2021 Buick Encore review
Buick Encore highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Quiet cabin at highway speeds
- Maneuverable size for easy handling
- Several standard high-tech features
Cons
- Tepid acceleration
- Subpar fuel economy
- Small cargo area
Mileage (EPA estimate)
24 city, 30 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Quietly efficient and enjoyably sporty.
The 2021 Buick Encore has a firm hold on the features that elevate passenger comfort, as well as the dimensions and performance expected from a practical, subcompact SUV. A simplified trim selection for 2021, some eye-catching new paint options, and a pleasing set of interior features confirm for an enjoyable everyday drive. The turbocharged engine and spacious dimensions ensure its credentials as a road-responsive and capable utility vehicle. Buick has delivered, once again. While we currently do not have many 2021 Buick Encores on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Buick Encore with similar features.
All Buick Encore years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Buick Encore generation from 2013 to 2022
What is new for the 2021 Buick Encore?
- The Essence and Sport Touring trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- Encore trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors and CD Audio as standard equipment this year.
2021 Buick Encore trims
Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities1SV:
Comes with Summit white exterior paint, keyless entry and push-button ignition, seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, privacy glass, backup camera, cruise control, 10 airbags, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, 60/40 split rear bench seat, electronic stability control, and more.
Preferred:
Adds interior cargo cover, carpeted floor mats, five exterior paint choices, and more. It also opens up optional features and packages including remote start,
Rainsense™ automatic wipers, all-wheel drive, park assist, lane departure warning, moonroof, 120-volt power outlet, road trip package, driver assistance packages, and more.
Buick Encore photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Buick Encore
1. A quiet ride
Buick has taken on the challenge of creating a peaceful in-cabin experience, by applying their own QuietTuning™ technology. Reducing the intrusions that could disturb the Encore's peaceful interior are triple-edged door seals and acoustic laminated glass in the front windshield and side windows, which combine to block out, reduce or absorb unwanted audible intrusions. What can you do with that cool and calm atmosphere? Enjoy the Encore's standard six-speaker sound system of course.
2. Driver-Assistance package options
In addition to such standard features as daytime running lights, child seat anchors, and traction control, the 2021 Buick Encore's upper-level trim has two optional driver assistance packages, full of useful tools for any Encore driver. The Preferred trim's first driver-assistance package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the second optional package adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. For drivers stepping up to a larger vehicle for the first time, these could be a welcome option, and worth considering as you decide on the features you are looking for.
3. StabiliTrak® technology
The 2021 Encore has plenty of behind-the-scenes technology. This includes StabiliTrak, a computer-controlled stability assistance system that comes into its own when your vehicle is faced with challenging driving conditions such as ice-covered, wet, or uneven roads. StabiliTrak intervenes when it detects a loss of traction, assisting with selective braking and torque adjustment to maintain your road position.
4. Impressive infotainment features
On longer trips or your daily commute, the Encore's available entertainment tech can make or break your journey. Once its service is activated, the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is a passenger pleaser - simply sign in via the seven-inch infotainment touchscreen and allow your passengers to get online with their compatible devices.
Want some company on a solo trip? Enjoy an audiobook, or listen to your favorite podcast via the standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.5. Subcompact sizing with a twist
If you've got a full set of passengers, the 2021 Encore can still provide 18.8 cu-ft of cargo storage, enough for everyone's weekend-away luggage. Trip for two? Flip the rear seats down for 48.4 cu-ft of storage that lets you pack for a cross-country adventure, including your golf clubs. There's one more twist to the 2021 Encore - the front passenger seat flips down to allow cargo up to eight-feet long.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Buick Encore, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
A spirited subcompact with a choice of trims and powertrains, the Hyundai Kona is a must-see SUV. The 2018–2021 Kona has two gasoline engine options; the 147-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder base engine, or an available 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder, found on the Kona's higher trims. From 2019 a fully electric Kona also joined the line-up.
Generous trim levels add tech, passenger comforts and driver assistance aids in clear incremental steps. The 2018–2021 Kona has a sensible amount of storage for a subcompact, from 19.3 cu-ft behind the second row, increasing to 45.8 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded away.
Standard features for the 2018–2021 Hyundai Kona base trim SE model include:
Rearview camera
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Seven-inch infotainment touchscreen
The Chevrolet Trax is an incredibly maneuverable subcompact SUV that had a full interior and exterior refresh in 2017. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were also made standard that year, while the infotainment system was upgraded in 2020. It also has good fuel economy for those long drives; the 2017 Chevrolet Trax achieves an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg with the 1.4L engine.
Other standard features of the 2017–2021 Chevrolet Trax include:
Back-up camera
Available WiFi hotspot
Driver lumbar
The uniquely boxy Kia Soul is a five-seat compact SUV with a generous interior. 2017–2019 models are powered by a choice of three engines, the standard 1.6L four-cylinder or a choice of two optional upgrades, a 2.0L four-cylinder, or 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder. From 2020, the 2.0L engine becomes the standard powertrain.
Passengers will be delighted with the 2017–2021 Soul too, it has a high seating position with great visibility, while rear-row legroom is a generous 39.1-inches for 2017–2019, and 38.8-inches from 2020.
Notable standard features for the 2017–2021 Kia Soul base trim model include:
Bluetooth connectivity
Six-speaker audio system
Hill-start assist
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Buick Encore an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Buick Encore 7th out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Buick EncoreBuick Encore features and specs
Curious how Buick Encore trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Preferred 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.4L
Horsepower
155
Torque (ft-lbs)
148
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14
Wheelbase
100.6"
Overall length
168.35"
Width
70.1"
Height
65.2"
Leg room
F 40.8"/R 35.7"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 38.78"
Front tires
P215/55R18
Rear tires
P215/55R18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Buick Encore FAQ
The 2021 Buick Encore is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Preferred: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Base: 24 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The Buick Encore received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Buick Encore as 6 out of 8 among Subcompact SUV
The 2021 Buick Encore has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Buick Encore, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Buick Encore Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Buick Encore:
- Parking Sensors
- CD Audio
More about the 2021 Buick Encore
Color options
Exterior colors:
Cinnabar Metallic (Preferred trim only)
Dark Moon Blue Metallic (Preferred trim only)
Ebony Twilight Metallic (Preferred trim only)
Quicksilver Metallic (Preferred trim only)
Summit White
White Frost Tricoat (Preferred trim only)
Interior details
18.8 cu-ft of cargo space
Seating for five passengers
60/40 split-folding rear bench seat
Flat-folding front passenger seatback
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted cruise control
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Buick Encore received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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