How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 7.88% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,072 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $16,954.69, 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. The user feedback also points to strong standard safety content and surprising acceleration, which helps explain why it appeals to shoppers who want a polished small SUV.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride quality is poor, performance is fairly pedestrian, and value for money is weak. That makes it a better fit if you care more about refinement, convenience, and an upscale feel than driving excitement or maximum bargain value.

The overview frames it as a premium-leaning small crossover that feels more upscale than the standard Encore while staying compact and easy to live with. With 30.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

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

User feedback highlights a generally satisfying ownership experience, with praise for the vehicle’s features and overall appeal. It also points to a concern about brake issues reported by one driver, so you should pay close attention to service records and any warning lights or repair history.

The expert evaluation describes the drivetrain and cabin as easy to live with, and the turbocharged setup is presented as capable of getting the SUV up to speed without drama. Buick also includes useful ownership aids such as Teen Driver technology and Tire Fill Alert, which support day-to-day dependability.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure a well-equipped example has been maintained carefully, especially if it has seen heavy city use or repeated short trips.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the brakes, ride quality, and any signs of uneven wear or neglected maintenance. Focus on how the cabin electronics, driver aids, and suspension feel in real-world use, since those are the areas most likely to shape your ownership experience.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim leaves blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as optional equipment, while higher trims make them standard. The cabin also uses a small driver information display and can feel less polished than the exterior suggests.
• Powertrain: A 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder makes 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder makes 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive versions 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 the base trim and standard on higher trims.
• 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, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, with available navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera.
• Fuel efficiency: The test loop returned 28.2 mpg, and the larger turbo engine is described as efficient enough for everyday use.

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:

• Base trim: Preferred is the entry point, but blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional rather than standard.
• Sweet-spot trim: Select is the best value pick because it adds the safety equipment that is optional on Preferred.
• Premium/top trim: Essence is the most upscale choice, and it’s the trim used for the most fully equipped test vehicle.
• Off-road trim: The Sport Touring package is a styling add-on, not a separate trim, so it does not change the core daily-driver trade-offs.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard across the lineup, so even the base model gives you a solid safety foundation.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,072 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.88% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,954.69, 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 $17,118 sits slightly below last year's $18,582.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than on broad market appreciation.

Because the model has softened in price, a clean, well-optioned example is more likely to stand out than a rough one. Strong presentation and documented maintenance matter more when the market is already leaning in the buyer’s favor.

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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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

Buick Driver Confidence is standard, with 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 trim choice affects how much safety tech you get without adding packages.

The adaptive cruise control is available, but the expert testing notes some limitations in stop-and-go traffic and distance management. That means you should test the driver-assistance systems yourself during a drive, especially if you expect to use them often in traffic.

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:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.88% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a strong technology score.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,163, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $17,118 average.
• It offers more space and more powerful engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,746, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,118 average.
• It carries over the 2021 formula with added paint choices.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, tech, and available inventory, the 2021 is the most sensible starting point. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a near-identical newer example and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is the straightforward alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.