The 2021 Buick Encore GX and Encore are crossover SUVs with similar designs; but are built on two different Buick platforms, and look dramatically different from the outside. They are stylish, versatile, and engineered to fit your way of life. There’s a lot to like in both SUVs.
Design and Style
The 2021 Buick Encore GX can seat up to five people in its two-row SUV. The Encore GX has a striking set of features with a more squared-off shape overall and a larger, bolder grille between the headlamps. It offers comfortable, premium seating, with available luxury features that include leather-appointed seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof and an in-vehicle air ionizer. Its cabin is nicely laid out and offers plenty of head-and legroom throughout the cabin, with soft-touch surfaces through the front of the interior; but you will also find more hard plastics in the rear of the cabin. Cloth upholstery comes standard; and leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel are available. It offers versatile cabin features and customizable cargo options for all of your gear. It measures 175.7 inches long, with a wheelbase of 104 inches; and it provides 23.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and more than 50 cubic feet of maximum cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. Reconfiguring the cargo area floor will give you an additional 2.7 inches of cargo height. The Encore GX is available in three trims: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Pricing starts at $24,100 for the Preferred, $25,700 for the Select, and $28,500 for the range-topping Essence.
The 2021 Buick Encore SUV continues its design that has been successful for many years, with a curved front end that makes it feel more like a sedan. The grill and air intake are fairly compact with an overall rounded shape. It features a spacious cabin for passengers and cargo; and seats up to five people, with a maximum cargo space of 48.4 cubic feet and 18.8 cubic feet of room behind the back row. The Encore measures 168.5 inches long, with a wheelbase of about 100 inches. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with both rows having plenty of head- and legroom for adults. Standard features include cloth and synthetic leather upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Additional features include a fold-flat front passenger seat and folding second row seats, as well as premium LED lighting, standard aluminum wheels, and a power sunroof on the Preferred trim. It comes in two trim levels: Base 1SV and Preferred, with a starting price of $24,195 for the Base 1SV and $25,595 for the Preferred.
Power, Handling and Gas
The Encore GX’s turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is standard on all front-wheel-drive models, with 137 horsepower and 162 lb ft of torque. Standard on all-wheel drive models and optional for front-wheel-drive models is a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder, with 155 horsepower and 174 lb ft of torque. All models with front-wheel drive have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive options feature a nine-speed automatic transmission. With more distance between its front and rear wheels, it allows for a smoother riding experience and better handling on the road. The Encore gets an EPA-estimated 28/31 mpg on the city and highway with its base engine, 30/21 mpg for the front-wheel drive, and 26/29 mpg for the AWD. It delivers a gentle ride and offers the perfect balance of efficiency, power, and agile-handling to help you feel confident on the road.
Both trims of the Encore are powered by the same engine – a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 148 feet of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is a comfortable cruiser that maneuvers well, but is short on engine power. Front-wheel drive is standard on both trims, and all-wheel drive is available for the Preferred trim. Estimated city/highway fuel economy ranks at 26/31 mpg.
Safety and Technology
The Encore GX is loaded with several standard safety and tech features, including the Buick Infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth and an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, lane keep assist, rearview camera, along with safety packages that include a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control will help you feel secure on the road. Additional available advanced safety features include a 360-degree parking camera, an automated parking system, and a digital rearview mirror.
The Encore is equipped with 10 standard airbags and available advanced safety technology including, rear-cross traffic alert, OnStar Safety and Security, rear vision camera, and side blind zone alert. The Preferred trim offers safety packages that include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. Additional technology includes an easy-to-use 8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keyless open and start technology, and available myBuick mobile app. A 120-volt power outlet and remote start is available on the Preferred trim.
Overall
The 2021 GMC Encore is just a lesser version of the Encore GX with a different exterior design. The Encore is smaller with one engine option, while the Encore GX offers a longer wheelbase, more standard features, and the option for a more powerful engine.