2021
Buick Encore

Starts at:
$23,200
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New 2021 Buick Encore
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • FWD 4dr
    Starts at
    $23,200
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr Preferred
    Starts at
    $24,600
    24 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Preferred
    Starts at
    $25,220
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged I4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore 2021 Buick Encore

Notable features

Five-seat subcompact SUV
Front- or all-wheel drive
138-hp, turbo four-cylinder engine
8-inch touchscreen standard
Forward collision warning available

The good & the bad

The good

Small size makes it city-friendly
Seating position offers great visibility
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay standard
Onboard Wi-Fi hot spot standard
Front passenger seat folds down for long cargo

The bad

Engine performance
Stop-start system not smooth
Front seats uncomfortable, lack support
Automatic emergency braking not offered
No armrest for front passenger
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Buick Encore review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Buick Encore?

The Encore is a subcompact SUV that seats five. It’s powered by a standard 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Competitors include the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. 

What’s New on the 2021 Buick Encore?

There are no significant changes. 

What Features in the 2021 Buick Encore Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot
  • Fold-flat front passenger seat
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat

Available features include:

  • All-wheel drive
  • Blind spot warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Should I Buy the 2021 Buick Encore?

If you’re a city-dweller willing to sacrifice some cabin space for a subcompact SUV with connectivity and good visibility, the Encore might be a good fit. The SUV’s lack of standard active safety features, however, is a demerit. 

2021 Buick Encore review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Buick Encore?

The Encore is a subcompact SUV that seats five. It’s powered by a standard 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. Competitors include the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. 

What’s New on the 2021 Buick Encore?

There are no significant changes. 

What Features in the 2021 Buick Encore Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot
  • Fold-flat front passenger seat
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat

Available features include:

  • All-wheel drive
  • Blind spot warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Should I Buy the 2021 Buick Encore?

If you’re a city-dweller willing to sacrifice some cabin space for a subcompact SUV with connectivity and good visibility, the Encore might be a good fit. The SUV’s lack of standard active safety features, however, is a demerit. 

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2021 Buick Encore base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
19.8%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
19.8%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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  • 2018
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    Starts at
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    2018 Buick Encore
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    5
    Seat capacity
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    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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    Compare
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Consumer reviews

81% of drivers recommend this car
4.6 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.4
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • By Laura
    Owns this car
    May 25, 2024

    We love this car.

    We love this car. Drives well. interior has a luxury car feel. my husband and i are both tall and a little heavy and there is plenty of room in both front seats for us. you do need to have light weight, slightly shorter friends for the back seat. the only drawback i can even think of is there is not a ton of room for multiple suitcases if you are picking up another couple at the airport. other than that, this is a great auto. we have had it for 3 years and have not had one single problem with it!!!
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Nathan from Lubbock, TX
    Owns this car
    June 19, 2023

    Great Sub SUV

    Reviews low engine power. I took this car across 2 mountain ranges and it did great. On real step inclines it would drop 1 mph starting up but regain it before we hit the top. I had no problems passing other vehicles. Handled well in heavy rain and windy conditions. I'm not sure what the top end speed is, but it's over a 110.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jp from North Carolina
    Owns this car
    June 5, 2023

    Affordable, Efficient, Reliable

    Bought new and now have 29k miles on it in two years. Zero problems so far. Get 36 mpg on highway. Luxury interior. With back seat folded I can get a bicycle inside. Regular maintenance is minimal; basically change oil and filter and rotate tires every 7500 miles. At 60 k replace the spark plugs. Only downside is acceleration. It could be better but it’s fine around town. If you drive with a lead foot and kick the turbo in every time you accelerate, I would suspect you could have turbo problems eventually. This is not a performance car but it does get you from point a to b efficiently, comfortably and with a slice of luxury for a very fair price. It is also very easy to maneuver in the city and very easy to park withe backup camera.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Chris from Romeo Michigan
    Used to own this car
    September 6, 2022

    Absolutely trash. Get a Honda or Toyota for eco

    Horrible car. Trim fell off after 5k miles had to get replaced. Clear on trim flaking off. Front end rattle, and the motor sounds like a tin can. Turned in early with 17500 on the clock. I take good care of my stuff. My 1993 BMW 7 series was a better car. Horrible car, Horrible design. Will never buy a GM car ever again.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    6 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Mamabear from Winter Haven fl
    Owns this car
    June 15, 2021

    Great car good on gas love it

    This is a great car I leased a 2018 from Kelly Buick 3 years ago when my lease was up I got a 2021 encore from the same dealer because the people are nice and friendly I would not go to any other dealer
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By RayBob from Tucson, AZ
    Owns this car
    May 27, 2021

    Brakes squealing while backing every time

    Our 2021 Buick Encore (2600 miles) brakes squeal every time we back no matter the time of day or weather & when braking at stops. Buick dealer checked the brakes, denied they do not squeal, & stated on receipt that "occasional squeal is normal". These brakes are not occasional & occurs every time we back up. Very annoying & embarrassing disturbing our neighbors when backing.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    19 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Susannah from Kingfisher, OK
    Owns this car
    May 23, 2021

    I love my Buick!

    Love the great gas mileage and its smooth driving! I enjoy getting into my car each day..still has that new car smell--- definitely recommend a Buick!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Samantha Q from Perry, GA
    Owns this car
    May 10, 2021

    Love my new SUV

    I never heard of the Buick Encore until I was in the market for a new car and I wanted a SUV for my budget. I test drove this one and fell in love. I am tall (6’1”) and I have plenty of room in my new ride. The last SUV I had which was ten years ago and it was a 2000 Montero Sport. It was a nice midsize SUV and I have more leg room in this compact SUV than I did in that one. My one complaint is the small backseat. It’s okay for me since I don’t have any kids and I’m almost always the only person in my new ride 95% of the time. It’s a great vehicle and I’m extremely HAPPY with my purchase!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Victoria grandmother from Naperville
    Owns this car
    April 22, 2021

    Excellent for our family needs

    This car meets all our good ride good gas mileage ease of parking it has a good looking style and a smooth ride. The family enjoys it
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Charlene from Richland
    Owns this car
    April 15, 2021

    Love this car my second one.

    This car has plenty of room for a small family or for ab few grandchildren. The ride is smooth, easy to handle, quiet. Great in winter and we get plenty of snow up here. This is my 2nd encore. Love this car
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Redbird33 from Phoenix AZ
    Owns this car
    April 13, 2021

    Love this Encore

    I absolutely love this buick encore! I liked my 2016, 2018 and now this is my third buick encore and they just keep getting better. Great value, excellent mileage, nice and quiet - just a great all around small SUV. I got it at Liberty Buick - the only place to deal in Phoenix
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Agge from NEW YORK, N.Y.
    Owns this car
    March 29, 2021

    Nicest car I've ever owned.

    I like 👍my new car. Has some of the features I want. It has good gas mileage. It's very comfortable and stylish. I especially like the blind spot warning.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Buick dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Buick Encore?

The 2021 Buick Encore is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Preferred (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Buick Encore?

The 2021 Buick Encore offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Buick Encore?

The 2021 Buick Encore compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Buick Encore reliable?

The 2021 Buick Encore has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Buick Encore owners.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Buick Encore. 81.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.7

Buick Encore history

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