DecodedCars2021 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD, Gx 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 30 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 168.1–171.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,025–3,358 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 small SUV (26.4 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo and 1.4L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,358 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (30 city / 32 highway), 17% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Encore — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Encore →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,358 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,236 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,256 lb | 60/40 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 171.3 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 102.4 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,025 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 32 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 31 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 28 | +17% | $2,400 | 330 |
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 325 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Encore (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift › Stand · Jun 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V440000 · 135,400 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
- Risk
- A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
Service Brakes · Sep 24, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V588000 · 3,677 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.
- Risk
- If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
Not every 2021 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2020 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 89 |
| 2019 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 88 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 124 |
| 2014 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →