If you're looking for a brand-new crossover for less than $25,000, you've got a surprising amount of new options. From the Kia Seltos to the Mazda CX-30, there is no shortage of supply. As a result, brand-new crossovers often bank on elegant design to stand out amongst competitors.
That's precisely what this week's tester, the 2021 Buick Encore GX, accomplishes with a sub-$25,000 base price, sharp looks, and excellent onboard equipment. However, the model I've been driving is far from a base model. In fact, this exact Essence trim carries a $35,065 base price. Here's a look at one of General Motors' entry-level crossovers.
The 2021 Buick Encore Offers Up A Stylish Look And Familiar Shape
If the 2021 Buick Encore GX looks familiar, that's because it shares its platform with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Additionally, this means that the GX model shares neither its engine nor structure with the standard Encore. This is because GM Korea manufactures the GX model.
Regardless of where it falls in the lineup, the GX is one of the better-looking small crossovers currently on sale. In terms of its footprint, it's relatively tiny, with a length of 171 in, a width of 71 in, and a height of 64 in. Despite this, you still get a very respectable 50.2 ft³ of cargo space with the seats down.
I could easily see the Buick Encore GX working for a small family or a family with younger children despite its smaller proportions. In addition, when I had the seats folded, I could easily fit two road bikes in the back. This is possible because the GX's roofline allows for extra height, enabling you to utilize its interior space fully.
The GX looks quite stylish from a design perspective, regardless of which trim level you opt for. While this isn't an all-out luxury crossover, it features plenty of intricate design elements on its front end, doors, and rear. In addition, while it isn't overstyled by any means, the GX looks borderline sporty in its higher trim levels.
The GX's 1.3-Liter Engine Does Wonders For Fuel Economy, But Not Driveability
If you're considering a 2021 Buick Encore GX, you've two engine options to pick from. The first is a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine developing 137 HP and 162 lb-ft of torque. My tester featured the larger 1.3-liter turbocharged engine pushing out 155 HP and 174 lb-ft, which adds $395 to its price tag.
From a consumption perspective, you'll get relatively good gas mileage even with the larger engine. That's because this crossover consumes 30 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for a combined average of 31 MPG. But, again, this falls perfectly in line with what competitors such as the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek offer up.
The only drawback I noticed with this powertrain comes from the overall lack of power. At highway speeds, overtaking can be a bit of a chore, especially when you consider that the continuously variable transmission onboard can struggle to get the engine quickly into its ideal powerband.
As far as overall comfort goes, the Encore GX is lovely. While there is a bit of wind noise at higher speeds, the GX feels planted at higher speeds, and its suspension does a great job of dampening road imperfections around town.
The Essence Trim Offers Up Plenty Of Tech
For the most part, many of the press vehicles I get to spend time with feature a plethora of optional extras. Unfortunately, this often takes their reasonable base prices into the stratosphere. However, pretty much everything you'll want to have in a 2021 Buick Encore GX can be found in the Advanced Technology Package, which costs $1,790.
For that price, you get an eight-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, Bluetooth audio, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, you get helpful extras such as HD Surround Vision, a heads-up display, and adaptive cruise control. As a result, you get plenty of the luxury features you would typically expect to find in a luxury crossover.
However, it is worth mentioning that, unlike many competitors, the GX offers up wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
In terms of the physical interior itself, plastic trim is abundant, something expected for a vehicle at this price point. However, Buick did an excellent job with the interior's design and finishing. Aside from including various textures across the dash, the central infotainment screen is easy to operate and located precisely where you'd expect it to be.
While the seats themselves aren't overly plush, they offer up eight-way adjustability allowing the driver to settle in nicely. Combine this with the quality of the suspension mentioned above, and you've got a crossover that could tackle a long road trip with ease.
Is The 2021 Buick Encore GX A Great Pick Under $25,000?
Whether or not the 2021 Buick Encore GX is a great pick comes down to how you chose to option yours. For example, if you're just looking for a roomy crossover with excellent standard tech, then the lower Preferred and Select trim levels should be on your radar.
However, if you want to load up with options and appearance packages, the GX's price can quickly shoot up. As mentioned in the intro, the tester I got my hands on has an as-tested price of $35,065.
So naturally, at this price point, I would want a larger vehicle for that amount. However, for less than $30,000, the GX offers up plenty of value, style, and enough space to accommodate a small family.