Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred, a compact SUV that's been making waves in the automotive world. This review is for anyone considering this vehicle, from daily commuters to small families, or even those just curious about what this Buick has to offer. We'll explore everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Design and Exterior Features

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred boasts a stylish and modern design, immediately catching your eye. It strikes a balance between a sleek, urban aesthetic and a rugged, adventurous vibe. This is one of the key selling points for the Buick Encore GX Preferred. Its compact size makes it incredibly maneuverable, perfect for navigating crowded city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces. But don't let its size fool you; it offers a surprisingly spacious interior, which we'll get to later.

From the outside, you'll notice the signature Buick grille, a prominent feature that instantly identifies the brand. The LED headlights and taillights not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve visibility. The exterior design incorporates clean lines, a sculpted body, and available premium paint options that give it a sophisticated look. The Preferred trim typically includes features like roof rails, adding to its versatility, and allowing you to haul extra cargo like bikes or kayaks. The alloy wheels further contribute to the overall aesthetic, providing a touch of elegance. This trim level is a sweet spot, as it provides a solid foundation of features without breaking the bank. Overall, the design is clearly aimed at appealing to a younger demographic. Buick has done a great job of giving the Encore GX a fresh, modern look that stands out in the crowded compact SUV market. I really like the way they've integrated practicality with a touch of luxury. This is a car that makes a statement without being overly flashy. For many, this is a big win!

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred, you'll be greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed cabin. Buick has focused on creating a comfortable and inviting environment, especially for the price point. The Preferred trim level offers a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. You'll find comfortable cloth or available leatherette seating surfaces, providing a pleasant feel for both short trips and longer journeys. The supportive seats are designed to keep you feeling good, even after hours on the road. The layout is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and an uncluttered dashboard. Buick has incorporated high-quality materials throughout the interior, which gives it a premium feel that belies its compact SUV status. The infotainment system is seamlessly integrated, making it easy to access your favorite apps and features.

One of the standout features of the Encore GX is its impressive cargo space for its size. The rear seats can be folded down to provide even more room for hauling cargo, making it a versatile option for families and individuals with active lifestyles. Even with the rear seats up, there's ample room for groceries, luggage, or other essentials. The thoughtful design extends to details like ample storage compartments throughout the cabin, which are ideal for keeping your belongings organized and within easy reach. The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are well-controlled, ensuring a quiet and peaceful ride. Buick has definitely prioritized comfort, making the Encore GX a pleasant place to spend time. This focus on interior quality is a significant factor in making the Encore GX a compelling choice in its class. In short, the interior is well-designed, comfortable, and practical, making it a great option for everyday use. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a comfy ride?

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred offers a choice of engines, usually a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While these engines may sound small, they provide adequate power for everyday driving, including city commuting and highway cruising. The turbocharged engines deliver peppy acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways and navigate traffic. The engine is also remarkably fuel-efficient, which is a major plus for anyone looking to save money at the pump. The Encore GX is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The AWD option adds an extra layer of security, especially in inclement weather. The driving experience is smooth and refined, with responsive steering and a comfortable ride. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, which adds to the overall comfort of the ride.

The Encore GX is designed to be easy to handle, making it a great choice for both new and experienced drivers. The compact size contributes to its maneuverability, making it easy to park and navigate through tight spaces. The inclusion of driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking provides an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Overall, the Encore GX delivers a balanced driving experience. It's not designed to be a sports car, but it offers sufficient power, a comfortable ride, and excellent fuel economy. This combination makes it a practical and enjoyable vehicle for daily use. I found the engine to be surprisingly capable, and it did well even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Seriously, it's a great all-around performer!

Technology and Infotainment

Technology is a significant aspect of the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred, and it's well-equipped in this department. The infotainment system typically features a touchscreen display, which serves as the central hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to access the various features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation systems. The sound system delivers clear audio quality, enhancing your listening experience. The Preferred trim often includes additional features, such as a premium sound system or built-in navigation. Buick has also incorporated a range of advanced driver-assistance features, designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind.

These features typically include things like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features can help prevent accidents and make your driving experience safer. The Encore GX also often features a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to stay connected on the go. This is a great feature for families, as it allows passengers to stream media or work remotely. The technology package in the Encore GX is well-rounded, providing a good balance of features and user-friendliness. Buick has done a great job of integrating the technology seamlessly, making it an enjoyable experience for the driver and passengers. With all these features, the Encore GX is up-to-date with what the market offers.

Safety Features

Safety is a primary concern for any vehicle, and the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred doesn’t disappoint. Buick has equipped the Encore GX with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. The Encore GX typically comes standard with a range of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing protection in the event of a collision. Features like electronic stability control and traction control help to maintain vehicle control in challenging driving conditions. Driver-assistance features like forward-collision alert and automatic emergency braking provide an extra layer of safety, helping to mitigate or avoid collisions.

The Encore GX often includes lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, which can help prevent lane drift and keep you centered in your lane. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert help to increase awareness of your surroundings, making it easier to change lanes and back out of parking spaces. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, particularly in inclement weather conditions. The Encore GX has earned respectable safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating its commitment to safety. Buick has clearly prioritized safety, making the Encore GX a reliable and secure vehicle. These features give drivers peace of mind, knowing that they are well-protected on the road. This car truly prioritizes the safety of you and your passengers. Seriously, this thing is packed with safety features!

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is typically available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The Preferred trim level generally sits in the mid-range, offering a balance of features and value. Other trim levels may include the base, and the top-tier Essence trims. The base trim provides a solid foundation of essential features, while the Essence trim offers more premium features, such as leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and upgraded technology.

The pricing for the Encore GX varies depending on the trim level and the options selected. The Preferred trim level is usually positioned as a great value, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. Comparing the pricing to other vehicles in its class, the Encore GX remains competitive, especially considering the level of standard equipment it offers. When considering the value, you'll need to weigh your personal preferences and budget. The availability of various trim levels gives you flexibility to customize the vehicle to your specific needs and budget. Remember to factor in any potential incentives or rebates, which may further reduce the price. Overall, the Encore GX offers good value for your money. You get a lot of features and quality for the price. It's really a great deal!

Pros and Cons

Let’s get down to the brass tacks and summarize the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred with some quick pros and cons, so you know exactly what to expect.

Pros:

• Stylish and modern design.
• Spacious and comfortable interior.
• Fuel-efficient engine options.
• User-friendly technology and infotainment system.
• Comprehensive safety features.
• Good value for the price.
• Compact size for easy maneuverability.

Cons:

• Engine performance may not satisfy everyone.
• Some may prefer a more luxurious interior.
• Cargo space, while good, might be smaller than some competitors.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred is a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a range of features that make it a practical and enjoyable vehicle for everyday use. Its combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, and available all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for a wide range of drivers. Whether you're a city dweller, a small family, or someone looking for a versatile and practical SUV, the Encore GX is definitely worth considering. If you are shopping for a new car, you should definitely have this one on your list! I hope this helps you guys make an informed decision! Happy driving!