Compare the2022 Ford EcoSportVS 2022 Buick Encore

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the EcoSport. But it costs extra on the Encore.

Both the EcoSport and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford EcoSport is safer than the Buick Encore:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The EcoSport’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 52 percent more Ford dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the EcoSport’s warranty.

The EcoSport’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 11 more horsepower (166 vs. 155) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford EcoSport is faster than the Buick Encore:

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the EcoSport’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The EcoSport’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore’s 55 series tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Ford EcoSport has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The EcoSport has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the EcoSport flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The EcoSport SES handles at .77 G’s, while the Encore AWD pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The EcoSport SES executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Encore AWD (28.7 seconds @ .56 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the EcoSport’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the Encore’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.7 feet).

The EcoSport is 7.1 inches shorter than the Encore, making the EcoSport easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the EcoSport uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Encore doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The EcoSport has 2.1 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more rear legroom and .8 inches more rear hip room than the Encore.

The EcoSport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (20.9 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The EcoSport has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (50 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The EcoSport has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the EcoSport uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Encore doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the EcoSport’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Encore doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its OnStar® can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The EcoSport’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The EcoSport SES/Titanium’s standard rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

The EcoSport SE/Titanium/SES has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

On extremely cold winter days, the EcoSport SES/Titanium’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The EcoSport SE/Titanium/SES’ standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the EcoSport is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost less on the EcoSport than the Encore, including $165 less for a water pump, $126 less for a muffler and $159 less for front brake pads.