What's New
The 2021 Buick Encore GX enters its second year on the market with standard SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. Adaptive cruise control is now available on the base trim.
The Encore GX is a plusher and slightly larger complement to Buick's entry-level Encore crossover.
Choosing Your Buick Encore GX
The Encore GX is available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Pricing starts at $25,195 including destination and tops out at $29,595 for the Essence.
Engine Choices
All Encore trims start out with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. A more powerful 1.3-liter turbo-three is available for $395.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
1.2L Turbo 3-Cylinder | 137 hp | 162 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
1.3L Turbo 3-Cylinder | 155 hp | 174 lb-ft | 31 mpg |
Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard. Models equipped with the 1.3-liter engine can get all-wheel drive for $1,605, which replaces the CVT with a nine-speed automatic. Note that AWD is mandatory on Preferred models equipped with the 1.3-liter engine.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Encore GX is a subcompact crossover with room for five passengers. Buyers get 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and 50.2 cubic feet with it folded. These figures are typical for a crossover of this size.
Safety Features
Standard safety technology on the Encore GX includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, a following distance monitor, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.
The $895 Safety Package for the Preferred adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.
The blind-spot monitoring system and front parking sensors are standard on the Select and Essence. The Advanced Technology Package ($1,935) for these trims includes adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
The Convenience Package ($770) for the Essence tacks on a rearview camera mirror with exterior washers and an automated parking system.
Connectivity
The Encore's standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, wi-fi capability, SiriusXM radio, two front and two rear USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
The Advanced Technology Package for the Select and Essence provides navigation, an SD card reader, and SiriusXM with 360L. A seven-speaker Bose system with HD radio can be added to package on the Essence only for $595.
Wireless device charging is also available on the Essence as part of its Convenience Package.
The Preferred imparts a premium feel with leatherette seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push button start, proximity key access, LED fog lights and running lights, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.
The Cold Weather Comfort Package ($950) furnishes a 10-way power driver seat, heated front seats, and remote start. A hands-free power liftgate costs $520, and a panoramic sunroof is available for $1,250.
The Select comes standard with the contents of the Cold Weather Comfort Package, plus dual-zone automatic climate control.
The $1,500 Experience Buick Package adds the panoramic sunroof and chrome-accented wheels.
The Encore GX Essence features leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a cabin air ionizer, a rear power outlet, and LED headlights and taillights.
The aforementioned Convenience Package ($770) is exclusive to the Essence. It adds an automated parking system, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a wireless charging pad, and the rear camera mirror.
Compare Encore GX Trims Side-By-Side
The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is heavily equipped for a base model in this class. Even so, the Select is close enough in price to emerge as the better value. The most compelling reason for upgrading to the Essence is the genuine leather seating, which some buyers can't live without.