The 2021 compact Buick Encore delivers sporty performance and impressive responsiveness as it maneuvers easily around corners and in and out of parking spaces. With seating capacity up to five, it adapts comfortably to fit your life wherever you are going.
Expert Reviews
The 2021 Buick Encore has received praise from several automotive journalists who have experienced the compact SUV firsthand.
In a written review from Edmunds, they noted the impressive fuel economy and user-friendly infotainment system. They also praised the Encore's smooth ride and responsive steering.
MotorTrend also provided a written review of the 2021 Buick Encore, where they highlighted the safety features and available advanced technology. They liked that “It's a quiet, comfortable thing with generously cushioned seats and clever noise cancellation.” They praised the Encore's maneuverability and practicality for city driving.
Overall, these sources provide a range of perspectives and experiences with the 2021 Buick Encore, giving potential buyers a better understanding of the vehicle's features and performance.
TRIMS
The Buick Encore comes in two trim levels: Base 1SV and the top-level Preferred
- Base1SV, starting price $24,195
- Preferred, starting price $25,595
EXTERIOR
With similar names, don’t confuse the Buick Encore to the newer and improved Buick Encore GX. This standard Buick Encore is slightly smaller and comes with fewer features and standard equipment. The Buick Encore is part of the first Encore generation introduced for 2013 and is one of the first extra-small SUVs on the market, so it may be ready for a much needed update.
The base 1SV features the Summit White color option. All other color options are available for the Preferred trim.
- Ebony Twilight Metallic
- Summit White
- Quicksilver Metallic
- White Frost Tricoat
- Dark Moon Blue Metallic
- Cinnabar Metallic
- Dark Moon Blue Metallic (New for 2021)
- Cinnabar Metallic (New for 2021)
Premium LED lighting – LED daytime running lamps with signature lighting and standard LED-accented taillamps
Standard 18” aluminum wheels with Technical Gray pockets
Power Sunroof – Preferred trim
INTERIOR
The 2021 Buick Encore features comfortable seats for passengers and plenty of cargo room in this small SUV, with seating for up to five passengers. Average-size adults may feel tight in the back seat and have trouble getting in and out of the car, but that is expected in a small SUV.
48.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space and 18.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Fold-flat front passenger seat
- Folding second row seats
Quiet-tuning Technology – triple door seals and acoustic laminated glass to block and absorb unwanted noise
SAFETY
The Encore’s only standard driver assistance feature is a rearview camera, but it offers plenty of available features in Safety packages on the Preferred trim.
The 2021 Encore is equipped with 10 standard airbags and available advanced technology including:
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- OnStar Safety and Security* (what do you get with onstar safety and security?)
- Rear Vision Camera
- Side Blind Zone Alert
*OnStar Safety and Security Plan helps you feel confident with available safety and security services such as Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, and Roadside Assistance. With the push of a button, you will be able to speak with a live Advisor 24/7. OnStar offers plans and pricing for your specific needs.
Safety Package:
Blind-spot monitoring - detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear
Rear cross-traffic alert - can warn you of detected left and right cross traffic behind your vehicle when it is in reverse
Safety Package II:
Forward collision alert - advanced safety technology that monitors a vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the vehicles. A warning will come on if the vehicles get too close due to the speed of the rear vehicle.
Lane departure warning - warns the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane.
Front and rear parking sensors - makes it possible to maneuver your vehicle into tight parking spaces without problems.
Rain-sensing wipers - detects rain, sleet, or snow and turns on the wipers at the appropriate speed.
TECHNOLOGY
Buick offers a personalized and powerful connected driving experience with the Buick Infotainment system. It offers modern technologies such as:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Available myBuick mobile app* (what’s included in the mobile app?)
- Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Keyless open and start technology
- 120-volt power outlet – Preferred trim
- Remote start – Preferred trim
*myBuick mobile app lets you perform a number of available vehicle functions right from your mobile device, such as remote-starting your engine, lock and unlock your doors, check your tire pressure and get real-time diagnostics.
PERFORMANCE
The Encore delivers a gentle ride and maneuvers well around corners and easily into tight spaces. You will only have the option of one engine, but it will get you where you want to go and it does well around town.
- Both trims are powered by the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with 138 horsepower, and 148 lb. ft. torque
- Smooth ride
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive is standard on both trims.
- All-wheel drive is available on the Preferred trim
Fuel Economy
EPA combined/city/highway driving – 28/26/31 mpg
WARRANTY
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit.
CONCLUSION
The 2021 Buick Encore may need an update, but it is a great compact vehicle to easily get you around town and in and out of tight places. It offers a sporty performance, good gas mileage, and plenty of room for a compact SUV. At a great starting price and excellent predicted reliability rating, this is one to consider.