
- 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX PREFERRED 1.3L AUTOMATIC AWD SUV UPGRADE
- 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX PREFERRED 1.3L AUTOMATIC AWD SUV ANDROID
Buick's positioning in the market straddles the line between luxury and mainstream, so it's better equipped than base-level versions of rivals such as the Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek, but it doesn't provide the same level of fit-and-finish as the Audi, BMW, and Volvo. The Encore GX's quiet cabin features leather upholstery, heated seats, and more passenger space than the smaller Encore. However, on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, the Encore GX with the larger engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic managed 30 mpg, beating the EPA's estimate by 1 mpg. Going with the smaller 1.2-liter mill drops that figure to 30 mpg and going with the 1.3-liter with all-wheel drive and the nine-speed automatic drops it further to 29 mpg. With front-wheel drive and the CVT, the turbocharged 1.3-liter is said to achieve up to 32 mpg highway.

Ironically, the larger of the two three-cylinder engines receives the highest fuel economy ratings from the EPA.

2021 BUICK ENCORE GX PREFERRED 1.3L AUTOMATIC AWD SUV UPGRADE
A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive variants upgrade to a nine-speed automatic. The base version is a 1.2-liter that develops 137 horsepower, and an optional 1.3-liter unit bumps that up to 155. The Encore GX lineup relies on a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines. All-wheel drive is optional and adds $2000 to the price of any Encore GX. The Experience Buick package adds navigation and a power sunroof. It comes with handsome 18-inch wheels, roof-rack side rails, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a rear-seat center armrest, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The best value in the lineup appears to be the mid-range Select model.
2021 BUICK ENCORE GX PREFERRED 1.3L AUTOMATIC AWD SUV ANDROID
Both SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become standard features across the lineup, and adaptive cruise control is now available on the Preferred model as part of the optional Safety package. What's New for 2021?įor its second year on the market, the Encore GX receives only a few small updates. However, when up against premium models from Germany and Japan, the Encore GX isn't nearly as compelling.

It straddles the line between mainstream and luxury markets, so those comparing it against a Nissan, a Ford, or its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, will find it an attractive and well-equipped alternative. If you can get past the poky powertrains, the Encore GX's other traits are more agreeable: it offers a smooth ride and well-controlled body motions, good interior room, and pleasant cabin surroundings. Two different turbocharged powertrains are offered here, but oddly they are both three-cylinder engines-a 1.2-liter is standard while a 1.3-liter is optional-and neither provide quick acceleration.

Slotting in above the small Encore in the Buick SUV lineup, the 2021 Encore GX offers the brand's semi-luxury attributes in a handsome, compact package.
