior is also spacious, but it feels more cramped than the Corolla’s. The infotainment system is less user-friendly and features a smaller 8-inch touchscreen display.

When it comes to cargo space, the Encore has a clear advantage. With the rear seats up, the Encore offers 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Corolla only offers 13.1 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Encore offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Corolla offers 29.6 cubic feet.

Safety Features: A Comparison of Standard and Optional Equipment

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore both come standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. However, the Encore offers a few more standard safety features, such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning. Both vehicles also offer a variety of optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Value: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

The Toyota Corolla has a starting price of $20,425, while the Buick Encore starts at $24,995. However, the Encore comes standard with more features than the Corolla, such as a turbocharged engine, a larger infotainment system, and more cargo space.

Which One Should You Choose: The Toyota Corolla or the Buick Encore?

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore are both excellent vehicles, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Corolla is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price, while the Encore has a more spacious interior and a higher ride height. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

The Verdict: A Close Contender with Different Strengths

The Toyota Corolla and Buick Encore are both excellent vehicles in their respective segments. The Corolla is a reliable and fuel-efficient sedan that is perfect for everyday commuting, while the Encore is a spacious and versatile crossover that is great for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Corolla or the Buick Encore?

A1. The Toyota Corolla has better fuel efficiency than the Buick Encore, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway compared to the Encore’s 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Q2. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Corolla or the Buick Encore?

A2. The Buick Encore has a more spacious interior than the Toyota Corolla, with 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Corolla’s 13.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Q3. Which vehicle has a higher starting price, the Toyota Corolla or the Buick Encore?

A3. The Buick Encore has a higher starting price than the Toyota Corolla, with a starting price of $24,995 compared to the Corolla’s starting price of $20,425.