2021 Buick Encore GX

This subcompact is going to be your best friend when navigating tight roads and parking spaces. While you may not want to ford rivers or climb rocks in it, you still get a lot from this SUV. The jungle you’ll want to be trekking in this SUV is the concrete jungle. Luckily there are still great options available that make driving the Encore GX fun with responsive handling and peppy acceleration. Although the engines are small, neither coming even close to breaking 2.0L, they punch above their weight class.

The Engines

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is available with two 3-cylinder Ecotec engines: the turbocharged 1.2L or the turbocharged 1.3L engine. The 1.2L engine offers up to 137 horsepower, while the slightly larger 1.3L option gives you a moderately boosted edge with 155 horsepower. While there aren’t a large number of engine options to choose from with the Encore GX, both are equipped with turbocharging, meaning that they are stronger than they look and perform well.

The Transmissions

Encore GX models with front-wheel drive are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission when loaded with the 1.2L engine option. This transmission is useful in smaller engines for quick and responsive acceleration, though many drivers still prefer a standard automatic transmission. Luckily, the 1.3L engine comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission with front and all-wheel drive options. These work well together with the drivetrain to give you constant and responsive acceleration.

A Lot of Power in a Small Package

Despite the small engine sizes, the 2021 Buick Encore GX has some pep in its step. The turbocharged engine options are great and make the driving experience fun. The Encore GX can certainly take you around town and on the highway with acceleration that makes your driving experience fun and responsive. It will keep you moving forward on long road trips and save you money with unbeatable fuel efficiency. 

The fuel economy of the 1.2L engine is around 28 miles per gallon city and 31 miles per gallon highway with the front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 1.3L engine with front-wheel drive will get you 30 miles per gallon city and 32 miles per gallon highway, with all-wheel drive getting you 26 miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway. In a world where saving every dollar counts, this kind of positive fuel economy really helps pay for itself. The 2021 Buick Encore GX will get you further and stretch your gas budget. 

For SUV drivers, you need your interior to be comfortable and well equipped to make long drives enjoyable. From plush seating to climate control to the infotainment that helps you get from A to B with music, podcasts, or on the go phone calls, the interior features of an SUV need to be something you are in love with. The Buick Encore GX has plenty of room for drivers, passengers, and cargo. The back seats split 60/40 and can fold to increase the cargo utility even further from the standard 25.3 cubic feet to 50.2 cubic feet, nearly doubling the amount of cargo space if your family is smaller or your needs require more space and fewer seats.

Interior Comfort

Passengers will enjoy the standard quality upholstery, but there are other options, like leather accents at higher trim levels, if you like a little more luxury in your Buick. You can also combat the cold with heated front seats and an available leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. Plus, the QuietTuning technology will help keep outside noises out of the cabin, so you can enjoy chatting with your passengers, listening to music through the Bose sound system, or just relax in the quiet on the way home from work. 

Infotainment

Of course, no modern SUV is complete without navigation and entertainment features. The advanced tech package in the 2021 Encore GX helps elevate the interior further with an 8-inch diagonal infotainment screen equipped for navigation, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist, surround-view camera, and a heads up display. These tech features give you excellent tools for not only getting where you need to go but making sure you don’t bang up your fender along the way. From the front to the back of the Encore GX, the interior features will keep you comfortable and on course during your drive.

Everyone loves to have lots of choices when it comes to customizing their vehicle. The 2021 Buick Encore GX comes packed with spectacular features and has even more options available to be added on as your budget allows. From the engine options to all-new limited edition aesthetic packages to high tech creature comforts and infotainment features on the interior, the Encore GX has a wealth of chances to make your SUV one of a kind.

Customizability: Packages and Add-Ons

The 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is optional on all three models of the new Buick Encore GX, as is the all-wheel drive, a black-painted roof, and a Sport Touring package for a little extra support on camping trips and other outdoor adventures. The Touring package also enhances the GX’s look with unique 18-inch alloy wheels, body-color rocker moldings, a black mesh grille, and red exterior accents.

Notable options on the entry-level Encore GX Preferred model include heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a Cold Weather package, and a Safety Package with adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. If you have a little extra money left in your car funds, you have a wide breadth of choices ranging from comforts to advanced features to help you avoid trouble and stay out of collisions.

Higher Trim Options

An Advanced Technology package becomes available at the Encore GX Select level. It includes navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assist program along with a head-up display (HUD) and a rear camera mirror. These features will help you navigate the concrete jungle and the highways beyond and keep you from getting your SUV stuck without a parking place. Options on the well-equipped Encore GX Essence flagship are fewer in number but give you extra choices to enhance your sound system and entertainment experience. They include a 7-speaker Bose audio system and a Convenience package with a rear camera mirror and wireless smartphone charging.