2018 Buick Encore Preferred

It's Buick's smallest SUV, a subcompact that fits easily into tight city parking spots while still feeling upscale inside. If you're also looking at a Mazda CX-3 or a Toyota C-HR, this one gives you more rear-seat room and a quieter ride. The Encore handles nimbly and rides smoothly, though the engine feels a bit flat when you need to merge quickly. The cabin is stylish with quality materials, and the front seats are comfortable, but two adults in the back will find legroom tight. The cloth-and-leatherette seats and 18-inch machined-face wheels mark the Preferred as the entry point, sitting below the Sport Touring and Preferred II trims. Its 1.4L I4 makes 138 horsepower with 148 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic that's responsive enough for daily driving, and it delivers 28 mpg combined.