Unexceptional. Poky. Uninspired.
These are some of the underwhelming comments I’ve heard from fellow automotive journalists regarding the 2021 Buick Encore GX; however, after seven days and several hundred miles exploring the city, I’d argue the new Encore GX is one of the best bargains for budget-conscious consumers in the CUV space.
To preface my review, don’t buy the Buick Encore GX if you’re looking to win the 24 Hours du Lemans. Two powertrain options, a 1.2 liter EcoTec 3-cylinder and a 1.3 liter EcoTec turbo 3-cylinder, are focused on fuel efficiency and lack the robustness of larger powertrains, including those offered in other Buick models. The 1.3L turbo, featured in my test vehicle, has a bit of turbo lag and lacks the perkiness and displacement of other small turbo engines I’ve driven. However, I did average well above 30mpg which proves the value of the Encore’s smaller displacement powertrain options meets its mark.
There are plenty of additional reasons to like the Encore GX. The ride quality is comfortable in a compact package with struts up front and torsion beam in the rear. It’s not a complicated suspension but does an adequate job around town and on the highway.
Buick’s 1.3L turbo 3-cylinder doesn’t particularly pack a punch but does a nice job of delivering you and your cargo efficiently.
Speaking of comfort, the leather seats are very comfortable and look fantastic! For a car that starts at $28,600, it’s sized comparably with other variants in this segment, including the Nissan Kicks which is a bit more perky under the hood but doesn’t compare with the aesthetics and comfort of Buick’s Encore GX.
Regarding the interior, the dash and console area are efficient and are pleasing to the eye. I’ve generally found the functionality of GM’s multifunctional info displays to work well, and the Encore GX continues this trend with a 4.2” version that I’d like to see made available slightly larger. My test vehicle included a $1,790 advanced technology package upgrade highlighted with a heads up display, adaptive cruise control, and Buick’s Infotainment System. Many vehicles already come with some of these features as standard equipment but given the Encore GX’s cost of entry, it’s not a surprise this is extra requipment.
A wireless charger is tucked in front of the cup holders and is actually large enough to accommodate most phones which I was pleased by, particularly given the number of import cars I’ve driven whose wireless charger is ridiculously too small for newer iPhones and Android-based devices. A rear mirror camera and park assist round out the additional convenience package add-on, priced at an additional $770.
USB-C and USB ports are appropriately placed in the front as well as second row, and while the center console isn’t that big, it has adequate storage capacity for the basics which, these days, have included masks, hand sanitizer, sunglass case, and a few packs of gum.
Buick’s Encore GX interior looks stunning for a car that starts in the upper $20ks. I particularly like the 4.2” info display functionality despite its size, and the seats and stitching not only look great, they’re comfortable.
The rear cargo area has a very reasonable volume with 24 cubic feet behind the second row. This increases significantly with the second row seats folded down, allowing for larger items to fit more appropriately.
Getting back to the Encore GX’s exterior, Buick Driver Confidence is Buick’s version of a safety system that works quite nicely. Front, side, and rear signal alerts provide a 360 degree safety net to prevent collisions with automatic emergency braking and lane assist/departure warning all part of Buick’s semi-autonomous system to keep you safe in your neighborhood, around town, or on the freeway.
The Buick Encore GX’s stance is slightly larger than the base Encore and looks great, highlighted by a Sport Touring Package featuring 18” aluminum wheels and bumper/front/rear protective molding.
So, is the Buick Encore GX a formidable consideration for the discerning CUV customer? Absolutely! Sure, it’s underpowered under the hood and it may not be the sexiest car out there but it drives great, rides comfortably, and the interior absolutely stuns, particularly the leather seats and their stitch pattern. While my test vehicle was loaded out with most every option available and ballooned the cost of entry to $34,215 from its base price of $28,600, I’d still say it’s a great value for the customer who is seeking a quality American-branded vehicle (the Encore GX is assembled in Korea) that looks all the part of car anyone can appreciate that doesn’t look like the Buick your Grandma drove in 1985.