The subcompact Buick Encore is a right-sized for the urban ride and comes with a clean in-cab design and modern infotainment system. The power comes from the 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Encore was all-new for 2013 and the next 2021 Buick Encore will stay the same fare in the US except for the addition of new color options and some changes in the equipment availability.
The brand will replace the first-generation Encore with the new version based on the GM GEM platform in China. The newly available Encore GX based on the brand’s VSS-F platform is a different vehicle, larger, roomier and more stylish than the Encore. The GX version relies on the three-cylinder turbocharged engines and comes equipped with active safety systems by default. It has an about $1000 higher base price.
2021 Buick Encore: Design
The 2021 Buick Encore comes in the US in the same form as the exiting model except for the availability of new paint colors.
The subcompact Buick Encore is based on the same platform as the Chevy Trax and two models have the same footprint and powertrain. The small Encore is, however, more stylish from outside and plushier inside.
The Encore is short and stubby but thanks to the modern front-end design and sculpted profile it looks nice. The front gets the brand’s signature grille mixed with the nicely accentuated headlights and shapely front bumper. The base Encore has also a sculpted character line and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. The base version comes on the 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior, equipment:
The subcompact Buick Encore has a stylish interior with the driver-focused dash design. Its maneuverable shape makes it short of space inside with enough room for two occupants and limited cargo capacity. Behind the rear seats, the cargo room is 18.8 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded the cargo volume increases to 48.4 cubes.
At the equipment level, the next 2021 Buick Encore comes with the keyless entry and ignition, single-zone air conditioning, 6-way power driver’s seat, heated mirrors, roof rails, etc. The tech segment includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play, 6 speakers, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Unlike the new Encore GX which gets automatic emergency braking by default, the smaller Encore skips this option.
The model can be equipped with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning. The upper grades bring also leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat memory setting, navigation, a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system, etc.
2021 Buick Encore: Performance, MPG
The next 2021 Buick Encore returns with the same engine under the hood and the same specs. Buick discontinued a more powerful engine option for the 2020 model year.
A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with the six-speed automatic transmission and it is good for 138 hp and torque of 148 lb-ft. The standard setup is the front-wheel drive while the all-wheel drive is available beyond the base trim.
The Encore is maneuverable and easy to park thanks to its small footprint. The powertrain needs about 10 seconds to hit 60 mph in all configurations. While driving, the suspension handles most situations in a comfortable manner with the handling better than the class’ average.
When it comes to the fuel efficiency, the front-wheel-driven Encore manages 25 mpg city, 30 highway and 27 combined according to EPA testing. The four-wheel-drive equipped Encore returns 24 mpg city, 29 highways and 26 combined which is about average for the segment.
The larger, newer, more stylish and better equipped Encore GX relies on the three-cylinder turbocharged engines. A base three-pot 1.2-liter unit makes 137 hp and torque of 162 lb-ft and it is mixed with the continuously variable transmission. A slightly larger 1.3-liter turbo-3 engine is only available in the mix with the all-wheel drive and 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 155 hp and torque of 174 lb-ft.
2021 Buick Encore: Release, Price
The 2021 Buick Encore goes on sale later this year. The price range will start from about $23, 200. With the all-wheel drive, the model will be accessible from about $26, 100.
The subcompact Buick Encore is the brand’s alternative to the fancier models such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA or to the more relative options such as the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade.