Drivers looking for a luxury subcompact crossover SUV were thrilled in 2020 when Buick revealed the Encore GX. With the five-door SUV offering even more standard safety and connectivity features than the Encore, the GX earned high praise from both drivers and critics alike. This success launched a trend among premium SUV buyers who could finally turn to Buick for a compact yet capable SUV. It’s also what inspired the all-new 2021 Buick Encore GX, which continues to expand Buick’s foothold in one of the most competitive markets in the automotive industry.
Affordable Luxury
One of the biggest attractions to the 2021 Buick Encore GX is that it makes luxury affordable. The Preferred base model starts at $24,200 and offers an impressive suite of features for the entry-level trim option. Some of those features include the Buick Driver Confidence package, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an 8-in Buick Infotainment System, and Buick’s QuietTuning technology. The latter feature reduces noise from the engine and surrounding environment to give drivers and passengers a new level of quiet in the cabin.
The next level trim package, the Select, is also reasonably priced at $25,800. It comes standard with heated front seats, remote start, automatic dual-zone climate control, and enhanced safety features like Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The highest level trim option is the Essence and offers exceptional luxury with an affordable price tag of $28,600. The Essence comes standard with leather seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, an air ionizer to improve air quality and eliminate odors in the cabin, and LED headlamps and taillamps.
The GX’s modest price range between $24,200 and $28,600 makes luxury within reach for a variety of budgets. The fact that the models also come standard with Buick’s suite of connectivity and safety features also translates to greater savings. How so? Drivers can confidently opt for the Preferred trim package and reap the benefits of its features without the need to spend extra on upgrades.
A Sporty Alternative
Buick’s reputation for attracting wealthy and older consumers is shifting thanks to the Encore GX’s Sport Touring package that’s available on all trims. Designed to attract drivers looking for “athletic sophistication,” the package offers exactly that, from its exterior upgrades to its interior accents. So, what does the package include?
The Sport Touring package replaces the standard Encore GX grille with an exclusive ST mesh grille that features high-gloss black and red inserts for a dramatic look. Drivers can take this aesthetic even further by adding the Black Roof Package to any Encore GX in Chili Red Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, and White Frost Tricoat. This package completely blacks out the roof, mirrors, and roof rails to create an even bolder appearance.
Since it boasts a more athletic design, the ST package also comes standard with integrated roof rails that make every adventure within reach. The roof rails can be outfitted to haul bicycles, snowboards, kayaks, and much more, depending on the driver’s preference. This truly sets it apart from the standard Encore GX and paves the way for Buick to attract a younger demographic of drivers willing and ready for adventure.
Plenty of Power
As a subcompact SUV, the Encore GX offers nimble handling and plenty of power, whether it’s navigating a busy city street or driving a long stretch of highway. This power comes from the two available powertrains: the standard 1.2-liter turbo or the premium 1.3-liter turbo. The 1.2-liter engine delivers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.3-liter revs up the power with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Drivers also have the option between front or all-wheel drive with the front-wheel drive models paired with a continuously variable transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive models paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Stay Connected
Buick knows that drivers need to stay connected even when they’re behind the wheel, which is why the Encore GX offers the latest technology. Buick’s personalized tech features begin with the Buick Infotainment System that offers a variety of in-vehicle apps as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Drivers not only have access to their favorite apps, but they also have access to their Amazon shopping list through Alexa Built-In.
While much of the Encore GX’s technology can be accessed via voice command, the full-color touchscreen display puts technology at the driver’s fingertips. Drivers have instant access to everything from music to navigation. This connectivity extends even further to the GX’s available wireless smartphone charging tray that eliminates the need for charging cables.
Another unique tech feature available on select Encore GX models is Buick Marketplace. This is an in-vehicle app that connects directly to Yelp and gives drivers access to thousands of restaurants, gas stations, and other venues. Because of this, drivers can search for restaurants, reserve a table, order, and prepay for food, all from the Buick’s infotainment system. Drivers can also use the app to search for gas stations and pay for fuel, as well as search and pay for parking with tools like ParkWhiz.
Drive with Confidence
Another key selling point of the Buick Encore GX is that it offers a suite of innovative safety features that come standard across all trim levels. The suite is known as Buick’s Driver Confidence package and is designed to do exactly that—give drivers more confidence behind the wheel. This suite includes the most advanced technology that ranges from Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and a Following Distance Indicator to Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, and automatic high beam lights.
There are also many other safety features offered as available upgrades on the GX. High-Definition Surround Vision uses the SUV’s cameras to display an overhead image of the area surrounding the vehicle. This feature works at low speeds and is meant to aid drivers when parking. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert notifies drivers of traffic behind the vehicle, while Automatic Parking Assist with Braking takes the guesswork out of parking by searching for a parking space and then steering and braking the vehicle into the spot. Now that’s innovative!
It’s Time to Buy
If you’re looking for a subcompact crossover SUV, be sure to check out the 2021 Buick Encore GX. First introduced in 2020, the GX is in its second year of production, and it continues to get better. Why? Because of Buick’s commitment to innovation, drivers get the best technology, connectivity, and safety features across all affordably priced trim levels. What more can you ask for?
Beyond its affordability, performance, tech features, and innovative safety suite, the GX is also beautifully designed. The Sport Touring package transforms the iconic Buick design into a sporty alternative and, thanks to its integrated roof rails, is immediately ready for any adventure. Add in the spacious interior, the 40/60 folding second-row seats, and the optimized cargo area, and it’s easy to see why Buick promises drivers the best of both worlds – a sporty exterior and a luxurious interior packed with features and endless possibility. If you ask us, it’s definitely worth test driving since it checks off all the boxes: affordable, luxurious, tech-savvy, and adventure-ready!
