2021 Buick Encore Review
Price Range: $16,498 - $20,990





+5
2021 Buick Encore Review
Pros
- Hushed cabin at highway speeds
- Maneuverable size
Cons
- Tepid acceleration
- Limited feature availability
- Small cargo area
- Unimpressive fuel economy
What's new
- Simplified trim lineup
- Improved suite of driver safety aids
- Part of the first Encore generation introduced for 2013
Overview

The Buick Encore soldiers on another year alongside its newer and much-improved stablemate, the Encore GX. The names may be just about the same, but don't get the two confused. The standard Encore is older and smaller and comes with fewer of the latest technology and safety features as standard equipment.
For sale near Columbus, OH
42 listings
- $16,498fair price$420 above market
- 73,675 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Byers Chevrolet (18 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Grove City, OH
Get a free Carfax report at www.ByersChevy.com. 2021 Ebony Twilight Metallic Buick Encore Preferred FWD ECOTEC 1.4L Turbo Backup Camera, Keyless Acces...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL4CJASB9MB322123
Stock: C21974
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-25-2025 - $19,990fair price$1,306 above market
- 20,245 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Carvana - Cleveland (116 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Cleveland, OH
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL4CJASB6MB307398
Stock: 2004094999
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-19-2025
We do like the Encore's small, easy-to-park nature and quiet highway ride. But on the downside the Encore's engine is both underpowered and overly thirsty, netting subpar fuel economy for this class of vehicle. The Encore was one of the first extra-small SUVs on the market, but it's now past its "best by" date. Rival models such as the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona are better picks overall.
2021 Buick Encore trim level differences
The 2021 Buick Encore comes in two trim levels: the base 1SV and the top-level Preferred. Both are powered by the same 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models. Highlight features for the Encore include:
Which Encore trim does Edmunds recommend?
Only two trims are available for 2021, but there's only one that's really worth choosing. We suggest going with the top-level Preferred trim. It comes with more standard features and greatly opens up the options list. It's also the one trim available with all-wheel drive.
Compare 2021 Buick Encore trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$131/mo for Encore 1SV
Encore 1SV
vs
$159/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#7 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$531/yr
vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Frequency
0.85x/yr
vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Severity
14%
vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Buick Encore Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(65%)
4(13%)
3(5%)
2(8%)
1(9%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
LOVE MY ENCORE!!!
5 out of 5 starsBuickman, 07/11/2019
2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Just bought the 2019 Preferred Model Encore AWD and I absolutely love it!!. I was worried that my wife and I (larger than average people) would be crowded in the Encore but we were surprised by the amount of room in it. Even if we have people in the back seats there is more than ample room for us to not feel squashed. I love the quality of the Buick brand and it is a very nice, quiet, … fuel efficient ride. We also test drove a Chevy Trax and while it was nice, there is no comparison to the Encore, much higher quality. While it is a very "techy" vehicle everything is easy to understand and operate. I have only owned it for 3 days but I think I can honestly say it is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it outright as I plan to keep it until it dies!! LOL I cannot say how effective the AWD is yet but from what I have heard I will be thankful I spent a little extra $ to get it come winter in Michigan. The 1.4L Turbo power plant is just fine for me and I love the gas mileage! Transmission shifts very smoothly and it handles like a champ!! Great job Buick!!
Never Thought I Would Own a Buick
5 out of 5 starsGlen K, 01/03/2019
2019 Buick Encore Sport Touring 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I am extremely impressed with the 2019 Buick Encore. This vehicle became a standout after I finished my research of the vehicles in this class. The Encore is very nimble and handles well in most driving situations. I previously owned a Jeep Renegade and a Kia Soul, but neither of these two vehicles had the smooth ride and luxury feel of the interior that the Buick Encore possesses. I … read the “CON” of the vehicle was lack of power of the standard engine. I found the engine to have more than ample power both in the city and on the highway. I never thought that I would own a Buick, but I am truly glad that I made the choice to purchase the Encore. The infotainment system is very user friendly. There were so many other SUV’s in this class that did not have the technology that this vehicle possesses. This Buick Encore is quiet and smooth and it feels much more like a luxury SUV. It is definitely worth the slightly higher price. I highly recommend this Encore to anyone seeking a quality subcompact SUV.
GREAT SMALL SUV!!!
5 out of 5 starsAnn Marie, 06/26/2019
2019 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
As a 3 time Honda owner, I was skeptical to even look at Buick?? SO GLAD I did! This SUV is AMAZING! Very underrated! Test drove it and didn't look back. Feels like a $40,000 vehicle. Wow!! Just Wow!!! Two thumbs up!
Charming
5 out of 5 starsSusan H, 05/05/2020
2020 Buick Encore Preferred 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This SUV is perfect for a family of four! Not much storage space, but the seats lay flat to allow for bigger items. Engine runs smooth for a 4 cylinder and definitely a gas saver! The cost is great if you are on a budget!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Buick Encore, so we've included reviews for other years of the Encore since its last redesign.
2021 Encore Highlights
1SV
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $131/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Encore models:
- OnStar
- Provides emergency services such as roadside assistance, automatic crash notification and remote door unlocking.
- Blind-Spot Warning System
- Warns you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Alerts the driver if a front collision is imminent.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedPoor
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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