Are you searching for the perfect American-made crossover? Check out the new 2021 Buick Encore GX. This petite SUV is an expansion upon the beloved Encore, and drivers looking for a small SUV that packs a punch should look no further. Boasting an updated interior, improved performance, and a slew of advanced technology, this compact crossover has everything you could possibly want in a daily driver. You will find features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and so much more inside. Plus, the handling that this vehicle provides is far superior to other competitors.
Offering seating for five riders, the Encore GX has 23.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row for you to stash groceries, backpacks, luggage, and more. If you need more space and can sacrifice the back row for a trip, you can fold the rear seats down flat to access up to 50.2 cubic feet of storage space. This level of customized configuration makes the Encore GX ideal for singles, couples, and even small families. This sportier version of the Encore is the perfect blend of practicality and Buick luxury wrapped in a petite package.
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As a compact crossover, the new 2021 Buick Encore GX is surprisingly strong. You can even pick between two 3-cylinder powertrains, and your options depend on which trim level you go with. Opt for the base power, or upgrade for something a little stronger. No matter which powertrain you choose, the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.
The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. Paired with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), you can expect this motor to generate 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine only comes with front-wheel drive, but it gets you excellent fuel economy. This engine will give you up to 28 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. However, if you want a little more power, there is another option for you.
Next is the available turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine. This engine has two different configurations depending on which trim level you choose. On all-wheel drive models, it is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, on front-wheel drive models, it comes with a continuously variable transmission. Producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, this engine has great power and even better fuel economy. With the front-wheel drive, you will get an impressive 30 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. However, with all-wheel drive, you will only see about 26 miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway. Either way, this zippy subcompact is perfect for daily commuting and city life.
With more and more traffic on the roads these days, safety has become incredibly important. Luckily, the new 2021 Buick Encore GX is loaded with advanced safety systems even from the base trim. The suite of safety features makes driving in the city or on your daily commute easier and safer than ever before.
The base Preferred trim comes with a Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Each one of these works together to help prevent accidents on the road. Working in tandem, you will find the Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking system. These systems utilize the front cameras and sensors to detect potential obstacles up ahead. If an obstacle is detected, it will prompt you with visual and audible alerts to take evasive action and apply braking to help prevent a collision.
Next up, the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning works to keep you safely in your lane. If your vehicle begins to drift to the side, you will be notified to correct your path. If you don’t do anything, the system will correct your path by itself. Don't worry; this system does not prevent you from changing lanes when the turn signal is active, or it detects your steering is intentional.
On the entry-level trim, you can also add the Safety Package. This includes the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert works with the rearview camera to prevent you from backing into anything. If another vehicle moves behind you while the Encore GX is in reverse, you will be alerted to stop. Using the same cameras and sensors, the Rear Park Assist can also provide alerts to objects behind you while you are backing up.
One of the more exciting features that is available is the Adaptive Cruise Control. This system enables you to choose a speed limit and a following distance. If the flow of traffic begins to slow, the system will automatically slow your vehicle down as well to maintain that set distance. This helps to prevent you from rear-ending someone during rush hour. Plus, once the traffic speeds back up, the system will bring your vehicle back up to the preset speed.
On the Select trim, you can also add the Advanced Technology package. Not only does this include navigation, but it also adds a slew of safety systems like the Adaptive Cruise Control, a Head-Up Display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Head-Up Display projects vital vehicle information onto the windshield of the Buick Encore GX, so you don’t have to look away from the road at all. Then, the 360-degree camera system provides you with a birds-eye-view of your surroundings in a crowded parking lot.
The final grouping of safety systems can be seen on the top-of-the-line Essence model. It comes with everything we’ve already mentioned, plus a few more add-ons that you can get. If you opt for the Convenience Package, it will come with Rainsense Wipers, a rear view camera mirror, and Automatic Parking Assist with braking. The automatic wipers will turn on when it begins to rain, and the rear view camera mirror will display the video feed from the rear view camera. Finally, the Automatic Parking Assist with Braking will help steer and brake you into a parallel or perpendicular parking space. There are plenty of amazing safety features to be had in the 2021 Encore GX at any trim level.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is the entry-level trim. Boasting keyless entry/ignition, you will find a well-appointed interior with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and height-adjustable driver’s seat. The upholstery is a combination of cloth and faux leather, and the infotainment system is quite impressive. Displayed on a large 8-inch touchscreen, this interface works with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio to provide you with as many entertainment options as possible. You can listen to music through the 6-speaker stereo, and there is even a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot included. As for add-ons, you can opt for a sunroof and the Cold Weather Package. This includes heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and remote engine start technology.
Stepping up to the 2021 Buick Encore GX Select, this model comes with the Cold Weather Package as well as several other interior upgrades. Dual-zone climate control allows you to create temperature bubbles for you and the front passenger. Also, a rear armrest has been added. If you opt for the Advanced Technology Package, it will add a navigation system. If you want a sunroof, then you should ask for the Experience Buick Package as well.
Finally, the top-tier trim is known as the Essence. It comes with an in-cabin air ionizer that reduces the amount of pollutants that can infiltrate the interior. The steering wheel is heated, and driver memory settings are available. The front passenger seat has been upgraded with power-adjustability, and leather upholstery covers the cabin for a sleeker look. You will even notice the auto-dimming rearview mirror that helps reduce glare from other vehicles. You can add the Advanced Technology and Experience Buick Packages to this model. You can also opt for a 7-speaker Bose stereo and the Convenience Package, which includes numerous safety upgrades plus a wireless charging pad.
Available in nine beautiful shades, the 2021 Buick Encore GX is quite a beauty from the outside. The base Preferred model comes with alloy wheels and heated side mirrors to prevent ice buildup in the winter. Next, the Select adds roof rails for extra storage space. If you opt for the Experience Buick Package, it will also include a sunroof and chrome wheels. Finally, the top-tier Essence adds LED headlights for optimized visibility. It can even be fitted with a hands-free liftgate that makes loading the back a breeze. You can easily make this model look and feel how you want.