Buick SUVs have already created a name for themselves, they are the go-to vehicles for buyers who seek comfort, luxury, and reliability options in addition to advanced safety features keeping all the passengers out of danger. These vehicles are being built on a solid foundation of design and engineering from the brand which also happens to be one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in the country. Hence, Buick has been known to be a trusted brand for generations with its longstanding reputation for both reliability and quality of products.

The name Buick Encore might be familiar to all of us, but the 2021 Buick Encore GX was first announced in 2019. 2021 Buick Encore GX is the newest addition to the amazing lineup of Buick SUVs prevalent in the market which includes but is not limited to the 2021 Buick Envision, Buick Encore GX 2020, etc. Although the naming scheme might set you off to think that, the 2021 Buick Encore GX is just an upgrade or a variant of the existing Buick Encore, but that's just not the case.

Let's have a detailed look into the 2021 Buick Encore GX and all it has to offer.

What's New in the 2021 Buick Encore GX?

2021 Buick Encore GX
Via CarandDriver

Being its second year on the market, the 2021 Buick Encore GX has been privy to only a few minor updates. The standard features now include both the SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and also for Apple CarPlay. The preferred model now has an adaptive cruise available as a part of the optional Safety Package.

The Powertrain of the 2021 Buick Encore GX comes with more options as compared to its sibling, it also has an extra option that takes it over the edge as far as top-end performance is concerned.

Buick has given its customers options when it comes to what powers the 2021 Buick Encore GX, by providing two different turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base version is able to deliver 137 hp with the 1.2-liter engine whereas, the optional variant is able to pump out 155hp using a 1.3-liter engine. The base model is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The optional engine variant is available on the more expensive fwd models, it has been clubbed and made the default for every all-wheel-drive Encore GX.

The bigger engine makes exclusive use of a nine-speed automatic transmission. This variant has been able to reach 60 mph in a meager time of 9.3 seconds. On the other hand, its rivals- the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, the Mercedes GLA Class, and the Volvo XC40 are all offering much more power under the hood and subsequently faster quicker acceleration times. They definitely have the 2021 Buick Encore GX beat as far as performance is concerned. The Buick's ride however is smoother and controlled, it also gives a peppier vibe while driving around the town where the relatively smaller turbo engine delivers a decent low-end grunt.

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Interior, Infotainment & Other Features

2021 Buick Encore GX Dashboard
Via Motor1

The Buick has given the 2021 Encore GX features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic moon roof, and an in-vehicle air ionizer. It has also been given a larger cabin space for the passenger.  Its foldable seats which give you a flexible seating arrangement as well as a custom on-the-go floor space for extra cargo make spontaneous road trips and trips to the market a breeze. The interior is available in three color variants namely the Ebony with Ebony Accents, Signet with Ebony Accents,  and Whisper Beige with Ebony Accents.

Buick has thrown in the QuietTuning techs such as  Active Noise Cancellation, acoustic laminated glass in the windshields & front side windows, and the triple door seals all of this helps in reducing, blocking, and absorbing any unwanted noise to provide the customers with a quality, quiet and private experience.

The infotainment system has seen a huge improvement. Buick has added a full-color touch-screen display that puts all the media and information available to you at your fingertips in high resolution. You can wirelessly connect your device irrespective of it being an iPhone or an Android device as Buick has taken care of this by making the system compatible with both the standard Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto. With all of this draining in on your phone battery, Buick has provided wireless charging with which you can have your phone charge by just keeping it on the tray in the center console.

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Pricing & Value for Money

2020 Buick Encore GX ST
via driving.ca

The mid-range Select Model from the three variants can be said to have the best value for money. The cost falls a few hundred dollars short of $27k. The Select variant comes loaded up with 18-inch wheels, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a rear-seat center armrest, remote start, roof-rack side rails, and the dual-zone automatic climate control. When clubbed together with the Experience Buick package, navigation, and a power sunroof is added on. The All-Wheel-Drive option is available in all three models at an added cost of $2,000.

As far as warranty is concerned the Buick beats most of its rivals with a higher warranty coverage than the Mazda CX-3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, and the Audi Q3. When we mentioned most of its rivals, it's obvious that some got the upper hand on the Buick when we talk about warranty too. The BMW X1 and the XC40 have the Buick beat as they offer free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles whereas the Buick provides a Limited Warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles. Buick also offers a powertrain warranty covering 6 years or 70,000 miles and complimentary maintenance is offered for the first visit.

Lastly, the 2021 Buick Encore GX does have an attractive design, more practicality as an SUV, and also provides decent value. It still lacks the finesse in the interior that its rival has to offer as well as the feel, the excitement to drive is missing. Yet, the styling, comfort, and performance of the vehicle are sufficient to provide the owner long-term satisfaction.

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