Priced: 2013 Buick Encore Starts at $24,950

The 2013 Buick Encore subcompact crossover will carry a $24,950 price including destination, GM revealed at a Buick/GMC event today.

Though the premium compact crossover category hasn’t yet been filled out in the U.S., vehicles like the Audi Q3 are expected to join the Encore in the future. Until then, the Encore’s competition includes the new and more expensive BMW X1 ($31,545), while Buick calls out the Volkswagen Tiguan ($23,820) and Mini Countryman ($23,150) as key competitors. It’s worth noting that the Volkswagen and Mini come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Go for an automatic and those prices are more in line with the Buick. The Encore is powered by a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbo I-4 paired to a six-speed automatic, and in front-drive trim is EPA-rated at 25/33 mpg city/highway.

The Buick Encore comes standard with active noise cancellation, a seven-inch LCD screen, a rearview camera, and blue headlight projector rings. As for optional features, lane-departure warning, collision avoidance, heated leather seats, a power passenger’s seat, and a heated steering wheel are available, plus all-wheel drive, which may cost $1500-$2500.

Buick also announced that in the next 12 months, we’ll see “significantly updated” Regal and LaCrosse sedans.

Source: GM