2021 Buick Encore

For the 2021 model year, Buick simplified the trim lineup for the Encore, so you now have two trims to choose from instead of four. The Sport Touring and Essence trims are no longer offered, but you still can choose between the base and Preferred trims. Buick also added Cinnabar Metallic and Dark Moon Blue Metallic as two new exterior paint choices for 2021.

Every Encore comes with the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is also paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, although you can also opt for all-wheel drive in the Preferred trim.

The 2021 Encore gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. In the all-wheel-drive layout, the SUV returns 24 mpg in traffic and 29 mpg on the open road.

Buick vehicles are known for having some of the quietest interiors, and the Encore is no different. Behind the great insulation and noise-canceling system, you barely hear the outside noise from the upscale cabin. The upholstery is a mix of cloth and synthetic leather, and you can easily access controls for climate and audio from either front seat. The driver benefits from a raised driving position, enhancing outward visibility and making it easy to get in and out of the SUV. The SUV also comes standard with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. To keep everyone connected, the 2021 Encore comes standard with a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. Other standard entertainment features are satellite radio and a six-speaker stereo system, which you can upgrade to a seven-speaker Bose stereo system. The Encore possesses a decent amount of cargo space, especially compared to other vehicles in its class. It has 18.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 48.4 cubic feet behind the first row. You can also fold the SUV's front passenger seat flat to store longer items.

Although the 2021 Encore only comes standard with a rearview camera, it does offer several safety feature upgrades on the Preferred trim. The Safety Package adds rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, while the Safety Package II includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SUV also comes with two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.