Used 2021 Buick Encore GX for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 8.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,094 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $16,934.57, 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 a strong set of standard safety features. On the other hand, the expert notes call out poor ride quality and fairly pedestrian performance, with value for money also landing as a drawback.

That makes it a better fit if you want a small crossover that feels polished, easy to live with, and well equipped rather than especially engaging to drive. It also lines up with the model’s premium-leaning positioning as a compact SUV that aims to feel upscale without growing too large.

With 31.4% 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.

The review summary points to a vehicle that many drivers see as stylish, feature-rich, and satisfying to live with over time, while also suggesting confidence in its everyday usability. The expert notes reinforce that impression with easy-to-use technology and a cabin that is quiet enough to support relaxed commuting.

The main caution is that some owner feedback mentions brake issues, so 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 78.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free status does not replace a proper inspection. Focus on service records, brake condition, tire wear, and how the cabin electronics and driver-assistance features operate in real use. A test drive should also confirm that the ride quality and braking feel are acceptable to you.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes Preferred, Select, and Essence, with the racy-looking ST appearance package available on all three. Base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to feature gaps, since blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred but standard on Select and Essence.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder with front-wheel drive or a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim. The larger engine is the better pick if you want stronger low-end torque and more relaxed everyday acceleration.
• 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 high-definition surround-view camera.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.2-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the 1.3-liter engine is rated at 30 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable checking the option sheet carefully. It gives you the core Encore GX experience, but you should note that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard here.
• Select: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more of the equipment that makes the Encore GX feel complete, including standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. If you want a balanced mix of features and price, this is the trim to target first.
• Essence: Choose this if you want the most upscale version of the Encore GX and are willing to pay more for it. It pairs well with the model’s premium-leaning character and is the trim most likely to satisfy you if comfort and convenience matter more than bargain pricing.

Safety-package note: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence.

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 still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,094 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,934.57, 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 $16,970 sits slightly below last year's $18,508.

That softer pricing suggests the Encore GX has become more approachable for used buyers, but it also means sellers may need to be realistic about expectations. If you own one, the current market points to steady demand rather than strong appreciation, so condition and equipment will matter a lot when you go to sell.

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 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 Teen Driver technology is also included.

One caveat is that the adaptive cruise control’s stop-and-go behavior and distance management were not especially polished in testing, and the lane-keeping assist felt unnatural even though it worked.

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:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds wireless smartphone integration and keeps the model’s premium-leaning tech focus.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,193, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,970 average.
• It offers more space and more powerful engines than the Encore.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,746, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,970 average.
• It is a carryover model with only new paint colors.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around choice if you want the strongest mix of price, inventory, and modern tech. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the cheaper path, while the 2022 mainly makes sense if you specifically want a newer model year and do not mind paying more for a near-identical package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.