Used 2021 Buick Encore GX for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 9.00% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 1,079 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stylish design, great features, and spacious interior, and they also like the abundance of standard safety equipment. The Encore GX’s everyday appeal is strongest if you want a refined-feeling small SUV with easy-to-use technology and a quiet cabin.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride quality is poor, performance is fairly pedestrian, and value for money is also a concern. That makes it a better fit if you prioritize comfort, features, and a premium-leaning feel over driving excitement or bargain pricing.

The model’s market position is mixed, but 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a vehicle that many owners find dependable, with praise centered on its stylish design, useful features, and comfortable everyday character. The same feedback also suggests it can be a car you can count on for a pleasant ownership experience, especially if you value convenience and a well-equipped cabin.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes that the Encore GX is easy to live with and straightforward to operate, which supports the case for trouble-free day-to-day use. Buick’s standard maintenance and ownership-friendly features help reinforce that impression.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that reported brake concerns and the model’s mixed value reputation could affect satisfaction if the vehicle has been poorly maintained.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free listings. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on braking behavior, ride quality, and any signs that the vehicle has been driven hard or maintained inconsistently. It also makes sense to confirm that the technology and driver-assistance features work as expected, since this model leans heavily on convenience and safety equipment.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Preferred trim is the entry point, while Select and Essence add more equipment and a more upscale feel. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred but standard on Select and Essence, so base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to that feature gap.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine. The smaller engine is paired only with front-wheel drive, while the larger engine is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the bigger engine is the better choice if you want stronger low-end torque.
• Safety package: Buick Driver Confidence is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the base trim.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch touchscreen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2021. It also includes Bluetooth for two devices, Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and available navigation, voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L, and a surround-view camera.
• Fuel efficiency: The model is described as fuel-efficient, and the test vehicle returned 28.2 mpg on the evaluation loop.

Which 2021 Buick Encore GX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is offered in 3 trim levels: Preferred, Select, Essence.

Here's the short version:

• Preferred: This is the entry point, but it is also the trim where blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is only optional. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and plan to add only the features you truly need.
• Select: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds more equipment and makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard. It is the trim to target if you want the best balance of features and price.
• Essence: This is the most upscale version and is the one tied to the richer tech presentation in the test-drive data, including the 8-inch touchscreen and available advanced tech features. Choose it if you want the most premium-feeling Encore GX.

Safety-package note: Buick Driver Confidence is standard across the lineup, but blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is only standard starting with Select.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,079 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.00% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,891, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Buick Encore GX's resale value?

The current average of $16,891 sits slightly below last year's $18,562.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price, you reduce the risk of taking a bigger depreciation hit later. The strongest resale candidates will be well-kept examples with clean history reports and desirable equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX safe?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard, and it includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence, so base-trim shoppers should confirm whether they want that extra coverage.

One caveat is that the expert evaluation notes some limitations in adaptive cruise control behavior and lane-keeping feel, so you should test those systems yourself if you plan to rely on them often.

Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore GX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.00% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines wireless smartphone integration with standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,066, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,891 average.
• It offers more interior space and more powerful engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,588, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,891 average.
• It is a carryover with added exterior paint choices.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of price, features, and market availability. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a newer example and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is a reasonable alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.