2021 Buick Encore Review

　　

2021 Buick Encore 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).

　　The Buick Encore soldiers on another year alongside its newer and much-improved stablemate, the Encore GX. The names may be just about the same, but don't get the two confused. The standard Encore is older and smaller and comes with fewer of the latest technology and safety features as standard equipment.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Buick Encore 1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) 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

　　$139/mo  for Encore 1SV

　　Encore 1SV

　　1SV 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $23,200 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $24,600 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $26,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　We do like the Encore's small, easy-to-park nature and quiet highway ride. But on the downside the Encore's engine is both underpowered and overly thirsty, netting subpar fuel economy for this class of vehicle. The Encore was one of the first extra-small SUVs on the market, but it's now past its "best by" date. Rival models such as the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona are better picks overall.

　　

Which Encore does zzdcar recommend?

Only two trims are available for 2021, but there's only one that's really worth choosing. We suggest going with the top-level Preferred trim. It comes with more standard features and greatly opens up the options list. It's also the one trim available with all-wheel drive.

　　

2021 Buick Encore models

The 2021 Buick Encore comes in two trim levels: the base 1SV and the top-level Preferred. Both are powered by the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models. Highlight features for the Encore include:

　　1SV

　　The base model comes equipped with:

　　Keyless entry with push-button ignition A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot 8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integrationPreferred

　　Previously the Encore's midlevel trim, the Preferred comes with all the same standard features as the 1SV but opens up the options list to include:

　　All-wheel drive Remote start A sunroof 120-volt power outletAdditionally, two safety packages are available only on the Preferred trim.

　　Safety Package Blind-spot monitoring Rear cross-traffic alert Safety Package II Forward collision alert Lane departure warning Front and rear parking sensors Rain-sensing wipers

　　

2021 Encore Highlights

Trim: 1SVPreferred1SV

　　

Base MSRP	$23,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$139/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles