24 MPG combined won’t break any fuel economy records, but no one buys a 2018 Buick Cascada for saving money at the pump. This is a stylish, comfortable convertible for people who want open-air enjoyment and affordable luxury over maximum efficiency. It’s a statement, a fun car for weekend trips and sunny days, and fuel economy is a consideration, but not the main one.

city and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway give a better idea of its gas consumption. The city number is more telling, because the Cascada will likely spend a lot of time in cities, whether driving on busy streets or showing off on a trendy street. The highway number is good enough for comfortable road trips, but driving fast against strong winds with the top down will reduce this number. The 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine has enough power for merging and passing, but it needs to be worked hard, which uses more fuel. The smooth six-speed automatic transmission helps maximize efficiency, but the Cascada’s weight and shape limit how efficient it can be.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Buick Cascada at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes gasoline is priced at the national average. Individual fuel costs will change depending on driving habits, local gas prices, and how hard the Cascada is driven. Driving aggressively will increase this $2,400 figure, while driving gently can lower it. Given the Cascada buyer’s likely use case, more weekend fun than daily driving, many owners might drive less than 15,000 miles per year, which will lower actual fuel costs. More information about all Buick fuel economy data is available on this site.

real-world expectations

While EPA numbers are a standard baseline, real-world fuel economy is often different. Cascada drivers say that achieving the EPA’s 29 MPG highway estimate is possible with careful driving, especially on flat roads with cruise control. City MPG changes more, often from the high teens to low 20s depending on traffic and driving style. Overall, most drivers report a combined MPG figure that is close to the EPA’s 24 MPG estimate. Aggressive driving, short trips that don’t let the engine warm up, and frequent use of air conditioning can all lower real-world numbers.

how it compares

Among convertibles, the 2018 Cascada’s fuel economy is about average. A Mazda MX-5 Miata gets much better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 26 MPG city and 35 MPG highway with a manual transmission. However, the Miata is smaller, lighter, and more focused on performance. A Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, an older choice with a similar target consumer, gets about the same or slightly better MPG depending on the engine, usually around 25 MPG combined. A BMW 4 Series Convertible is more luxurious but less fuel-efficient; the 430i Convertible gets around 25 MPG combined but needs premium fuel, which increases running costs. The CASCADA MPG across all years is similar, showing that efficiency wasn’t a main concern during its production. The Cascada buyer isn’t only interested in saving money on gas, they are willing to accept reasonable fuel consumption for the style, comfort, and open-air experience it provides.

tips to maximize efficiency

The 2018 Buick Cascada works best with smooth, consistent acceleration. Avoid quick starts and stops, and let the turbocharger build power gradually instead of demanding maximum boost right away. This will improve fuel economy and make driving more relaxed and enjoyable, which fits the Cascada’s character.

Tire pressure is very important for fuel efficiency. Check your Cascada’s tire pressure often and make sure it matches the recommended pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Proper inflation improves fuel economy and extends tire life.

The Cascada’s automatic transmission shifts efficiently, but understanding how it operates can help you maximize fuel use. Avoid pressing the throttle too hard, which can cause downshifts. Instead, try to accelerate smoothly and gradually. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel economy.

Keep unnecessary weight out of the trunk. The Cascada’s small engine doesn’t like being weighed down with extra items. Remove anything you don’t need to carry regularly, because every pound affects fuel consumption. A lighter car delivers better MPG.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic when you can. Constant acceleration and braking use much more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Find other routes or change your driving times to reduce time in traffic. The turbocharger uses the most gas when accelerating from a stop.