Used 2021 Buick Encore GX for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 8.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year. With 1,071 listings available, you have a decent amount of inventory to compare before you commit. If you find a listing below $16,954.86, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 the review summary also points to surprising acceleration and an abundance of standard safety features. On the downside, the expert notes call out poor ride quality, fairly pedestrian performance, and weak value for money. That makes it a better fit if you want a compact SUV that feels polished, easy to use, and upscale in daily driving rather than one that prioritizes driving excitement or bargain pricing. With 28.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The user review summary also points to a vehicle that many drivers find dependable in everyday use, with praise centered on its features and overall appeal. At the same time, the same feedback mentions brake issues reported by one driver, so you should pay close attention to service history and braking condition on any used example. Buick’s standard driver-assistance suite and the model’s generally easy-to-live-with character help support confidence, but a careful pre-purchase inspection matters if you want to reduce long-term ownership risk.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report. You should still check every candidate carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper inspection. Focus on service records, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the brakes, electronics, and cabin features all work as expected. If possible, prioritize a test drive that includes rough pavement and highway speeds so you can judge ride quality and refinement for yourself.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes Preferred, Select, and Essence, with the Sport Touring appearance package available across the range. Base Preferred is the one most likely to leave you wanting more, since blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional there but standard on Select and Essence.
• Powertrain: The standard 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder makes 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the available 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder makes 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. FWD models use a CVT, while AWD models use a nine-speed automatic.
• 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 optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch touchscreen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2021. It also supports 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 review notes an average of 28.2 mpg on the testing 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 essentials.
• Select: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert that are optional on Preferred, while keeping the lineup’s core tech and comfort features intact.
• Essence: This is the most upscale choice, and it is the trim used for the review vehicle. It suits you if you want the most premium-feeling version and are willing to pay more for it.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard across the lineup, but the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert gap on Preferred is worth noting.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,071 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,954.86, 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 $17,030 sits slightly below last year's $18,543. That tells you the market has softened, which can help you buy more carefully now but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that pricing discipline matters: a well-kept example with strong equipment and clean history should be easier to move than one priced aggressively above the market. 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?

It earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts. Buick Driver Confidence is standard equipment 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 optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence, and adaptive cruise control is also available. One caveat is that the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were not especially polished in testing, so you should try those systems yourself before buying.

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:

• 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds wireless smartphone integration and keeps the model’s upscale, tech-forward feel.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,163, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $17,030 average.
• It offers more interior space and more powerful engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,851, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,030 average.
• It is a carryover with only new exterior paint colors.

The bottom line: You should start with the 2021 if you want the best balance of price, tech, and availability. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the better value play, while the 2022 mainly makes sense if you specifically want a newer model year and are comfortable paying more for essentially the same package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.