2021 Buick Encore GX Review

　　

2021 Buick Encore GX Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Buick introduced the Encore GX last year to expand its lineup of SUVs. The naming can be confusing, though. There are actually two Encore SUVs: the original Encore extra-small SUV, which has been around since 2013, and the newish Encore GX. The "GX" part makes it sound like a trim level but it's effectively the replacement for the original Encore, even though Buick is selling both SUVs for 2021.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$129/mo  for Encore GX Preferred

　　Encore GX Preferred

　　Preferred 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $24,200 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $26,200 MSRPSelect 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $25,800 MSRPSelect 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $27,800 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) - $28,600 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 3cyl Turbo 9A) - $30,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The 2021 Buick Encore GX is far and away the superior pick of the two. It has an updated interior, improved performance and more advanced safety features. It's also one of more upscale choices in its extra-small SUV class. As such, it costs a bit more than its competitors, but quality materials and unique tech — such as a head-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration — help justify the premium.

　　Additional strengths include a roomy interior, a comfortable ride and relatively well-sorted handling characteristics. Other than narrow, stiff seats, the Encore GX doesn't have many faults. Just keep an eye on the price — the Buick starts at roughly the same price as larger, more refined vehicles in the small SUV class.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Encore GX drive? The Encore GX is a surprisingly dynamic little SUV. There's impressively little body roll when you drive around turns, and there's a pleasing amount of grip. The steering is a bit light for easy maneuvering around town, but it's accurate and easy to judge.

　　Acceleration from the turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is a bit quicker than average for the segment; our test model covered 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Around town, the engine feels strong.

　　There are only a few standout nitpicks. The brake pedal is fairly sensitive, and that can make it hard to consistently stop smoothly. Also, the nine-speed transmission takes a few ticks longer than we'd like to select the right gear when you want more power. Finally, the engine stop-start system bucks the car when it fires back up at a stoplight. Thankfully, you can shut it off.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Encore GX? The Encore GX is generally well tuned for comfort. The ride is well controlled and doesn't transmit many road imperfections to the cabin. You will feel a jolt in the cabin, though, if you drive over square-edged bumps. The climate control is strong, and the seat heaters warm up quickly.

　　Front seat comfort is underwhelming. The padding is firm, and some drivers will wish for more lateral support. Tire noise is noticeable at highway speeds, and the three-cylinder is particularly vocal. Even if you aren't flooring the throttle, you'll hear the engine rumble and roar when pulling away from a stop. You can also feel engine vibrations through the steering wheel; most modern cars have filtered such vibration out.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Encore GX's interior is thoughtfully designed and uncomplicated. It's a nice mix of digital and analog, with physical buttons used for some controls that other cars might bury in a screen menu. The infotainment interface is easy to use and features snappy responses.

　　Though you'll have to duck to get inside, the cabin is roomy enough to not further hamper entry or exit. Without the optional sunroof, the GX has plenty of headroom front and back, and there's good legroom for taller passengers too. The driver's seat feels a little upright, but most drivers should be able to fit easily. Side-rear visibility is somewhat hampered by a sweeping beltline.

　　

Technology

9.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The breadth and execution of the tech on display really make the Encore GX stand out. Though its volume doesn't go very high, the base audio system is one of the best in class in terms of sound quality. The navigation system also works great. It uses predictive text so you don't have to type out an entire point of interest, and even incomplete searches usually net the correct destination. Four USB ports, a 120-volt outlet and a wireless charging pad ensure your devices are fully powered.

　　There are a lot of safety features, including rarities such as a 360-degree camera system and a digital rearview mirror. All safety features are well executed, though the forward collision warning is a touch too sensitive. We applaud the Encore GX for offering a voice command system — many vehicles in this class don't. We do wish this Buick used more natural language recognition. Some commands, and their results, can be a bit frustrating.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The GX's surprising sense of space carries over to the cargo area. It measures 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up (a few cubes larger than most in this class) and 50.2 cubes folded — roughly average for the segment. We like that the rear seats fold flat without having to move the front seats forward. The liftgate height is adjustable, so even tall people can load items without hitting the bottom edge of the hatch.

