2021 Buick Encore GX

Overview

Slotting in above the small Encore in the Buick SUV lineup, the 2021 Encore GX offers the brand's semi-luxury attributes in a handsome, compact package. Two different turbocharged powertrains are offered here, but oddly they are both three-cylinder engines—a 1.2-liter is standard while a 1.3-liter is optional—and neither provide quick acceleration. If you can get past the poky powertrains, the Encore GX's other traits are more agreeable: it offers a smooth ride and well-controlled body motions, good interior room, and pleasant cabin surroundings. It straddles the line between mainstream and luxury markets, so those comparing it against a Nissan, a Ford, or its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, will find it an attractive and well-equipped alternative. However, when up against premium models from Germany and Japan, the Encore GX isn't nearly as compelling.

What's New for 2021?

For its second year on the market, the Encore GX receives only a few small updates. Both SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become standard features across the lineup, and adaptive cruise control is now available on the Preferred model as part of the optional Safety package.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Encore GX lineup relies on a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base version is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower, and an optional 1.3-liter unit bumps that up to 155. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive variants upgrade to a nine-speed automatic. An all-wheel-drive Encore GX with the larger 1.3-liter four-cylinder required a slothful 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. The Encore GX's luxury-branded rivals–the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Volvo XC40–all offer more powerful engines and far quicker acceleration times. On the road, the Encore GX feels peppier than its acceleration results suggest, particularly around town where the small turbo engine delivers good low-end grunt. The Buick's ride is also agreeably smooth and controlled, but it doesn't offer any handling thrills.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ironically, the larger of the two three-cylinder engines receives the highest fuel economy ratings from the EPA. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter is said to achieve up to 32 mpg highway. Going with the smaller 1.2-liter mill drops that figure to 30 mpg and going with the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic drops it further to 29 mpg. However, on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, the Encore GX with the larger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic managed 30 mpg, beating the EPA's estimate by 1 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Encore GX's quiet cabin features leather upholstery, heated seats, and more passenger space than the smaller Encore. Buick's positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so it's better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek, but it doesn't provide the same level of fit-and-finish as the Audi, BMW, and Volvo. The Encore GX's front-passenger seat folds flat to aid in loading longer items and we expect the rear cargo area to be more generous than the smaller Encore. We fit five carry-on suitcases behind the GX's rear seats and 16 with the rear seats folded, which is only a few less than the slightly larger Cadillac XT4.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Its infotainment system supports a nicely integrated touchscreen that comes standard with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Encore GX employs GM's latest infotainment software interface, which is both snappy in its responses and intuitive to use. A head-up display is an available option and buyers can choose a high-definition 360-degree camera system as well.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Encore GX earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not released ratings. The Encore GX offers numerous standard driver-assistance technologies; a rearview camera mirror and 360-degree camera system will be optional. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Encore GX offers more warranty coverage than mainstream rivals such as the Kicks and the Mazda CX-3 as well as luxury-branded offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class and the Audi Q3. Where the Buick falls short is against the X1 and XC40, which both offer free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

More Features and Specs