The 2021 Buick Encore GX is a semi-luxury SUV that elegantly dances on the line between the mainstream and luxury markets. Forget about the mediocrity of speed, this beauty has decided to play a different game. Its turbocharged powertrains might not zoom past a sports car, but they offer a charm of their own. The Encore GX does not believe in the 'go big or go home' philosophy when it comes to its engines, instead, it goes small and proves size really isn't everything with its unique 1.2-liter and optional 1.3-liter three-cylinder engines.
Packed with character, it offers a smooth, controlled ride more akin to a gentle waltz than a wild tango. With its rich, welcoming cabin and ample interior space, you might just forget you're in an SUV and not a luxury sedan. When faced with the everyday Nissan or Ford, the Encore GX stands out as a sophisticated, well-equipped alternative. But pit it against the titans from Germany and Japan, and this underdog keeps its chin up, proving you don't have to break the bank for refinement. So why not take a spin in the Encore GX, where style meets practicality in a neatly-wrapped compact package?
Read on to learn more about the 2021 Buick Encore GX.
The interior of the 2021 Buick Encore GX is a showcase of thoughtful craftsmanship and comfort. It features a spacious cabin clad in premium leather upholstery. Heated seats provide a warm, luxurious ride, especially during colder months, while the front-passenger seat's flat-fold functionality allows for easy loading of larger items. The Encore GX boasts more passenger space than its smaller predecessor, the Encore, making for a roomy environment that enhances passenger comfort on long journeys. While it may not match the refined fit-and-finish offered by luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Volvo, its interior design and features surpass base-level versions of rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek. The cargo area in the rear is expectedly generous, comfortably accommodating five carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up and 16 with them folded. This is only slightly less than the larger Cadillac XT4, highlighting the Encore GX's efficient use of space.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX carries an air of sophistication with its exterior design, gracefully balancing boldness and elegance. Its signature waterfall grille, complemented by sleek LED headlamps, gives it a distinguished presence on the road. Each line and curve of the Encore GX is meticulously crafted, resulting in a shape that is both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. The vehicle's standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, with their intricate design, add an extra touch of class and refinement to the SUV's overall look. At the rear, the LED tail lamps ensure good visibility, while the hands-free power liftgate, a highly convenient feature, allows easy access to the cargo area even when your hands are full. Overall, the Encore GX's exterior design is a testament to Buick's commitment to creating vehicles that are both functional and stylish.
Under the hood of the 2021 Buick Encore GX lies an unassuming powerhouse—two distinct turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base engine, a 1.2-liter three-cylinder, churns out a modest 137 horsepower, while an optional 1.3-liter unit offers a slight bump, delivering 155 horsepower. With a standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) on its front-wheel drive models, and an upgrade to a nine-speed automatic for the all-wheel-drive versions, the Encore GX ensures a seamless power delivery. Despite its seemingly laid-back performance numbers, with the 1.3-liter all-wheel-drive Encore GX taking a leisurely 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, the vehicle impresses with its sprightly around-town performance. The small turbo engine delivers a commendable low-end grunt, making the SUV feel zestier than what the numbers might suggest. Although it may not keep pace with its luxury-branded rivals such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, or the Volvo XC40 in terms of raw power and acceleration, the Encore GX makes a solid case for itself with its smooth, controlled ride and agreeable performance.
Interestingly, the larger of the two three-cylinder engines – the 1.3-liter turbocharged mill – is rated highest in terms of fuel economy by the EPA. This setup, in conjunction with a front-wheel drive and CVT, is estimated to deliver an impressive 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The smaller 1.2-liter variant reduces that figure slightly to 30 mpg, and if you opt for the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, the mpg drops further to 29. Despite the EPA's assessments, real-world performance paints a different picture. On a 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, the Encore GX, fitted with the larger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic, outperformed expectations by returning 30 mpg - beating the EPA's estimate by 1 mpg. This performance reinforces the 2021 Buick Encore GX's commitment to efficient cruising, regardless of your journey's length or location.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX boasts an impressive rating when it comes to safety. It earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating its high levels of protection in the event of a collision. While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to release its ratings, the Encore GX remains a strong contender in terms of safety. It features a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, providing an additional layer of peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Optional safety enhancements include a rearview camera mirror and 360-degree camera system, ensuring full visibility around the vehicle. The 2021 Buick Encore GX not only prioritizes comfort and style but also values the safety of its occupants.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX is a finely crafted cocktail of substance and style. With a spacious and cozy interior that warmly invites you in, this SUV is a heartwarming sanctuary on chilly winter nights. Its cargo space is like Mary Poppins' bag – deceptively accommodating. It may not win the "Mr. Universe" of engines, but don't underestimate its turbocharged three-cylinder heart. It's no slouch when it comes to cruising around town, and it's as frugal as a monk on a vow of poverty, surpassing EPA estimates in real-world testing. And safety? It's got your back, front, and sides covered.
So, would we recommend the 2021 Buick Encore GX? Absolutely, especially for those looking for that sweet spot between luxury and economy. It might not be an Audi or BMW, but it definitely punches above its weight class, leaving some of the competition eating its dust. Being simultaneously posh and practical, the 2021 Buick Encore GX is like that rare diamond in the rough that you stumble upon at a garage sale. Its charm lies in its dichotomy, a luxury SUV for the everyday driver. Now, go tell the Joneses to keep up!