　　The cupholders will hold beverages of most sizes, provided you aren't packing a large Yeti tumbler. Cubbies are relatively small but numerous, with spaces in front of the shifter and armrest. Under the armrest is a useful bin with a divider tray. The door pockets are merely adequate. For kid duty, the Encore GX works out OK. There's decent room for child safety seats, but the car seat anchors are somewhat hidden and hard to spot.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Encore GX AWD gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (26 city/29 highway). These numbers are typical for the class, and we exceeded these figures on our 115-mile real-world evaluation route. While we often post results somewhere between the combined and highway rating, we achieved a 31.1 mpg average with the Encore GX. This is among the best results we've observed from an extra-small SUV.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Encore GX a good value? The cabin is a clear step above other vehicles in the class, allowing the GX to toe the line between standard and luxury small SUVs. The interior design elements look fetching, and there's more ample use of soft-touch plastic than in budget-conscious rivals.

　　But the upscale accommodations come at a literal cost. The Encore GX is quite expensive for a subcompact crossover SUV, with prices that start within a whisper of top-ranked small SUVs. With that in mind, we think a larger model such as a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 gives you more refinement and better bang for the buck. But if you want a premium small SUV without paying full price for a luxury model, the Encore GX makes a strong case for itself.

　　The bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are average for the segment, but roadside assistance is offered for longer than usual. The first service visit is complimentary.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Encore GX is anonymously styled, but the Sport Touring package gives buyers the ability to have their GX stand out from the crowd a bit. The Encore GX also wins points for its handsome interior and wide variety of safety and technology features. The turbocharged three-cylinder gives it some personality, especially with the ample low-end torque making you feel like it's faster than it actually is.

　　

Which Encore GX does zzdcar recommend?

We think the Select offers the best balance of features for the money. Make sure to opt for the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine. It's a modestly priced upgrade that brings a bit more power and torque, along with reduced fuel consumption. We also recommend the Advanced Technology package for its wealth of upgrades.

　　

2021 Buick Encore GX models

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is an extra-small crossover SUV offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Select and Essence. Standard on all front-wheel-drive models is a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard on all-wheel-drive models — and optional for front-wheel-drive Select and Essence trims — is a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder (155 hp, 174 lb-ft). This engine is paired to a CVT on front-wheel-drive models, while AWD versions get a nine-speed automatic transmission.

　　Preferred

　　The base Preferred model comes standard with:

　　Alloy wheels Heated mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Leather-wrapped steering wheel Height-adjustable driver's seat Cloth/imitation leather combination upholsteryIncluded safety and technology features:

　　8-inch touchscreen Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot Six-speaker audio system Satellite radio Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)Options for the Encore GX Preferred include a sunroof and a power liftgate. You can also add the following packages:

　　Cold Weather Comfort package

　　Remote engine start Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seatsSafety package

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)Select

　　Moving up to the Select trim adds:

　　Cold Weather Comfort package Roof rails Dual-zone automatic climate control Rear armrest Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)The hands-free liftgate and Sport Touring package are optional for the Select as well. Other options include:

　　Advanced Technology package

　　Navigation system Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto a piece of plastic near the windshield) 360-degree camera (gives you a top-down view of the car for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)Experience Buick package

　　Wheels with chrome elements SunroofEssence

　　The top-trim Essence comes standard with:

　　LED headlights In-cabin air ionizer (helps remove air particulates) Auto-dimming rearview mirror Heated steering wheel Driver-seat memory settings Power passenger seat Leather upholsteryAs with the other trims, several options are available for the Essence. These include:

　　Advanced Technology package Experience Buick package Hands-free liftgate Convenience package Wireless charging pad Automatic wipers Rearview camera integrated with rearview mirror (allows you to display a live rear camera video feed on the rearview mirror) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) Seven-speaker Bose audio system

　　

2021 Encore GX Highlights

Trim: PreferredSelectEssencePreferred

　　

Base MSRP	$24,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$129/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles