You are already ahead of the game by knowing that you want a subcompact SUV for your next vehicle. Now the question is, which one do you choose? Even after narrowing down your results by knowing what type and size of vehicle you want, identifying a brand to shop for can get tricky. Not only do you need to get maximum value from your purchase, but you want to buy a vehicle from a brand you can trust. If you’re wondering where to go from there, why not compare the 2022 Buick Encore vs 2022 Ford EcoSport?
Buick is one of the oldest automobile brands out there, known for its vehicles that are positioned right between mainstream and luxury brands—meaning you can get premium-quality vehicles and features at an affordable price. As for Ford, their models are known for their reliability and affordability. Start your search for a subcompact SUV by comparing each brand’s smallest models. Since the 2022 Buick Encore and the 2022 Ford EcoSport are so similar to each other in both price, performance, and brand popularity, let’s take a look at the important features that separate them from one another—to help you find the perfect SUV.
Performance
I’ll start with a veritable tie, because both of these vehicles offer similar performance ratings. The 2022 Encore’s 1.4-L 4-cylinder offers 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 2022 EcoSport delivers 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque thanks to its 2.0-L 4-cylinder. So, while Buick’s new Encore provides more torque, the Ford option offers slightly better horsepower; this means that the former has slightly better acceleration vs. the EcoSport’s slightly higher top speeds. Both of these subcompact SUVs are tied to 6-speed automatic transmission and have available all-wheel drive for superior traction and handling.
Exterior Styling
Of course, you’ll need to find a vehicle that looks as good from a bystander’s perspective as you’ll feel driving it. The exterior is, of course, the first thing people will notice as you venture through the city streets or cruise down the highway. Therefore, the first thing for you to analyze in the 2022 Buick Encore and 2022 Ford EcoSport is how they look. Both models are similarly shaped, designed with an athletic flair, and are only distinguishable by the details found within their designs. With a checkered front grille, elongated head and taillights, and sporty rims on even its most expensive, highest-level trim, the EcoSport looks much sportier and more casual than the Encore.
Buick chose the perfect nameplate for its subcompact SUV, since its affordable and classy Encore is a fine piece of work for such a budget-friendly premium vehicle. There’s no need to worry, though; when you roll up to work in the 2022 Buick Encore, your boss won’t question if they’re paying you too much. The Encore’s embellishments are subtle, yet refined. From the iconic Buick emblem to the waterfall design of the front grille and the rim design, there’s just enough richness to the Encore’s exterior to make you appear as grand as the interior will make you feel while driving it.
Interior Convenience and Comfort
One of the benefits the 2022 Ford EcoSport has over the 2022 Buick Encore is that the EcoSport has four trims you can choose from, giving you more customizable options on style and features. Whether you only need the basic amenities from your subcompact SUV or you’re looking for an even more athletic version of the EcoSport, between these four trims, you’ll likely find just the right amount of comfort and convenience you’re looking for. However, with each level up in your trim choice, the price also increases. Since there is only one option for the Encore, overall, you get more features for less money.
For the base model 2022 Ford EcoSport S, which is priced similarly to the Encore, you’ll get cloth-lined seating with a 4-way manual driver’s seat, single-zone manual climate control, and dull plastic hardware throughout. You get even less when it comes to technology. You do, however, get 60/40 split-folding rear seats for extra storage space, but the Encore is also equipped with that convenient storage solution. With the EcoSport, though, you will have a little extra room for everything you want to bring along for the ride—but not enough to brag about. The EcoSport provides up to 50 cu.ft. of cargo room, compared to the slightly smaller 48.4 cu.ft. in the Encore.
If you had your mind set on the 2022 Ford EcoSport, you could also spend a few thousand more for the next trim level. You’ll get features comparable to the Encore, but you’ll also pay quite a bit more for them. Sure, you’d have heated front seats and even a power moonroof—as in the Encore, but you’d be missing out on premium features like a 6-way powered driver’s seat and splashes of chrome throughout the cabin, just to name a couple.
Choose the Encore to get all of the features you want and need as well as a few other premium features you would never know you couldn’t live without unless you had them, like hidden front passenger under-seat storage and QuietTuning technology to drown out the noise of the outside world (triple door seals and acoustic laminated glass create this effect). Ultimately, the choice is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that you want to get the most value from your purchase.
Technology Showdown
Unless you are looking to escape the digital world when you hit the road, you’re likely going to want all the comforts and conveniences that the latest interior tech offers. Unfortunately, the 2022 Ford EcoSport comes up short in the technology department—unless you upgrade to its priciest trims. Its base model isn’t even Apple CarPlay- or Android Auto-compatible. Not to mention, its infotainment center is a mere 4.2” wide vs. the 7” screen you get with the 2022 Buick Encore. On the plus side, the EcoSport does have in-vehicle WiFi hotspot capability, similar to the Encore, but let’s emphasize the fact that their base model doesn’t even offer basic smartphone integration; in today’s world, these basics shouldn’t be absent.
Although the 2022 Ford EcoSport sadly disappoints with its base models, for more money you can get a few features you won’t even find in the classy Encore. For example, the EcoSport SES includes ambient lighting to help set the mood for your starlit night drives. And, if listening to music on your commute home is your means of escape, then the top-of-the-line EcoSport Titanium model should spark your interest; its 10-speaker B&O audio system with a subwoofer eclipses the 6-speaker system found in the 2022 Buick Encore. As you can see, depending on your willingness to spend more money, you can find a Ford EcoSport model to satisfy your need for technology.
How Should You Drive? Casually or with Class?
When comparing two very similar models, the 2022 Buick Encore and the 2022 Ford EcoSport, you have to really dig into what they each have to offer. After all, they’re comparable in price, offer similar performance ratings, resemble one another in size and shape, and are both made by trusted and popular brands. However, If you prefer a casual, sporty appearance and feel, then the 2022 Ford EcoSport may be the right fit for you. Although, you may need to spend a few extra thousand to get the features you can get with a more classy, premium model like the 2022 Buick Encore.
