The 2021 Buick Encore lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average battery and suspension noise issues reported. At $19,550 to $22,500, it’s a good value for a compact SUV with some luxury features in the cabin.
Is the 2021 Buick Encore a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Buick Encore since it has decent reliability paired with some luxury features. Owner reviews praise the safety features, low running costs, and the practical interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably luxurious for a small SUV, the seats are comfortable, although cargo space is smaller than average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Encore. Avoid models from 2013–2015 which have engine problems, while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The standard four-cylinder engine focuses more on efficiency rather than power, making it slow to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Encore is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane-departure warning along with forward collision alert.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 392 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $26 cheaper than average at $146 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Buick Encore is cheaper than many other compact SUVs on the market with reasonable depreciation rates, giving it a high overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Buick Encore?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Buick Encore blends some luxury features with a small footprint while also earning high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Buick Encore at 4.2/5, enjoying that it’s very maneuverable, but doesn’t like the unimpressive fuel economy for an SUV of its size.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Encore a 4.3/5, praising the large standard touchscreen, but owners don’t like that there’s not as many safety features as rivals.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Buick Encore Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Buick Encore include dead batteries, excessive suspension noise, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Encore ages.
Dead batteries are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Encore owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories, and some of them drain the battery while it’s parked. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while fixing it costs $10 to $100.
Excessive suspension noise is another problem reported by some Encore owners in the first 15,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by worn-out bushings. Changing them out costs around $200, while replacing the shocks/struts costs around $700 if they have been damaged.
Stereo system issues have also been reported within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Buick Encore, which is better than some other small SUVs on the market. Since there are no recalls, it simply means that there are no widespread problems that affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2021 Buick Encore Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Buick Encore can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $426 per year.
As a 2021 Encore reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bar link for $150, the brake master cylinder for $375, along with the A/C condenser, which costs around $500.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic since it only comes with a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning
Is the 2021 Buick Encore a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Buick Encore is a good value if you’re in the market for a compact SUV with some luxurious features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,550 to $22,500, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $23,200 to $25,220. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Buick Encore?
There are two main models of the Buick Encore offered, from the entry-level Base to the more luxurious Preferred. The Encore comes standard with front-wheel drive in both modes.
2021 Buick Encore Base is the entry-level model with:
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Android Auto capability
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Two USB ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice recognition technology
- Satellite radio access
- Wi-Fi hotspot availability
- Siri Eyes Free integration
- Cloth and synthetic leather upholstery
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button start feature
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Flat-folding front passenger seat
- Rearview camera for safety
- QuietTuning with active noise cancellation
2021 Buick Encore Preferred is a step up, adding:
- Includes all Base trim features
- Additional rear cargo cover
- Floor mats for added convenience
- Optional remote start (when new)
- Optional rear cross-traffic alert
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Optional front and rear parking sensors
- Available forward collision warning
- Optional lane-departure warning
What Engines Come In the Buick Encore?
The 2021 Buick Encore is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth handling. This engine setup offers a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG, efficiently balancing city and highway driving. As for acceleration, the Encore reaches 0-60 MPH in around 9 seconds, providing a competent performance for everyday driving needs.
What Colors Does the Buick Encore Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Buick Encore?
The 2021 Buick Encore stands out in the compact SUV market for its focus on comfort, catering to both drivers and passengers with a range of features designed for a pleasant driving experience. The interior of the Encore is appointed with high-quality materials that contribute to its overall sense of comfort. The seats are particularly noteworthy, offering ample cushioning and support, which is crucial for longer drives. The front seats come with the option of both heating and power adjustments, allowing drivers and front passengers to find their ideal seating position with ease. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, effectively minimizing road and wind noise, which is a significant benefit for those who spend a lot of time on highways or in busy urban environments.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Buick Encore is engineered to deliver a smooth and stable driving experience. Its suspension system is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, guaranteeing that bumps and potholes are less jarring. This focus on a softer ride does not come at the expense of handling, as the Encore remains responsive and easy to maneuver, particularly in city driving scenarios. The compact size of the Encore also aids in easy parking and navigating through tight spaces.
Furthermore, the Encore’s interior design includes a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen that is intuitive and easy to use, reducing driver distraction and contributing to overall comfort. Climate control in the Encore is effective and easy to adjust, providing a pleasant environment inside the vehicle regardless of outside conditions. The combination of these features makes the 2021 Buick Encore a comfortable option for daily commutes, long road trips, and everything in between, striking a fine balance between luxury and practicality in the compact SUV segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Encore Have?
The 2021 Buick Encore, a compact SUV known for its stylish design and practicality, offers a well-balanced storage space suitable for various needs. The vehicle boasts a total cargo space of 48.4 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This space is quite generous for a vehicle in its class, enabling owners to transport a wide range of items. With the rear seats up, the cargo area provides about 18.8 cubic feet, which is ample for day-to-day use such as grocery shopping, carrying small luggage, or transporting items like a stroller or a set of golf clubs. The versatility of the Encore’s storage is further enhanced by the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, allowing for a combination of passenger and cargo space to suit different needs.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Buick Encore is equipped with several small storage compartments designed for convenience and practicality. These include door pockets that can hold small items like water bottles or umbrellas, a glovebox for important documents, and a center console ideal for phones, wallets, or other small personal items. Cup holders are strategically placed for driver and passenger convenience. One of the more unique features is the under-seat storage compartment located beneath the front passenger seat, offering a discreet space to store valuables or items you’d like to keep hidden.
Overall, the 2021 Buick Encore’s storage capacity is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of urban drivers and small families. Its ability to balance a compact exterior with a surprisingly spacious and flexible interior makes it a popular choice among those who value both efficiency and practicality in their daily vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Buick Encore was introduced for the 2013 model year.
2015: OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is standard across all models.
2016: Stronger four-cylinder engine offered on the Sport model.
2017: Small front-end styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available, some upgrades to the interior materials.
2018: No major updates from earlier years.
2019: Stronger optional engine now available.
2020: Minor changes to the Sport Touring model, and the more powerful engine was removed from the lineup.
2021: Additional driver safety features added.
How Does the Buick Encore Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Buick Encore is a reasonably nice small SUV which offers a good amount of technology paired with an upscale interior.
The Chevy Traverse is a larger SUV, which is available in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Buick Encore offers a higher-quality interior. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since it’s a more practical choice for the same money.
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, which costs about $4,000 more. There’s more cargo and passenger space in the Ford Explorer, while the Buick Encore offers more luxury features. We recommend the Buick Encore since it’s a cheaper choice, but both are nice American SUVs.
