Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred. If you're looking for a small SUV that offers a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, this could be the perfect ride for you. We're going to cover everything from its features and performance to its interior and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What Makes the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred Stand Out?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred carves a unique niche in the crowded subcompact SUV segment. It's not just another small SUV; it aims to blend premium features with everyday practicality, targeting buyers who want a bit more sophistication than the base models offer. What really sets this model apart is its combination of stylish design, tech-forward features, and a comfortable ride, all wrapped in a compact package that’s easy to maneuver and park. Buick has carefully positioned the Encore GX Preferred to appeal to those who want a taste of luxury without the hefty price tag, making it a compelling option for urban dwellers, small families, and anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

One of the key highlights of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is its distinctive exterior styling. Buick has given the Encore GX a more modern and refined look compared to the standard Encore, with sculpted lines, a bold grille, and available LED lighting. The “Preferred” trim enhances this with body-color door handles and other subtle upgrades that give it a more upscale appearance. Inside, you’ll find a well-designed cabin with quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making it suitable for longer drives, and the intuitive infotainment system is easy to use. Plus, the Encore GX offers more cargo space than you might expect from a subcompact SUV, making it practical for grocery runs, weekend getaways, and hauling everyday gear. Ultimately, the Encore GX Preferred stands out by delivering a balanced package of style, comfort, technology, and value, setting it apart from its more utilitarian competitors.

Beyond its aesthetic and comfort features, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred also shines in terms of technology and safety. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. It also comes with key safety features like a rearview camera, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist, providing added peace of mind on the road. These features make the Encore GX Preferred a smart choice for tech-savvy drivers who prioritize safety. Furthermore, the Encore GX Preferred offers a smooth and composed ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. While it’s not a performance-oriented vehicle, it provides adequate power for daily driving and highway cruising, making it a versatile option for various driving conditions. In summary, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred distinguishes itself through its attention to detail, thoughtful features, and overall refinement, making it a standout choice in the subcompact SUV market.

Performance and Handling

When we talk about the performance of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred, we need to manage expectations. This isn't a sports car, but it's not trying to be. It's designed for comfortable and efficient daily driving. The standard engine is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 137 horsepower. While this might sound a bit underwhelming on paper, it's actually quite adequate for city driving. The turbocharger helps provide decent low-end torque, so you won't feel like you're struggling to keep up with traffic. For those who want a bit more pep, there's an optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that bumps the horsepower up to 155. This upgrade makes a noticeable difference, especially when you're merging onto the highway or passing other cars. The Encore GX Preferred comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over sporty driving dynamics. However, the CVT is generally smooth and responsive, and it helps the Encore GX achieve impressive gas mileage.

Handling-wise, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its compact size and light steering. The ride quality is generally comfortable, absorbing bumps and road imperfections without much drama. It's not the most engaging vehicle to drive, but it's certainly not unpleasant. The steering is precise and predictable, but it lacks a bit of feedback. Overall, the Encore GX Preferred is a competent and comfortable daily driver that's well-suited for urban environments. It's not going to set any speed records, but it will get you from point A to point B in a relaxed and efficient manner. If you're looking for a small SUV that's easy to live with and won't break the bank, the Encore GX Preferred is definitely worth considering.

Fuel economy is another strong point for the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred. With the standard 1.2-liter engine, it gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The optional 1.3-liter engine gets slightly better numbers, with 30 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These are respectable numbers for a small SUV, and they can help you save money at the pump. In real-world driving, I found that the Encore GX Preferred consistently delivered fuel economy that was close to the EPA estimates. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions, but overall, the Encore GX Preferred is a fuel-efficient choice. The combination of its small size, turbocharged engine, and efficient CVT make it a great option for those who want to minimize their carbon footprint and save money on gas.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred, you'll immediately notice that Buick has paid attention to detail. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on creating a comfortable and inviting space. The materials used are of decent quality, especially for this price point. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in the front, although the rear seats can be a bit tight for taller adults. The Encore GX Preferred comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use and responsive. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The infotainment system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

One of the standout features of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is its quiet cabin. Buick has done a good job of isolating the interior from road noise and wind noise, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment. This is especially appreciated on long highway drives. The Encore GX Preferred also comes with a range of available features, such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium Bose audio system, and a head-up display. These options can enhance the overall driving experience and make the Encore GX Preferred feel more luxurious. The cargo area is surprisingly spacious for a small SUV, with 23.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is enough room for groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats also fold flat, making it easy to load and unload larger items.

The technology in the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is intuitive and user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen is bright and clear, and the menus are easy to navigate. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration works seamlessly, allowing you to access your favorite apps and features on the go. The available Wi-Fi hotspot is a great feature for those who need to stay connected while on the road. The Encore GX Preferred also comes with a range of safety features, such as forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. Overall, the interior of the Encore GX Preferred is well-designed, comfortable, and packed with technology. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. The combination of comfort, technology, and safety features makes the Encore GX Preferred a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV segment.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred doesn't skimp. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. These include forward collision alert, which warns you if you're approaching a vehicle too quickly; lane keep assist, which helps you stay in your lane; and automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. These features are a welcome addition, especially for drivers who spend a lot of time in city traffic. In addition to these advanced safety features, the Encore GX Preferred also comes with standard features like antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. These features work together to provide a high level of protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred also offers a range of optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. These optional features can provide an extra layer of protection and make driving even safer. The Encore GX Preferred has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations have given the Encore GX Preferred high marks for its crashworthiness, indicating that it's a safe vehicle in the event of a collision.

Beyond the standard and optional safety features, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred also benefits from its small size and nimble handling. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its responsive steering and brakes allow you to react quickly to changing road conditions. These factors can help you avoid accidents in the first place. Overall, the Encore GX Preferred is a safe and well-equipped SUV that provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Its combination of standard and optional safety features, along with its good crash test ratings and nimble handling, make it a top choice in the subcompact SUV segment. Whether you're commuting to work or taking a road trip, the Encore GX Preferred will help you stay safe on the road.

Overall Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred? Well, guys, it offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, technology, and safety, all at a reasonable price. It's not the sportiest SUV on the market, but it's not trying to be. It's designed for everyday driving, and it excels in that role. The Encore GX Preferred is a great choice for those who want a small SUV that's easy to live with and won't break the bank. It's well-suited for urban environments, thanks to its compact size and easy maneuverability. It's also a good option for small families or couples who need a bit of extra cargo space.

One of the key advantages of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is its long list of standard features. Even in the base trim, you get a lot of equipment for your money, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a range of safety features. This makes the Encore GX Preferred a great value proposition, especially compared to some of its competitors. Of course, there are some downsides to consider. The base engine can feel a bit underpowered at times, and the CVT isn't the most engaging transmission. However, these are minor complaints, and they don't detract from the overall appeal of the Encore GX Preferred.

In conclusion, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is a well-rounded and versatile SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a great choice for those who want a small SUV that's stylish, comfortable, and packed with features. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, the Encore GX Preferred will get you there in style and comfort. So, if you're in the market for a subcompact SUV, be sure to give the Buick Encore GX Preferred a look. You might just be surprised at how much it has to offer.