“It's a nice convertible. There aren't a ton of convertible options out there anymore. We like the styling, the ride & the performance is okay. We're not trying to drag race anyone but it does well once it's on the highway. The mileage stinks, and you should run high test, so it's not cheap to operate. But we're happy with it.”
2018 Buick Cascada: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Buick Cascada is that built-in navigation became standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Buick Cascada
1st generation Buick Cascada in the U.S. (2016-2019), third model year, no redesign or refresh.
Buick positions the Cascada as a stylish, relaxed four-seat convertible rather than a hard-edged sports car. The big draw is open-air driving with more comfort and day-to-day usability than many small convertibles: an insulated power soft top, usable rear seats, a quiet cabin for the class, and upscale touches like heated leather seating. For most buyers, the Cascada’s appeal is easy top-down cruising with Buick comfort in a rare mainstream convertible format.
The 2018 Cascada is a four-seat convertible offered in three versions, all with a power-insulated soft top, heated leather seating, and a 1.6-liter turbo engine. The Premium adds driver alerts and front parking sensors, while Sport Touring pairs that equipment with black-finish 20-inch wheels, sport pedals, and darker interior trim.
What changed, by category
Tech
Built-in navigation became standard across the lineup through the 7-inch touchscreen system, bringing the feature to the 1SV as standard equipment.
Styling
The Sport Touring trim gained black-finish 20-inch wheels. Its changes focused on appearance rather than added engine power.
2018 Buick Cascada specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.8 cu-ft | 9.8 cu-ft | 9.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.8 in | 32.8 in | 32.8 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2018 and 2017 Buick Cascada?
The main difference is standard built-in navigation on every 2018 Cascada trim. The rest of the car largely carries over from 2017.
Did the 2018 Buick Cascada get a new engine?
No. The 2018 Cascada keeps the 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive used for 2017. Its EPA estimate changed from 20 city/27 highway mpg to 21 city/29 highway mpg.
Did the 2018 Buick Cascada lineup change?
No. The 2018 lineup keeps the same three trims: 1SV, Premium, and Sport Touring. Navigation became standard across all three.
What changed on the 2018 Buick Cascada Sport Touring?
The 2018 Sport Touring gained black-finish 20-inch wheels. It remains the appearance-focused model, with sport pedals, a flat-bottom steering wheel, darker cabin trim, and the same engine as other Cascada trims.
Was the 2018 Buick Cascada redesigned?
No. The 2018 Cascada was not redesigned and received no major structural or chassis updates. It was the third model year of the same U.S. generation introduced for 2016.
2018 Buick Cascada Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Buick Cascada.
4.3
2018 Buick Cascada
(121 reviews)
“It's a beautiful car, but being a model originally made in Europe, it does not offer some of the typical things we come accustomed to in models created for americans.”
“This convertible is the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever owned. It has a beautiful exterior as well as sleek interior. My wife and I are very happy with our choice.”